Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is recognized as the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration. IOM works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. The organization provides services and advice to governments and migrants, focusing on the needs of displaced populations. IOM has been implementing Mental Health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) projects in Nigeria since 2014, addressing the psychosocial needs of affected communities amidst ongoing emergencies. The organization operates in multiple countries, with a mission to ensure that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified for all individuals involved.

Job Overview:
The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Assistant will play a crucial role in the implementation of MHPSS activities in Nigeria, particularly in Plateau, Taraba, and Kaduna states. This position requires close collaboration with the Protection/MHPSS Programme Manager and other staff members to ensure effective delivery of psychosocial support services. The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining confidentiality in all interactions with beneficiaries, documenting beneficiary information accurately, and collecting data to support analysis and reporting for psychosocial and protection-related activities. The role also involves assisting in the organization of missions, forums, meetings, workshops, and training events, as well as supporting the integration of MHPSS principles into daily project activities. The MHPSS Assistant will facilitate communication between various stakeholders and contribute to the overall emergency response efforts in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MHPSS Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Maintaining confidentiality in all interactions with beneficiaries and adhering to ethical practices.
• Accurately documenting beneficiary information at the field level and updating field records.
• Collecting and providing data from field teams to support analysis and report preparation for psychosocial and protection-related activities.
• Assisting in compiling information from field teams to prepare accurate reports.
• Supporting monitoring of teams in accessible areas by participating in coordination sessions and training activities.
• Organizing missions, forums, meetings, workshops, and training events in coordination with project managers and key partners.
• Collaborating with protection experts to address the needs of at-risk groups, including women and girls.
• Strengthening referral systems and networks of psychosocial/protection service providers.
• Supporting the implementation of psychosocial interventions and facilitating regular visits to collect and compile reports. 1
• Liaising with governmental and non-governmental organizations on MHPSS and protection issues. 1
• Assisting with project visibility and communication activities. 1
• Undertaking duty travel to challenging field locations as required. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a High School diploma with five years of related experience, or a Bachelor’s degree in humanitarian, psychosocial, or mental health fields from an accredited institution with three years of professional experience. A diploma in human science with hands-on experience in a refugee or IDP setup or a related field is also acceptable with three years of related experience. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School diploma or a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as humanitarian studies, psychosocial support, or mental health. Candidates with a diploma in human science and relevant experience are also considered. The educational qualifications must be from accredited institutions recognized by the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
Candidates should have experience in a similar support role, preferably within humanitarian or development contexts. Familiarity with local networks, institutions, and stakeholders in the assigned regions is highly desirable. The experience should demonstrate the ability to work effectively in challenging environments and contribute to the delivery of psychosocial support services.

Languages:
A working knowledge of the local language is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in IOM’s official languages, which include English, French, and Spanish, is required. Language proficiency will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, and only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Nigeria will be eligible for consideration. The appointment will be contingent upon certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, visa, and necessary authorizations by the concerned government. The selection process may be used to fill similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar positions for a period of 24 months. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination. IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system.