Protection and MHPSS Support Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include 173 member states and operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization aims to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, focusing on the needs of migrants and the communities they are part of. IOM's mission includes providing humanitarian assistance, supporting development initiatives, and enhancing the capacity of governments to manage migration effectively.

Job Overview:
The Protection and MHPSS Support Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of Protection and Mental Health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) activities in the regions of Plateau, Kaduna, and Taraba states. This position requires close coordination with the Protection/MHPSS Programme Manager and other MHPSS staff to ensure effective project execution. The incumbent will be responsible for logistics support, documentation, and coordination of MHPSS and protection activities. The role involves maintaining relationships with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and civil society organizations, to facilitate positive outcomes for beneficiaries. The officer will also assist in delivering MHPSS interventions in the field, participate in community activities, and document sessions, ensuring that all activities align with the organization's goals and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Protection and MHPSS Support Officer include:

• Supporting the implementation of project activities in assigned locations, including logistics, documentation, and coordination of MHPSS and protection activities.
• Maintaining working relationships with relevant line ministries, agencies, donors, civil society organizations (CSOs), and private organizations to facilitate positive outcomes for beneficiaries.
• Assisting in the delivery of MHPSS interventions by preparing materials, participating in community activities, and documenting sessions, including consolidating activity reports.
• Liaising with stakeholders such as government actors, UN agencies, NGOs, and civil society regarding ongoing project activities and attending sector working group meetings as requested.
• Supporting Monitoring and Evaluation efforts to strengthen Accountability to Affected Population (AAP) mechanisms, including feedback systems and complaints handling.
• Promoting the integration of cross-cutting issues such as protection, gender, child protection, and counter-trafficking in the implementation of activities.
• Undertaking duty travel to project locations as required.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a High School diploma with five years of related experience or a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social sciences, social work, community services, Migration Studies, Development studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with three years of experience. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Candidates must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, the ability to establish effective working relationships, and good analytical and communication skills. They should also be able to prioritize activities and carry out tasks with initiative.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess either a High School diploma with five years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as psychology, social sciences, social work, community services, Migration Studies, or Development studies from an accredited institution. The educational background should be from universities recognized in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database, ensuring that the candidate has a solid foundation in the necessary theoretical and practical aspects of the role.

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 essential. The experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to navigate complex environments and work effectively with diverse groups.

Languages:
A working knowledge of the local language is mandatory. Additionally, proficiency in IOM’s official languages, which include English, French, and Spanish, is required. The selection process will specifically evaluate the proficiency of the required languages, which may include written and/or oral assessments to ensure candidates meet the communication needs of the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to local recruitment, and only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Nigeria will be eligible for consideration. Any offer made to the candidate is contingent upon funding confirmation. This selection process may be used to fill similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in a similar position for a period of 24 months. The appointment will also be subject to certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, visa, and necessary authorizations by the concerned government. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is 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 at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system.