MHPSS Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It is the leading UN agency in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM's mission includes saving lives and protecting people on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating pathways for regular migration. The organization is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. IOM operates in numerous countries worldwide, providing various services and advice to governments and migrants, and has been active in Ireland since 2001, focusing on areas such as migration management, mental health, and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support.

Job Overview:
The MHPSS Associate position involves providing mental health and psychosocial support to international protection seekers residing in the Citywest accommodation facility in Ireland. The role requires the incumbent to support the implementation of project activities related to counselling services for international protection applicants. This includes providing individual and group counselling, conducting rapid MHPSS assessments, designing psychoeducation sessions, and coordinating with various team members to integrate mental health considerations into community-based activities. The MHPSS Associate will also be responsible for developing awareness campaigns related to mental health, organizing support groups, and facilitating needs assessments to enhance access to psychosocial services and specialized mental health care for the target population. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure effective service delivery and the confidentiality of medical information.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the MHPSS Associate include:

• Providing individual and group counselling to international protection applicants in transit accommodation centers.
• Coordinating with the Site Coordinator Assistant and team members to integrate mental health and psychosocial support into community activities.
• Conducting rapid MHPSS assessments and collaborating with social workers to inform referral mechanisms.
• Designing and implementing psychoeducation sessions based on community needs.
• Supervising artistic mediation activities for vulnerable cases.
• Providing training in Psychological First Aid (PFA) and basic counselling skills to humanitarian actors and volunteers.
• Identifying and referring individuals with severe mental disorders to the appropriate referral team.
• Developing awareness messages and campaigns related to mental health for community dissemination.
• Organizing support and discussion groups and facilitating MHPSS needs assessments. 1
• Mapping existing support provisions and designing initiatives to enhance their capacity. 1
• Reporting daily activities and preparing statistical reports. 1
• Identifying gaps in services and referring them to project management and local authorities. 1
• Developing and maintaining an efficient mental health referral system in coordination with governmental and partner agencies. 1
• Ensuring confidentiality of medical information for migrants and refugees. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the MHPSS Associate position include a postgraduate university degree in Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Educational Psychology, Pastoral Counselling, Counselling Social Work, or a related mental health care profession. A Master’s degree in these fields is considered an advantage. Additionally, registration or chartered membership with an equivalent to the Psychological Association is an asset. Candidates should have at least three years of relevant work experience, preferably in a clinical setting, and previous experience in counselling and protection activities is advantageous. Knowledge of PFA and IASC guidelines for MHPSS in emergencies, as well as health and migration administrative procedures, is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a postgraduate university degree in a relevant field such as Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Educational Psychology, Pastoral Counselling, or Counselling Social Work. A Master’s degree in these areas is preferred, and accreditation from recognized institutions listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database is required.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience working with populations in need of mental health support or in a clinical setting. Previous experience in counselling and protection activities, particularly in emergency response settings, is advantageous. Experience with international organizations, NGOs, EU Agencies, or Irish law enforcement and government departments is also beneficial. A valid driver’s license with at least five years of driving experience is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all IOM staff members are required to be proficient in one of the organization's official languages. Additionally, working knowledge of languages such as Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Georgian, or Somali would be advantageous and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role. Proficiency in these languages will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to local recruitment, and only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Ireland will be considered. The contract duration may be shorter than the period mentioned in the advertisement to align with the expiry date of the work permit. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination. The selection process may be used to fill similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar roles for a period of 24 months. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements.