Psychiatrist (Migration Field On-Call Work)

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. IOM's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, saving lives and protecting people on the move. The organization drives solutions to displacement and facilitates pathways for regular migration while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the challenges of migration.

Job Overview:
The successful candidate will work under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the Migration and Health Physician. The primary responsibility of this position is to provide psychiatric assessments, interventions, and support to migrants. The psychiatrist will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to address the mental health needs of individuals and families, ensuring their well-being. This role involves conducting medical examinations for beneficiaries and providing technical and operational oversight for the Mission’s migration health portfolio. The psychiatrist will also be responsible for crisis intervention, mental health support, collaborative care, capacity building, and documentation of psychiatric activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct psychiatric assessments and screenings for migrants upon their arrival, evaluating and documenting their mental health conditions, identifying immediate psychiatric concerns, and providing necessary follow-up care.
• Respond to psychiatric crises and provide immediate psychiatric care to migrants in acute distress, including conducting risk assessments and crisis management.
• Offer individual and group therapy sessions to migrants, addressing mental health issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and adjustment difficulties.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to develop individualized care plans for migrants with complex mental health needs, coordinating with other healthcare providers, social workers, and interpreters.
• Provide training and support to healthcare staff on recognizing and addressing common mental health issues among migrants.
• Maintain accurate medical records, documenting assessments, treatments, and follow-up care provided to migrants.
• Prepare regular reports on psychiatric activities and outcomes for internal and external reporting purposes.
• Be available for on-call shifts to provide urgent psychiatric consultations and interventions for migrants experiencing mental health emergencies outside of regular working hours.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Medical degree with specialization in Psychiatry and a valid license to practice psychiatry in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Experience working in migration health, refugee mental health, or a similar healthcare setting is preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, cultural psychiatry, and cross-cultural communication techniques.
• Empathy, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build rapport with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Strong clinical assessment and diagnostic skills, with the ability to formulate appropriate treatment plans.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment, demonstrating resilience.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a medical degree with a specialization in Psychiatry. Additionally, a valid license to practice psychiatry in the relevant jurisdiction is required to ensure compliance with local regulations and standards.

Experience:
The position requires experience working in the field of migration health, refugee mental health, or a similar healthcare setting. Candidates should have a background that demonstrates their ability to handle the complexities of mental health issues faced by migrants and refugees, as well as familiarity with trauma-informed care practices.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French (oral and written) is mandatory. A working knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with Arabic-speaking migrants. Language proficiency will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as a consultancy role, and IOM covers consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP) free of charge for the duration of the consultancy. However, IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for non-occupational accidents and illnesses, and consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance. Any offer made to the candidate is subject to funding confirmation, and the appointment will be contingent upon certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy on 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 a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.