Consultant - Project Assistant (MHPSS)

Project Context and Scope
Irregular migration, particularly along the Central Mediterranean route from Nigeria- North Africa- Europe, is extremely dangerous. These migrants experience more gross human rights violations and mortalities compared to any other migration route around the globe. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) remains committed to intensifying efforts to protect the high number of migrants rescued at sea, and along the central Mediterranean route, by strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders in transit countries, and working with Government stakeholders, UN Agencies, and civil society in countries of origin, to address the drivers of irregular migration and strengthen direct assistance for vulnerable migrants.    IOM Nigeria focuses on safeguarding the rights and well-being of migrants, victims of trafficking, and crisis-affected populations.  Migrants often face heightened health risks due to unsafe travel conditions during migration journeys, limited access to health care in transit or destination areas, poor living conditions (including overcrowded camps or informal settlements), exposure to violence, trauma, and exploitation, which can lead to physical and mental health issues. 

As part of the protection activities implemented by IOM, there is a need to support migrants with mental health and psychosocial wellbeing, as providing health support ensures that their dignity and well-being are respected and upheld

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
 Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Unit. Tasks to be performed under this contract

1. Provide administrative support in implementation of the MHPSS components of the AVRR programme and activities under the Migration Management unit in Lagos, Nigeria.
2. Support organization of training activities for IOM colleagues and other partners’ staff involved with returnees in MHPSS support, including Psychological First Aid and other relevant PSS trainings (e.g; understanding emotional issues among returning migrants, positive communication skills, basic MHPSS concepts, etc.);
3. Assist the team in the timely implementation of community level sensitization on MHPSS issues through psychosocial and recreational activities adapted to the needs, age and abilities of migrants.
4. Support the provision of reintegration assistance within the case management, specifically for vulnerable cases of returning migrant, and document and file all vulnerable cases for reference and monitoring including regular update of beneficiaries’ information.
5. Assist in the day-to-day implementation of the AVRR programme and activities, within the component of MHPSS.
6. Assist in collecting, preparing and presenting information through periodic and ad-hoc reports on MHPSS activities, and support coordination and exchange of information with national institutional, professional and academic counterparts.
7. Provide general/basic counselling to the returnees to support smooth psychosocial reintegration within family and community in coordination with protection focal points.
8. Assist in monitoring MHPSS component activities including those implemented by the local partners.
9. Carry out any other duties as assigned. Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
   • Administrative tasks including report, data, and financial documents are updated/completed in a timely manner.
   • Provision of reintegration assistance within the case management is provided.
   • Capacity building on MHPSS and counselling for returnees, family and community members are facilitated.
   • Psychosocial reintegration support for returnees and family are provided. Education
     • A minimum of four years relevant experience (two years’ experience for degree holders) from an accredited institution in Psychology, Counselling, or any other related Social Science course. Experience
       • Minimum of two years of relevant experience in programmes, preferably in standalone MHPSS programmes or programmes with MHPSS components with non-governmental organizations.
       • Experience working with vulnerable groups, counselling, protection interventions in an International NGO or UN Agency
       • Work and/or academic experience focusing on migrant/mobile and/or at-risk groups preferably.
       • Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality is mandatory.
       • Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national / international institutions.
       • Experience in the area of migration, refugees and reintegration of migrants and victims of trafficking.
       • Ability to work under stressful working conditions such as tight timelines and managing large groups of beneficiaries. Skills
         • Strong analytical, organizational and reporting skills.
         • Good communication, inter-personal and negotiation skills
         • Proven ability to establish and maintain strong working relations with relevant Government and Non-Governmental counterparts, international organizations, civil societies and/or private sector entities.
         • Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Good knowledge of information technology and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications especially Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and SharePoint. Languages
           • English Language is required (Oral and Written) IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.   Travel required
             • Domestic travel to support MHPSS for IOM beneficiaries may be required subject to approval by the Project Manager (MM/AVRR) Required Competencies   IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.   Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:
             • Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
           • Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
         • Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
       • Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
     • Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated. Core Competencies – behavioural indicators
     • Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
   • Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
10. Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.