Project Assistant Psychologist

Internal and external candidates will be considered for this vacancy. For the purposes of this vacancy, internal candidates are defined as staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded or ungraded contract, including Junior Professional Officers (JPOs), staff on Special Leave Without Pay (SLWOP), and staff members on secondment/loan released by the Organization, unless otherwise specified in their contract. Staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded contract will not retain their contract type if appointed to an ungraded position.
  Context

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Office/Project Manager and in cooperation with the Social Worker and in the framework of the Operation of Semi-Independent living units for Unaccompanied and Separated Children, the Project Assistant (Psychological Counselling) will have the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Provides assistance on basic psychological support to beneficiaries as needed.
2. Visit Semi-independent living Units and provide assistance on psychological support, aiming at a) anxiety and anger management, b) conflict management and abrupt behavioural changes, c) coping mechanisms to effectively respond on crises related to mental or psychological pressure, e) improving interpersonal relationships and f) cultivating skills and talents.
3. Assist in the design and implementation of interventions to inform and raise awareness to unaccompanied children.
4. Refer unaccompanied children to primary health care, if deemed necessary on the basis of their mental health status.
5. Assist to the Organization of individual or group sessions to provide psychological support to the unaccompanied children, trying to discuss and assist children with challenges which may arise during their stay at the facility.
6. Assist on mapping existing national and humanitarian mental health and psychosocial services that are available and accessible to the site, in order to organize referrals.
7. Ensure the confidentiality of personal information of the beneficiaries.
8. Perform other related duties that may be assigned. Education
   • Completed high school degree from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience.
   • Bachelor degree or equivalent or higher in Psychology from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience.
   • Registered psychologist in Cyprus will be a distinct advantage. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.   Experience
     • Background working with refugees or migrants will be a distinct advantage;
     • Previous working experience with children or semi-independent living units is an advantage;
     • Previous experience and/or knowledge on child protection is an advantage. Skills
       • Valid driver’s license. Languages

         Fluency in English and Greek (written and oral) is required. 

         Knowledge of any other IOM official language is an advantage.

         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.   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.
9. Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.