Senior Project Associate (MHPSS)

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal candidates are considered first-tier candidates.
  Context

Working under the overall supervision of the Project Manager Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) and the Chief of Mission, and direct supervision of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officer, the incumbent will support the implementation and monitoring of the MHPSS activities within the AVRR programme under IOM The Gambia Country Office. The role focuses on supporting local actors, particularly at state level, in the provision of mental health and psychosocial support as part of the reintegration services.

1. Provide support for the planning and monitoring of the MHPSS programme activities, including tracking implementation progress, maintaining records, and assisting with coordination tasks.
2. Support training activities for IOM colleagues and partner staff involved with returnees in MHPSS support, by assisting with logistics, preparation of materials, scheduling, logistics, and documentation of sessions such as Psychological First Aid and other relevant PSS training. 
3. Assist with community-level sensitization activities by helping organize, schedule, and coordinate psychosocial and recreational activities adapted to the needs, age and abilities of returnees, including preparation of materials. 
4. Support reintegration assistance within case management for vulnerable returnees by maintaining accurate documentation, updating beneficiary records, and assisting with related reporting. 
5. Assist in day-to-day programme functioning under MHPSS component, including tracking activity implementation and supporting workflow. 
6. Liaise with relevant governmental, non-governmental (NGOs), and international organizations as well as other relevant stakeholders to facilitate programme coordination and partnerships. 
7. Collect, compile, and analyze information for reports on MHPSS activities, supporting evidenced-based programming and exchange with national institutions, professional networks, and academic counterparts. 
8. Assist in monitoring activities implemented by the local partners, by reviewing respective records, progress reports, and project inputs, and noting issues for follow-up. 
9. Support protection screening and needs assessment activities by supporting data collection, organization, and reporting
10. Undertake field visits to support implementation, monitoring, and documentation of MHPSS activities. 
11. Perform any other duties as may be assigned.  Education
    • Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Counselling, psychiatry, or social works from an accredited academic institution with four years of professional experience or,
    • High school diploma with six years of professional experience. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.   Experience
      • Experience supporting mental health and psychological support (MHPSS) activities; experience with migrant populations is an advantage. 
      • Knowledge of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support programme activities, protection mechanisms, and case management processes. 
      • Experience and knowledge in migration, return, reintegration, trafficking, and smuggling of migrants.
      • Experience preparing reports, maintaining records, and supporting programme documentation. 
      • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher SharePoint) and general IT skills. Familiarity with traditional and social practices, cultural norms, migration-related issues in the country. 
      • Understanding project administration, monitoring, and evaluation concepts and procedures.
      • Experience liaising with governmental authorities, relevant government counterparts, other national / international institutions, and private sector entities.  Skills
        • Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
        • Good interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse stakeholders. 
        • Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks. 

          Attention to detail and ability to organize paperwork and documentation in a methodical way

          Languages
          • Fluency in English and at least one local language is required. 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 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.
12. Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated. Core Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 2)
13. Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.