Expedited SVN - Project Assistant (PxD/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

Under the overall supervision of the MHPSS Officer and the direct supervision of the Senior Project Assistant, the successful candidate will be responsible for carrying out the following duties and responsibilities in relation to the Mental Health, Psychosocial Response, and Intercultural Communication Section in Lagos, Nigeria.

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
3. Carry out any other duties as assigned. 
4. PSS training (e.g; understanding emotional issues among returning migrants, positive communication skills, basic MHPSS concepts, etc.); 
5. 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. 
6. Support the provision of reintegration assistance within the case management, specifically for vulnerable cases of returning migrants, and document and file all vulnerable cases for reference and monitoring including regular updates of beneficiaries’ information.
7. Assist in the day-to-day implementation of the AVRR programme and activities, within the component of MHPSS. 
8. 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. 
9. Provide general/basic counselling to the returnees to support smooth psychosocial reintegration within the family and community in coordination with protection focal points.
10.  Assist in monitoring MHPSS component activities including those implemented by the local partners.  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; Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.   Experience
      • Minimum of two years of relevant experience in programmes, preferably in standalone MHPSS programmes or programmes with MHPSS components with non-governmental organisations.
      • Experience working with vulnerable groups, counselling, and 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;
      • Strong analytical, organizational and reporting skills;
      • Good communication, interpersonal 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, and PowerPoint, Good knowledge of information technology and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and SharePoint. Skills
        • Written and verbal communication skills; 
        • Empathy and good interpersonal skills; 
        • Ability to work under pressure; 
        • Multitasking and Prioritizing;
        • Attention to detail, ability to organize paperwork in a methodical way; Languages
          • For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
          • Working knowledge or fluency in Hausa is an added 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.
    • Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
11. Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated. Core Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 1)
12. Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.