International Organization for Migration (IOM) is implementing multi-sector response programs in the worldโs largest humanitarian crisis in Coxโs Bazar Bangladesh. In Coxโs Bazar, IOM provides lifesaving emergency Primary Health Care services across 21 primary health care facilities in Ukhiya and Teknaf Upazillas. In addition, IOM operates a large referral system for secondary medical services outside the two Upazillas.ย
The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support project aims to; 1) Strengthen the national system in the provision of MHPSS services through increased coordination and knowledge management, 2) Improve MHPSS coverage by adding and expanding outreach services and elements to the host community, as well as addressing the need to strengthen local capacity for adequately detecting and responding to mental health challenges, and 3) Strengthen the community-basedย development approach of the MHPSS response. While implementing these services, IOMโs priority is to strengthen capacity of Government of Bangladesh alongside International and National NGOs with whom it partners closely.ย
Under the overall supervision of the Programme Coordinator -Emergency Health (MHD) and direct supervision of the Project Officer (MHPSS) the incumbent will be responsible and accountable for supporting the implementation of MHPSS activities, system strengthening, and capacity building initiatives, including formal and on the job training,ย as well as contributing to the administrative coordination of field staff involved in the mental health, and psychosocial support services in Ukhiya and Teknaf. This includes support for both refugees and host communities, in line with the IASC Guidelines on MHPSS in Emergency Settings, IOM Manual on Community-Based Mental Health and Psychosocial support in Emergencies and Displacement, the MHPSS minimum service Package, and other relevant global and national guidelines.ย
- Support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) project activities in Coxโs Bazar, Bangladesh, promoting alignment with programme objectives and standards;
- Facilitate the implementation of integrated healthcare community-based MHPSS activities in line with multi-layered service approach, verifying they are responsive to the needs, age, gender, and abilities of Rohingya refugees and host communities;
- Support the identification of gaps and opportunities in MHPSS activities and assist in implementing interventions to address identified needs; this may include organizing refresher trainings as necessary;ย
- Provide regular activity progress monitoring and evaluation, and field update reports to the supervisor, tracking implementation progress against key indicator. Verify that data collection and reporting processes are accurate, timely, and suggesting corrective actions where necessary;
- Support coordination at the field level with MHPSS-related counterparts, sectors partners (SMSD, Health, Wash, Education, Protection, GBV, CPSS, Nutrition, etc.), and government counterparts includingย the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Upazila Health & Family Planning Officer, Office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), and the Camp in Charges (CiCs) from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, as well as providing linkages with the MHPSS Working Group at Coxโs Bazar level;
- Collaborate with the Implementing Partners (IPs) on MHPSS activities, providing guidance and facilitating linkages on MHPSS considerations;
- Respond to information requests and inquiries related to MHPSS activities at the field level; set up and maintain files and records; and organize meetings, workshops, and training sessions relevant to MHPSS activities;
- Participate in meetings and conferences to promote synergy with other humanitarian sectors, actors, and government counterparts, while assisting in the coordination and implementation of related activities with local authorities, partners, United Nation agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors and other stakeholders relevant to MHPSS activities;
- Provide technical support and guidance to field staff and partners on MHPSS interventions;
- Conduct regular field visits to monitor the progress and quality of MHPSS interventions;
- Prepare and submit detailed reports on activities, progress, challenges, and outcomes to the MHPSS project team.
- Undertake duty travel and field evaluation and needs assessment visits to other parts of the Coxโs Bazar, including Bhasan Char as requested;
- Assist in any other tasks that may arise as a result of MHPSS project activities;
Education:
- High school diploma with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,
Experience:
Experience supporting the implementation ofย mental health and psychological activities; in particular, assistance to migrants is valued; Demonstrated Knowledge of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Program. Knowledge of MHPSS approaches in emergencies, global and national guidelines and emerging best practices in the field of mental health in emergencies; Experienceย andย demonstratedย interestย andย knowledgeย inย theย fieldof Mental Health and Psychosocial Support; Knowledge of traditional, social practices and cultural norms as well as general humanitarian responses related to Rohingya crisis; Solidย knowledgeย ofย projectย development,ย administrationย andย evaluationย conceptsย andย procedures; Proven ability to maintain strong working relations with relevant Government counterparts, international organizations, civil society organizations/NGOs, and private sector entities; Experience in supporting all aspects of project management and familiarity with international standards and donorsโ regulations is advantageous, preferably within the United Nations or within the international humanitarian field. Experienceย inย liaisingย withย governmentalย authorities,ย relevantย governmentย counterparts,ย otherย nationalย / international institutions and other private sector entitiesSkills:
Excellentorganizationalย skillsย withtheย abilityย toย managemultipletasksย simultaneouslyย under time constraints Excellentย reportingย andย communicationย skills; 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;Maintain confidentiality and the right to privacy with regard to confidential information.Languages
For all applicants, fluency in English (oral and written). Working knowledge of local language is an advantage (Bangla and Rohingya)