Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Project Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, the direct supervision of the Migration and Health Physician, the successful candidate shall be responsible for providing medical examination for beneficiaries, technical and operational oversight for the Mission’s migration health portfolio,) as needed. Their primary responsibility will be to provide psychiatric assessments, interventions, and support to migrants, work closely with a multidisciplinary team to address the mental health needs and ensure the well-being of individuals and families.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

In close ccordination with MHD and MHPPS teams with clear elaborated referral mechanism and case management.

Responsibilities

Tasks to be performed under this contract

• Psychiatric Assessments: Conduct psychiatric assessments and screenings for migrants upon their arrival. Evaluate and document their mental health conditions, identify any immediate psychiatric concerns, and provide necessary follow-up, care.
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  Crisis Intervention: Respond to psychiatric crises and provide immediate psychiatric care to migrants in acute distress. This includes conducting risk assessments, crisis management, and providing therapeutic interventions to stabilize patients.
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  Mental Health Support: Offer individual and group therapy sessions to migrants, addressing a range of mental health issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and adjustment difficulties. Provide psychoeducational on coping strategies and resilience-building techniques.
  Collaborative Care: Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to develop individualized care plans for migrants with complex mental health needs. Coordinate with other healthcare providers, social workers, and interpreters to ensure holistic and culturally sensitive care.
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  Capacity Building and Training: Provide training and support to healthcare staff, including nurses and social workers, on recognizing and addressing common mental health issues among migrants. Offer guidance on best practices for promoting positive mental health.
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  Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate and up-to-date medical records, documenting psychiatric assessments, treatments, and follow-up care provided to migrants. Prepare regular reports on psychiatric activities and outcomes for internal and external reporting purposes.
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  On-Call Work: Be available for on-call shifts, as needed, to provide urgent psychiatric consultations and interventions for migrants experiencing mental health emergencies outside of regular working hours.

• Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Medical degree with specialization in Psychiatry and valid license to practice psychiatry in the relevant jurisdiction.

   

Experience

• Experience working in the field of migration health, refugee mental health, or a similar healthcare setting is preferred.

• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, cultural psychiatry, and cross-cultural communication techniques.

• Empathy, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build rapport with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

• Strong clinical assessment and diagnostic skills, with the ability to formulate appropriate treatment plans.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment, demonstrating resilience.

Languages

• Fluency in English and French (oral and written).    

• Working knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.

   

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 five 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.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.