Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As the leading international organization for migration, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration management; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration, and; uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates

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:

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Provides basic psychological counselling to beneficiaries as needed.
2. Visit Semi-independent living Units and provide psychological support and counselling, 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. Participate 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. Organize 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. Map 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.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor degree or equivalent or higher in Psychology from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience
• Registered psychologist in Cyprus

Experience and Skills

• 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.
• 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.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• 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.

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 action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Other:

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.

Appointment will be subject to the provision of requirements relevant to the position including academic degree(s), professional licenses, criminal record certificate and declaration of relatives in the Organization.

This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence and work permit for Cyprus will be eligible for consideration.

How to apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications (CV and Cover Letter) in English, to SMCYPIOMHR-Applications@iom.int email address, quoting the vacancy number VN CY2024-10 and full name in the subject line of the email, by 24 April 2024 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Posting period:

From: 10 April 2024 to 24 April 2024.