MHPSS Psychosocial Worker Consultant (Zaporizhzhia)

IOM in Ukraine is implementing a range of initiatives in the field of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) as part of its large-scale community-based MHPSS programme, which provides assistance to affected populations. Specifically, the consultant will support the unit in carrying out three specific tasks: 1) directly conducting awareness-raising activities at the community level for veterans, their families and other vulnerable groups in Zaporizhzhia city; 2) conducting information sessions for staff at healthcare facilities with operational or to be opened veteran spaces; 3) conducting interviews with key informants and focus group discussions on on needed basis to assess MHPSS needs and service gaps, and subsequently delivering MHPSS services at the community level in line with the identified needs.

Response, Recovery, Resilience (3R), Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Unit

1. Awareness-raising activities at community level 

• Plan and conduct community-based awareness-raising sessions on MHPSS for veterans, their families, and other vulnerable groups in Zaporizhzhia city, in line with approved plans of actions. 

• Ensure sessions include psychoeducation and information on available MHPSS services. 

1. Information sessions for healthcare facility staff 

• Deliver structured information sessions on MHPSS and basic psychosocial support approaches for staff of healthcare facilities with operational or planned veteran spaces. 

1. MHPSS needs assessment and analysis 

• Conduct key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) to assess MHPSS needs, barriers to access, and service gaps. 

• Systematize and present findings to the MHPSS team to inform programming. 

1. Provision of community-based MHPSS services 

• Deliver basic individual and/or group psychosocial support services at the community level, in line with identified needs and within the scope of non-specialized MHPSS support (IASC pyramid levels 1–3). 

1. Reporting and documentation 

• Ensure timely data entry and reporting of all activities in relevant tracking tools within 24 hours after completion. 

• Maintain proper documentation of sessions, including attendance and basic disaggregation of beneficiaries. 

1. Coordination and programme alignment 

• Work in close coordination with the Senior MHPSS Associate to ensure all activities are aligned with IOM MHPSS standards and ongoing programme priorities, including support to veteran-focused interventions.

1. Perform other duties as may be assigned.

• Delivery of planned activities:
  Timely and quality implementation of planned activities, including:
  (i) community-based awareness-raising sessions for veterans, their families, and other vulnerable groups;
  (ii) information sessions for healthcare facility staff;
  (iii) conducting KIIs and FGDs for MHPSS needs assessment (if needed). 
• Provision of MHPSS services based on identified needs:
  Delivery of basic community-based MHPSS services in line with identified needs and agreed activity plans. 
• Reporting and data management:
  Timely reporting and accurate data entry for each activity in CRM/tracking systems in accordance with IOM standards. 
• Compliance with workplan and contract conditions:
  Completion of assigned tasks in line with the agreed workplan and contractual requirements.

Education, Experience and/or skills required

IOM Ukraine is looking for positive, attentive, responsible persons with previous experience in MHPSS work, community-based work, teamwork and in humanitarian interventions. Previous track record of innovative work and taking initiatives locally will be a strong asset.

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, or a related field, with at least 2 years of relevant experience. 

  • Experience in delivering MHPSS or psychosocial support services, preferably to conflict-affected populations, including veterans and their families. 

    • Experience in facilitating group sessions, awareness-raising activities, and basic needs assessments (e.g., FGDs, KIIs) is an advantage. 

      • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work with veterans and their families in sensitive contexts. 

      • Ability to work independently and in a team, with good organizational and time management skills. 

      • Basic reporting and data collection skills. 

      • Experience with international organizations and/or MHPSS trainings is an asset. 

      • Fluency in Ukrainian is required; basic knowledge of English is an asset.

Travel required: No.

Competencies 

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.

  • Integrity and transparency: maintain 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.