MHPSS Psychosocial Worker (Humanitarian) - Kharkiv

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine has created an urgent need for emergency mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions, particularly for individuals and families affected by the war and forced to evacuate from frontline areas. The escalation of hostilities since February 2022, combined with a heavily strained health system, has left many without access to essential psychosocial care. As immediate lifesaving activities remain a priority, IOM is rapidly scaling up its emergency MHPSS response, focusing on delivering critical support as close as possible to the frontline and within transit centers that receive newly evacuated people. These interventions are guided by IOM’s global standards for community-based MHPSS in emergencies and displacement, as outlined in the organization’s official manual. The program prioritizes rapid support for territorial communities and local initiatives, ensuring that lifesaving community-based services reach those most at risk—including particularly vulnerable groups—during the acute emergency phase. The overarching aim is to reduce psychological distress, strengthen coping mechanisms, and bolster resilience for individuals and families as they navigate the immediate challenges of displacement and crisis, while also contributing to preparedness for potential future emergencies. 

IOM’s emergency community-based MHPSS interventions are delivered by mobile psychosocial teams (PMTs) strategically deployed near the frontline and in transit centers. These teams are comprised of professionals with diverse expertise and cultural competence, enabling them to provide lifesaving support tailored to the urgent needs of newly evacuated individuals, including women, persons with disabilities, older adults, and large families who may face significant barriers to accessing fixed facilities. PMTs ensure flexible, responsive programming and outreach, supporting affected populations throughout all phases of displacement and making critical MHPSS services accessible in high-risk and rapidly evolving environments. 

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: 

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support.

Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment

For this consultancy, Fluency in Ukrainian. Working knowledge of English would be an asset.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work. 

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, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies