Equine Assisted Psychosocial Support Consultant

Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration.

Project Context and Scope

The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine has significantly increased the need for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), particularly among veterans, their families, and families of the fallen. As the country moves towards recovery and resilience-building, addressing the psychological and emotional impacts of war remains a key priority. In response, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is strengthening its community-based MHPSS programming, specifically the Equine Assisted Psychosocial Support (EAPSS) as a psychosocially-informed, experiential approach that supports emotional regulation, trust-building, and social reintegration. 
A core element of this intervention is the engagement of veterans as EAPSS consultants through a peer-to-peer approach. EAPSS consultants, drawing on their lived experience, play a key role in building trust, promoting engagement, and supporting reintegration. Working alongside IOM psychosocial facilitators and equestrian service providers, they contribute to the delivery of EAPSS interventions, enhancing the accessibility, relevance, and effectiveness of services for conflict-affected populations. 
The peer-to-peer approach is an integral part of the EAPSS implementation protocol; therefore, given the project’s focus on veterans, the engagement of veteran consultants is required to ensure trust-building, effective participation, and meaningful psychosocial outcomes.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: 3R (Response, Resilience and Recovery) Unit, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Unit.
 

Responsibilities

Tasks to be performed under this contract

The EAPSS Consultant will be part of a multidisciplinary team composed of IOM psychosocial facilitator (MHPSS Psychosocial Worker (Consultant) or relevant IOM staff trained according to EAPSS methodology) and equestrian service provider, working collaboratively to deliver community-based equine-assisted psychosocial support (EAPSS) services.

The EAPSS Consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

1. Support the preparation, organization, and facilitation of structured EAPSS activities for veterans, veteran families, and families of the fallen, ensuring activities are delivered in line with established methodologies and quality standards.

      2. Accompany and support the implementation of EAPSS activities in accordance with agreed quarterly and/or semi-annual plans of action.

     3. Apply a peer-to-peer approach in engagement with beneficiaries, fostering trust, promoting participation, and supporting emotional wellbeing and social reintegration.

    4. Collaborate closely with other team members to ensure coordinated, safe, and effective service delivery.

    5. Participate in monitoring, reflection, and feedback processes to support continuous improvement of activities.

    6. Support visibility and donor engagement efforts, including participation in donor and stakeholder visits to programme activities, as required.

   7. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Performance indicator for the evaluation of results:

-    Deliver peer-to-peer support sessions, reaching the planned number of individuals and services with quality aligned to IOM guidelines.
-    The fulfillment of the time on the job required as indicated in the contract, which will be confirmed through a detailed time sheet.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

IOM Ukraine is looking for motivated, responsible, and attentive individuals who are comfortable working with people and as part of a team. Candidates should be open to traveling within their region and supporting activities as needed.
The Consultant should meet the following requirements:
•    Complete mandatory training on Equine Assisted Psychosocial Support (EAPSS) and demonstrate understanding of the IOM Toolkit on Equine-Assisted Psychosocial Support for Veterans. The training may not be completed at the time of application and selection; however, engagement in assignments is conditional upon its successful completion. IOM will ensure the organization and delivery of this training, if required.
•    Status of war veteran who is not currently in active military service (Anti-Terrorist Operation, Joint Forces Operation, or the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war).
•    Experience working with people (e.g. in community, support, or volunteer roles).
•    Interest in psychology and ability to understand and support others emotionally (basic psychosocial skills).
•    Good communication skills and ability to work with diverse groups of people.
•    Strong organizational and time management skills.
•    Ability to work in a team and in a multicultural environment, with respect for diversity.
•    Completed secondary education.
•    Fluency in Ukrainian; basic knowledge of English is an advantage.

Required Competencies

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 action and delegated work.

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

Notes

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

Private entrepreneurs (PE) cannot be considered as applicable for providing services under this consultancy.

Required Skills

• communication
• psychosocial skills
• support

Job info