Consultancy for Developing a National Guideline on the Management of Clinical, Psychiatric, and Psychological Disorders in Adults and Children in Iraq

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.

 

Project Context and Scope

Iraq continues to face significant challenges following the defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), including protracted displacement, limited livelihoods and strained infrastructure. Vulnerable populations, particularly Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees, Iraqi returnees from abroad and host communities, face persistent barriers to accessing basic rights and services. Access to mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services remains a critical challenge, compounded by prevailing stigma and discrimination, marginalization and inadequate mental health infrastructure at all levels of care.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Iraq is currently implementing multiple projects aimed at enhancing access to MHPSS services for Iraqis through health system strengthening. IOM MHPSS interventions target Iraqis in need across various locations. These initiatives focus on strengthening the mental health system by offering tailored training and capacity-building programmes for both local health-related and non-health-related actors in Iraq. In post-conflict Iraq, IOM’s MHPSS interventions prioritize activities that promote sustainable outcomes. These interventions include capacity building, support for Iraqis returning from abroad, the development of training modules and curricula, the review of strategic frameworks, partnership with academia, and the conduct of evidence-based research. Across various projects, IOM seeks to support the Government of Iraq’s (GoI) efforts to enhance equitable access to MHPSS services, fostering sustainable reintegration and stabilization in Iraq.     
 

Migration Pathways and Inclusion Division (MPI), Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Unit.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission for IOM in Iraq, , the Head of Migration and Pathways Inclusion Division and the direct supervision of the MHPSS Progrmame Coordinator the consultant will be responsible and accountable for developing a national protocol/guideline for the management of clinical, psychiatric and psychological disorders among adults and children in Iraq including those affected by conflict and displacement. This will involve contextualizing available international guidelines to address local symptom manifestations and treatment options. This assignment will be conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and aims to enhance access to MHPSS services for migrants, IDPs, returnees and host communities across Iraq. 

This opportunity is open to international consultants only. The position is based in Erbil, Iraq, with frequent travel to Baghdad.

Responsibilities

The consultant shall work on each deliverable, as outlined below:              

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology, Psychology, Social Work, Public Health, or a related mental health field.

Experience

• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in the field of mental health (required) 

• Experience in the design and/or implementation of MHPSS interventions in conflict and/or post-conflict settings (required);

• Proven experience in stakeholder mapping, analysis and design of strategic frameworks, documents and treatment guidelines (required);

• Extensive understanding and application of a range of counselling and therapeutic approaches in managing a whole spectrum of mental disorders and psychological issues (required);

• Extensive experience in providing MHPSS in both clinical and non-clinical settings across a variety of settings (required);

• Extensive knowledge of global guidelines for treating and managing MHPSS issues including MhGAP, DSM V, ICD 10,  across both humanitarian and development contexts (required);

• Experience in liaising and building effective partnerships with government authorities, and/or other national/international institutions, such as research institutions and local and international NGOs (desired); 

• In-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of and the IASC MHPSS in Emergency Settings guidelines and associated products (eg, IASC Assessment toolkit, the 4Ws mapping tool, M &E framework, and the Health, Protection and CCCM booklets, IOM manual on Community-based MHPSS in Emergencies and Displacement (desired);

• Demonstrable knowledge of political and humanitarian issues and/or work experience in Iraq or the middle east is an advantage (desired);

• Possess excellent communication, engagement and facilitation skills;

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multi-stakeholder environment;

• Experience working with a UN agency is desirable

Languages

For this consultancy, Excellent command of English is required. Proficiency in Arabic and/or Kurdish is considered an asset. 

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

Note:  As part of your application, please submit a financial proposal outlining your approach and fees to complete the assignment.

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.

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

Required Skills

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