Intern - Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)

Introduction

The Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who have a specific interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities. Interns must be between 20 and 36 years old and should have less than two years of relevant working experience.

In general, the Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who:

• have a specific interest in, or whose studies have covered, areas relevant to IOM programmes and activities;
• are holding a scholarship for internship placements in international organizations and/or for whom internship is required to complete their studies; or
• are sponsored by governmental/non-governmental institutions and/or academia to work in specific areas relevant to both IOM and the sponsor.
• are either enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) or have graduated in the last 12 months.
• are between 20 and 36 years of age.

Administrative and organizational functions

• Assist in the preparation and organization of duty travels, including conference documentation, preparation of travels authorizations and expense claims.
• Assist in agenda preparations for conferences and other events, in coordination with the organizers, and the IOM missions involved.
• Assist in the administrative necessities of the section, in terms of purchases, logistics, authorizations, bids and programme budget monitoring.
• Assist in the organization of the daily agenda of the Head of the Unit: liaising with missions, experts, external partners requesting meetings or technical consultations.

Assist in compiling a monthly report of the activities performed by the Unit.

• Assist in maintaining archive of IOM MHPSS and partners documents worldwide, divided by country and region, sector of intervention, and category of material (presentations, project proposals, manuals, academic articles, etc.).
• Assist in the liaising with editors of journals, reviews, miscellaneous books for the bureaucratic part of article and paper submission.

Technical

• Assist in preparing presentations, trainings, talking points, minutes in view of meetings and presentations.
• 10Assist in drafting public information documents, website articles, social media posts and reports on IOM MHPSS activities, as well as internal reports.
• Collect research in support to articles, policies and position papers elaborated by the section, including the administrative and editorial work for article submissions.
• Collate background information received from the mission or partners prior to meetings or technical supervision sessions.
• Perform other duties as may be required and assigned.

Learning Objectives

• Build knowledge on migration and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) by contributing to the work of the MHPSS Unit.
• Strengthen administrative and organizational skills by supporting various logistical tasks.
• Improve communication and reporting skills by helping prepare presentations, training, talking points, public information materials, and other communication materials.
• Enhance research and information management skills by collecting information and research and by maintaining archives of relevant documents.
• Develop coordination and collaboration skills in an international professional environment by liaising with various stakeholders.

Training Components and Learning Elements

• The successful candidate will be part of an international professional environment, within the United Nations system.
• The Intern will gain expertise in the field of migration and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS).
• The Intern will gain a better understanding of IOM’s work, as an inter-governmental organization in the field of Migration (and MHPSS) with actors such as UN agencies, Governments and other partners to help to improve access to adequate MHPSS services for migrants in emergency and other settings.

​The Intern can also access online training courses at the disposal of all IOM personnel.

Education

Experience

Experience studying and/or working in mental health and psychosocial support in the context of migration; and,

Skills

• Ability to effectively liaise with different internal departments and external partners
• Excellent organization skills; analytical and creative thinking.
• High level of flexibility
• Great attention to detail and ability to produce quality work according to set deadlines
• Sound communication skills and the ability to work in multicultural environments, showing cultural sensitivity and understanding.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.

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

Required Competencies

Eligibility and Selection

In general, the Internship Programme aims at attracting talented students and graduates who are either enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent) or have graduated in the last 12 months.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and additional enquiries will only be addressed if the candidate is shortlisted.
• Depending on experience and location, IOM provides a small monthly stipend to help offset costs.
• Candidates are also encouraged to research and study the cost of living in the duty station prior to applying.
• For this programme, IOM will also provide travel arrangements and will cover visa-related costs.

Selection will be based on demonstrated qualifications, relevant experience, technical skills, and alignment with core competencies. The evaluation process may include a written assessment and/or an interview.

Notes

Depending on experience and location, interns are granted a small monthly stipend to help offset costs. Interns benefiting from an internship allowance or scholarship granted by his/her university or other sponsoring body that includes financial remuneration or credits for coursework will not be eligible for the stipend.

IOM covers Interns against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the assignment. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Interns 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.

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

Same Posting Description for Internal and External Candidates.