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

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.

 

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.     
 

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

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

• 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

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.

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