II. ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT AND SCOPE
Phase 3 of the PASSIM project (IOM Support for the Italian Program of Assistance and Health Monitoring at Sea of Rescued Migrants) is the first health intervention in maritime rescue operations carried out by health personnel on board Italian patrol vessels and large vessels of the Coast Guard. The project performs risk assessments and addresses both individual and collective health needs in a cross-border context through health triage. The ISIDE (Immediate Support for Asylum Seeker Identification at Border and Immigration Services) project offers ongoing linguistic and cross-cultural mediation to land and sea border law enforcement personnel and local immigration services.
IOM provides a cultural mediation service to support Coast Guard personnel, health professionals from CISOM – (Italian Aid Corps of the Order of Malta and Law Enforcement Officers). The aim is to 1) reduce language and cultural barriers between aid workers and migrants, 2) promote a culturally sensitive approach and 3) facilitate the identification of vulnerable groups at the moment they arrive.
For both projects, the IOM Coordination Office for the Mediterranean employed cultural mediators covering the following languages: English, French, Arabic, Somali, Mandingo, Bambara, Diulah, Wolof, Peul, Fula, Pular, Urdu, Pashto, Chinese, Dari, Farsi, Bengali.
Cultural mediators undergo preparatory training that prepares them to manage crisis situations and stress and prevent burnout.
Organizational department/unit to which the consultant contributes:
Department of Integration and Technology Cooperation, PASSIM Phase 3 project funded by the Homeland Security Fund (ISF). The consultant can also assist the cultural mediators working within the ISIDE project.
III. RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
Nature of consultation
Organization of a stress prevention and stress management program at individual and group level aimed at supporting IOM cultural mediators working with Coast Guard and CISOM personnel in maritime rescue operations as well as at disembarkation points, land border crossings or providing support to law enforcement officers in complex situations.
Consulting activity category B – In line with the UN Mental Health Strategy and in line with the mandate of the IOM Staff Welfare Office, the consultant will support IOM staff involved in maritime rescue operations and law enforcement personnel. The initiatives will strengthen skills to provide assistance and support to vulnerable migrants and victims of violence, trauma and abuse. In particular, the consultant will:
- Hold an initial meeting with the IOM Cultural Mediators to introduce the counseling service, share the methodology and conduct a psychological needs assessment. The meeting also aims to define tools to strengthen the skills of staff to monitor and communicate with vulnerable migrants, victims of violence/abuse, psychologically affected by inhumane and extreme travel conditions in coordination and under the supervision of the Global Division of Mental Health and Psychosocial support;
- Provide personal confidential counseling and welfare checks to IOM staff through an initial one-on-one interview with each staff member to assess psychological and well-being needs, including working as a team with other cultural mediator colleagues, Coast Guard personnel, CISOM healthcare professionals and law enforcement officers;
- Conduct personal interviews with IOM employees, lasting 45-55 minutes, regularly depending on individual needs;
- Conduct regular group consultation sessions with IOM staff based on identified needs;
- Evaluate well-being activities and impact on specific needs. The final evaluation will be carried out and prepared in quantitative and qualitative form and will include recommendations for improving staff well-being.
- All stress management activities must be in line with UN diversity and gender mainstreaming policies.
Indicators for evaluating results:
- Quality of the methodology designed for advisory service and capacity building of staff to monitor and communicate with vulnerable migrants;
- Quality of the final qualitative and quantitative assessment, including recommendations to improve staff well-being;
- Analysis and depth of the performed needs assessment process;
- Timely conduct of the counseling sessions for at least 30 employees as indicated in the previous section, as well as the final version of all results;
- Compliance with IOM Guidelines;
- Comply with the IOM data protection principles;
Travel required
Excursion to conduct group and individual counseling sessions in various workplaces in Italy (Roccella Ionica, Crotone, Lampedusa, Catania, etc.).
IV. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE DESIRABLE
education:
Graduate/postgraduate university degree or equivalent in psychology, counseling, clinical psychology, psychiatry (medical or nursing), marriage and family therapy, or social work with evidence of training in mental health counseling required.
Professional experience and other requirements:
At least five years of relevant post-licensure/certification/registration consulting experience, preferably in a similar setting such as an international and/or humanitarian organization.
V. LANGUAGES
- Fluency in Italian and English;
- Fluency in French will be considered an advantage.
VI. COMPETENCES
Exceptional skills in training, clinical and psychological support of vulnerable groups such as migrants who are victims of violence, victims of torture, victims of trafficking, survivors of traumatic events. A result-oriented approach to work, initiative and personal commitment, efficiency, flexibility. Good knowledge of basic computer programs and operating systems.
Values
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; promotes diversity and inclusion whenever possible.
- Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner that is consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
- Professionalism: demonstrates the ability to work in a composed, competent and dedicated manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting daily challenges.
Core Competencies – behavioral indicators
- Joint activities: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and between departments to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
- Delivery of results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action-oriented and committed to achieving agreed results.
- Knowledge management and sharing: constantly strives to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
- Accountability: takes responsibility for achieving the organization’s priorities and takes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
- Communication: promotes and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex issues in an informative, inspiring and motivating way.
How to apply
Interested applicants should submit (1) their CV and (2) a cover letter, both in English.
Applicants should also submit a financial offer for the necessary activities for a period of three months, which should contain:
• Detailed agenda of the meeting with IOM staff (initial and follow-up sessions);
• Description of the methodology and working tools for conducting individual and group counseling;
The above documents must be sent to the following email address applicationsiomitaly@iom.int within 05/04/2023stating as subject: CFCV 2023 12 Consultant.
Applicants who do not possess the qualifications required above will not be considered.
Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted further for the interview.