About IOM:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is the leading international intergovernmental organization dealing with migration. Its objective is to ensure the orderly migration of persons in need of migration assistance throughout the world. IOM Uganda has been registered and operational since 1988, when the field mission was established. Throughout the past 20 years, IOM Uganda has processed movements and facilitated information gathering and support towards refugees, internally displaced persons, demobilized child soldiers, trafficked women and other migrants and their specific needs, both on individual and large scale population movement. In addition to operational matters and research, IOM has an important role in enhancing and building national capacity in migration management.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has experienced civil conflict for more than a decade due to warfare between Congolese rebels, local Mai Mai militia, government soldiers, and Rwandan rebel forces. Though most of the country has been marginally pacified since peace accords in 2003, the Kivu province in the east of the country is currently enduring conflict and grave human rights violations. Due to the lack of government infrastructure, control, corruption, and interference by foreign governments, ethnic conflicts have persisted in the eastern region of DRC.
About US Refugee Resettlement Program:
The US Resettlement Program (USRP) is a complex multi-step process involving UNHCR and the Bureau of Population, Migration, and Refugees (PRM) of the United States Department of State (DOS). After refugees are referred by UNHCR to the USRP they are interviewed and undergo a security assessment by Department of Homeland Security staff, who will determine the refugees’ eligibility and formally approve their application for resettlement.
USRP refugee applicants are required to undergo a medical assessment which is performed by IOM physicians under the technical guidance and authority of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Requirements for this medical exam are determined by CDC and are provided in the Technical Instructions for Panel Physicians. The overseas medical exam primarily involves screening for medical conditions of public health significance, including active tuberculosis disease, physical or mental disorders, and substance abuse with associated harmful behavior.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Training of health personnel and preparation for the implementation: Under the technical guidance of the Project Consultant Psychiatrist, develop materials for IOM medical staff and PHC NGO staff trainings. Identify venue for the trainings and ensure availability of the supplies and equipment required including logistic and technical preparations, identification of facilitators, mobilization of participants, ensure that pre and post-test evaluations were done and documents.
· Screening tool. In collaboration with the Project Consultant Psychiatrist develop screening tool for IOM health assessment and test it with IOM staff. This tool shall enable IOM medical staff to better classify refugees according to their mental health status, the instrument will help them ask questions that can identify: symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression, levels of functioning, coping mechanisms, traumatic events experienced. The screening tool should be designed as a guide to assist IOM physicians during the history taking portion of the refugee medical examination, management and referral for further psychological care.
· Referral system:
o Establish/strengthen effective referral system between IOM and NGO partners in the settlement and in Kampala for applicants in need of continuous MH services.
o Ensure that refugees who are referred by IOM for ongoing counseling or medications are actually receiving the recommended care at the settlement level.
o This referral process includes IOM physician referral of refugee to IOM Project Counselor
o IOM counselor does initial counseling and then links the refugee to the settlement mental health POC
o In charge of the settlement POC provides feedback on refugee to IOM Counselor/Consultant Psychologist.
o Perform periodic assessment of the referral system, make appropriate adjustments and recommendations. Provide final report on the functionality and effectiveness of the referrals.
· Data collection tool. Design, test and put in utilization operational data collection tool for the project. The project evaluation elements will include, but not be limited to:
2. Implementation
· Supervise counselors’ daily activities provide technical guidance and lead the implementation of the project. Work with Consultant Psychiatrist to ensure that technical aspects of psychological service are observed in accordance with National and International standards; be present during entire implementation period of the project travel to the field when required. Provide on-site mental health support to applicants in need of MH services and make referrals when needed. Provide monthly reports.
3. Study close-out: Satisfaction assessment. Perform final health services satisfaction assessment for IOM staff, Refugees and Partners.
4. Final project report.
· Perform data analysis and provide duly completed final project report. The report should include but not limited to: project overview, performance and overall effect of the project (detailed description all objectives and activities), collaboration with partners, Challenges and lessons learned, tabulated log- frame, conclusions and recommendations for sustainability and continuity of the activities.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
· The incumbent should hold a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology or equivalent qualification
· Two to three years of work experience with refugee populations in the same area will be an added advantage.
· Good technical knowledge of mental health.
· Technical experience and knowledge of managing programs is desirable.
· Skills and Abilities: Good communication skills, interpersonal relationship skills, training skills, computer skills, data skills, collaborative, cooperative and coordination skills. Must have ability to guide, motivate staff regarding evaluation of mental health issues in refugee populations.
· Language Proficiency: Full proficiency in Speaking/Reading/Writing English is required.
How to Apply:
All those interested in working with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) should send a cover letter and CV with detailed relevant work experience to IOM HR department via E-mail to hruganda@iom.int.
Deadline: 8th May 2015