Country: South Sudan
Closing date: 28 Aug 2015
I. Position Information
Position title: Conflict Mediation Officer
Duty station: Juba, South Sudan
Direct Supervision: MHPSS Project Manager
Overall supervision: Chief of Mission
Duration: 5 months, with possibility of extension
Job Type: Consultancy
II. Organizational Context and Scope
IOM began implementing Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) activities in 2014, targeting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in selected Protection of Civilian (PoC) sites in South Sudan. The activities included direct service delivery through the capacity building of IDPS and establishment of psychosocial mobile teams, capacity building of community and humanitarian actors on MHPSS issues and mainstreaming. With the success of the initial pilot approach, IOM is looking to expand the scope of activities geographically and programmatically.
The confined nature of the POC living conditions combined with the impact of previous and chronic forced displacement (i.e. breakdown of family structures, community networks and increased ethnicity based clashes), a need was identified to build the capacity of conflict affected populations and key actors in conflict management and mediation.
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission for South Sudan in Juba, the technical supervision of the Head of the IOM Mental Health, Psychosocial Response and Intercultural Communication Section, and with direct oversight by the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Project Manager and Migration Health Coordinator in Juba, the successful candidate will be responsible and accountable for the implementation, coordination and monitoring of capacity building activities on conflict management as part of the project entitled, “Enhancing the psychosocial well-being of internally displaced persons and conflict-affected populations”.
III. Responsibilities and Accountabilities
- Design a training curriculum on conflict management targeting the established psychosocial mobile teams.
- Implement the training curriculum with psychosocial mobile teams.
- Design and monitor conflict management activities to be implemented by the psychosocial mobile teams.
- Implement capacity building and awareness raising activities on conflict management to key actors.
- Establish, implement and maintain an ethical and efficient reporting system on conflict management activities.
- Participate and provide technical input in relevant assessments, mapping of gaps and resources.
- Coordinate and liaise with other implementing agencies and key actors (through participation in cluster meetings, working groups, mapping, planning and reporting exercises).
- Identify gaps and opportunities for further programming.
- Undertake field assignments (most activities will be field based).
- Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
IV. Competencies
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the following technical and behavioural competencies.
Behavioural
a) takes responsibility and manages constructive criticism; b) works effectively with all clients and stakeholders; c) promotes continuous learning; communicates clearly; d) takes initiative and drives high levels of performance management; e) plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of responsibility; f) displays mastery of subject matter; g) contributes to a collegial team environment; h) creates a respectful office environment free of harassment and retaliation, and promotes the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA); i) incorporates gender-related needs, perspectives, and concerns, and promotes equal gender participation; j) displays awareness of relevant technological solutions; k) works with internal and external stakeholders to meet resource needs of IOM.
Technical
a) effectively applies knowledge of mental health and psychosocial issues and conflict management in execution of responsibilities at appropriate level; b) maintains confidentiality and discretion in appropriate areas of work.
Emergency and Crisis
a) works effectively in high-pressure, rapidly changing environments; b) coordinates actions with emergency response actors and making use of coordination structures; c) supports adequate levels of information sharing between internal units, cluster partners, IOM and other emergency response actors; d) establishes and maintains effective relationships with implementing partners; e) makes correct decisions rapidly based on available information.
V. Education and Experience
- Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Sociology or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or
- University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience;
Experience
- Previous experience in conflict management and mediation activities;
- Previous experience in working with displaced populations, migrants, refugees or conflict affected populations;
- Demonstrated experience in curriculum development and capacity building activities;
- Demonstrated experience in community based approach in conflict management and mediation;
- Demonstrated experience of the UN and International agencies and structures;
- Skilled at developing culturally relevant and community based conflict management interventions;
- Familiar with the IASC guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings;
- Knowledgeable on the psychosocial impact of forced displacement.
VI. Languages
- Fluency in written and oral English is required.
How to apply:
Interested candidates are required to submit a letter of motivation and curriculum vitae clearly indicating the position title in the subject line by e-mail on vss@iom.int