Project Assistant (MHPSS)

Position details

• Vacancy type: Special Vacancy Notice
• Recruiting type: General Service
• Contract type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)
• Initial contract duration: 6 months
• Office or unit: Country Office - Sub Office
• Location: Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
• Application deadline: 2026-10-17T18:00:00+00:00

Context

International Organization for Migration (IOM) is implementing multi-sector response programs in the world’s largest humanitarian crisis in Cox’s Bazar Bangladesh. In Cox’s Bazar, IOM provides lifesaving emergency Primary Health Care services across 21 primary health care facilities in Ukhiya and Teknaf Upazillas. In addition, IOM operates a large referral system for secondary medical services outside the two Upazillas. 

The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support project aims to; 1) Strengthen the national system in the provision of MHPSS services through increased coordination and knowledge management, 2) Improve MHPSS coverage by adding and expanding outreach services and elements to the host community, as well as addressing the need to strengthen local capacity for adequately detecting and responding to mental health challenges, and 3) Strengthen the community-based  development approach of the MHPSS response. While implementing these services, IOM’s priority is to strengthen capacity of Government of Bangladesh alongside International and National NGOs with whom it partners closely. 

Under the overall supervision of the Programme Coordinator -Emergency Health (MHD),  and direct supervision of the Project Officer (MHPSS) the successful candidate will be responsible and accountable for supporting implementation of the MHPSS activities, system strengthening and capacity building initiatives and supporting the field staff involved in the mental health and psychosocial support services in Ukhiya and Teknaf, for both refugees and host communities, as per IASC MHPSS in emergency guidelines, IOM Manual on Community Based Mental health and psychosocial Support in Emergencies and Displacement, MHPSS minimum Services package and other global and national guidelines. 

Responsibilities

1. Liaise and provide support to the Senior Project Assistant, on monitoring and evaluation including compiling weekly updates from the field, data cleaning, drafting monthly reports;

2. Ensure maintenance of confidential documentation and records of all psychosocial activities implemented;

3. Support the development and dissemination of MHPSS materials and tools;

4. Support the implementation of relevant trainings for the MHPSS mobile teams, humanitarian actors, key community members and others as relevant;

5. Collaborate with other agencies on the ground and participate in meetings on behalf of IOM and in the interest of the beneficiaries;

6. Coordinate safe custody of IOM items and equipment on the ground including maintaining an up-to-date inventory, including coordination with log base in dispatching items to the field teams;

7. With guidance from MHPSS Project officer and MHPSS officer assist in monitoring budget; verify availability of funds; prepare procurement plans; obtain necessary approval and update budget related information, including raising PRs and coordination with procurement to ensure quality items are supplied; 

8. Support administrative coordination of MHPSS project implementation, involving liaison with diverse organizational units and external parties to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, etc.

9. Support in organizing meetings, workshops and training sessions, ensure proper documentations and process are followed as per organizational standards; 

10. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all MHPSS activities and interventions;

11. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, Mental health, or related fields in social science from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience.
• Having similar experiences in similar roles for over 4 years will be an additional advantage.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations;
• Experience in working with refugees, host communities, internally displaced persons, and other vulnerable groups; and,
• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.

Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word etc.

Languages

• For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
• Working knowledge of local language is an advantage (Bangla and Rohingya).

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

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate the following values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 1)

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.