Program Associate, MHPSS

About the role

The Program Associate, MHPSS will support vulnerable Ethiopian returnees and migrants by delivering basic mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services. Working within IOM Ethiopia’s Protection Unit and closely with the Migration Health Unit, the role involves direct interaction with migrants at transit centres and partner shelters in Addis Ababa.

Key responsibilities

• Provide basic MHPSS support to vulnerable migrants at IOM facilities and partner shelters, following established procedures.
• Facilitate referrals of migrants with mental health needs to NGOs, shelters, and psychiatric hospitals/clinics.
• Offer technical assistance to IOM staff at Migration Response Centres in coordination with health specialists.
• Organise and lead group and individual psychosocial activities to promote mental well‑being.
• Assist in designing and implementing MHPSS activities, including in migrants’ communities of origin, and contribute to work‑plan development.
• Support Ethiopia’s National Referral Mechanism by developing SOPs and capacity‑building for MHPSS service providers.
• Participate in MHPSS trainings and help roll them out to IOM staff, government officials, and NGOs.
• Maintain up‑to‑date records of MHPSS assistance and provide regular updates to the Information Management Officer.
• Contribute to project monitoring, reporting, and mainstreaming of MHPSS across protection programmes.
• Attend thematic meetings with external partners and undertake field missions as needed.

Required profile

• Ability to deliver basic MHPSS interventions and facilitate referrals.
• Experience organising psychosocial activities for vulnerable groups.
• Familiarity with humanitarian protection programmes and coordination with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Willingness to work onsite in Addis Ababa and travel for field missions.

Required skills