MHPSS Psychosocial Worker (Humanitarian) - Kharkiv at IOM

Kharkiv, Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

16 Jun, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

18 Mar, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

MHPSS Work, Teamwork, Humanitarian Operations, Emergency Settings, Psychology, Counselling, Educational Psychology, Psychotherapy, Communication, Local Engagement, Cultural Competence, Crisis Intervention, Displacement Support, Community-Based Support, Proactive Engagement

Industry

International Affairs

Description

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine has created an urgent need for emergency mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions, particularly for individuals and families affected by the war and forced to evacuate from frontline areas. The escalation of hostilities since February 2022, combined with a heavily strained health system, has left many without access to essential psychosocial care. As immediate lifesaving activities remain a priority, IOM is rapidly scaling up its emergency MHPSS response, focusing on delivering critical support as close as possible to the frontline and within transit centers that receive newly evacuated people. These interventions are guided by IOM’s global standards for community-based MHPSS in emergencies and displacement, as outlined in the organization’s official manual. The program prioritizes rapid support for territorial communities and local initiatives, ensuring that lifesaving community-based services reach those most at risk—including particularly vulnerable groups—during the acute emergency phase. The overarching aim is to reduce psychological distress, strengthen coping mechanisms, and bolster resilience for individuals and families as they navigate the immediate challenges of displacement and crisis, while also contributing to preparedness for potential future emergencies. IOM’s emergency community-based MHPSS interventions are delivered by mobile psychosocial teams (PMTs) strategically deployed near the frontline and in transit centers. These teams are comprised of professionals with diverse expertise and cultural competence, enabling them to provide lifesaving support tailored to the urgent needs of newly evacuated individuals, including women, persons with disabilities, older adults, and large families who may face significant barriers to accessing fixed facilities. PMTs ensure flexible, responsive programming and outreach, supporting affected populations throughout all phases of displacement and making critical MHPSS services accessible in high-risk and rapidly evolving environments. Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support.

Responsibilities

The Consultant will contribute to implementing the organization’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Programme activities in Kharkiv, Ukraine, focusing on delivering critical support through mobile psychosocial teams near the frontline and in transit centers. The primary goal is to reduce psychological distress, strengthen coping mechanisms, and bolster resilience for individuals and families navigating displacement and crisis.