IOM through the Project «Safeguarding children at Greek border points (MERIMNA)» targets migrants and refugees residing in Reception and Identification Centres (RICs) and in the mainland, with particular focus on children and especially Unaccompanied Migrant Children (UMC) aiming to address the immediate need to improve living conditions and protection gaps.

The present Action aims at promoting resilience of migrant and refugee children and families in Greece by ensuring inclusion in quality protection and education.

Safeguarding children at Greek border points

More specifically, in response to the particularly challenging living and protection conditions for refugees and migrants, including UMCs, in Greece, IOM will implement targeted interventions to ensure that UMCs have access to proper safe transit accommodation in RICs, receive immediate assistance by specialised staff in line with their best interest and are timely referred to more appropriate care arrangements in long
term or temporary accommodation.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Under the overall supervision of the Project Coordinator, and the direct supervision of the Field Coordinator, the successful candidate will provide support to unaccompanied migrant children arriving to Samos and who will be accommodated in the designated safe areas inside the Reception and Identification Centres (RICs).

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Assess the psychological and / or psychiatric health of the unaccompanied children and conduct psychological assessments.

2. Provide psychological support and counselling, aiming at a) anxiety and anger management, b) conflict management and abrupt behavioural changes, c) coping mechanisms to effectively respond on crises related to mental or psychological pressure, e) improving interpersonal relationships and f) cultivating skills and talents.

3. Participate in the design and implementation of interventions to inform and raise awareness to unaccompanied children.

4. Suggest to case workers and the rest of the team interventions or actions to be taken on the basis of their mental health status.

5. Organize individual or group sessions to provide psychological support to the unaccompanied children, trying to discuss and assist children with challenges which may arise during their stay at the facility.

6. Map existing national and humanitarian mental health and psychosocial services that are available and accessible to the site, in order to organize referrals.

7. Coordinating in cooperation with the team of safe area, the children’s daily activities by mainly focusing in the organization of educational and recreational activities.

8. Securing project implementation according to IOM rules and regulations.

9. Perform other related duties that may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

  • University degree in Psychology with minimum two years of work experience.
  • Master’s degree in a related field would be an advantage.
  • Licensed Psychologist, with registration or chartered membership with the Greek Psychological Association.

Experience and Skills

  • At least two years of relevant professional experience in psychosocial support, work in the migration and refugee context or any other relevant experience;
  • Experience in emergency psychology is a distinct advantage;
  • Previous experience working with children and/or vulnerable population preferred;
  • Experience working in a multi-cultural environment preferred;
  • Strong work ethics and commitment to humanitarian principles;
  • Willingness to work in day/ night shifts, during holidays and weekends;
  • Valid driver’s license with at least five years driving experience an advantage.

Languages

Fluency in English and Greek is required.

Values

  • Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
  • 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.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

  • 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 action and delegated work.
  • Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Other:

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.

Appointment will be subject to the provision of requirements relevant to the position including academic degree(s), professional licenses, criminal record certificate and declaration of relatives in the Organization.

This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence and work permit for Greece will be eligible for consideration.

How to apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application including a cover letter, CV and a completed Personal History Form in English by email to: Αυτή η διεύθυνση ηλεκτρονικού ταχυδρομείου προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε., specifying the vacancy reference number GRCFA21-093 and full name in the subject line.

Due to the volume of applications received, IOM Greece Human Resources will not be able to respond to all inquiries about the application status and will only contact shortlisted candidates.

Posting period: From 19 March 2021 to 30 March 2021