Mhpss Senior Counselling Associate

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w2025_TBC
Open to Internal and External Candidates

Position Title : Senior Counselling Associate
Duty Station : Citywest, Dublin, Ireland
Classification : General Service Staff, G6
Type of Appointment : One Year Fixed Term Graded Contract, with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date : December/January 2025

Closing Date : 5 December 2025

Context:

IOM Ireland has been operating in Ireland since 2001, currently in following areas of migration management: Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration, Resettlement, Family Reunification, Counter-Trafficking, Protection, Integration Support to Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, Integrated Immigration Governance and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS).

IOM provides mental health and psychosocial support to international protection seekers residing in the Citywest accommodation facility with the aim to improve their psychosocial well-being and to strengthen their overall resilience.

Under the overall supervision of Chief of Mission in Ireland, the Head of MHPSS Unit and direct supervision of the Senior Counselling and Case Management Associate, the incumbent will assist in the delivery of psychosocial support activities, contributing to the wellbeing and resilience of international protection applicants residing in the Citywest accommodation centre.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

1. Supervise the work of the MHPSS Associates, helping to coordinate task distribution, monitor progress, and provide guidance, and performance feedback to maintain service quality and team cohesion.

2. Support the delivery of psychosocial support activities by assisting in the planning and coordination of tasks, monitoring activity progress, and providing day-to-day guidance to help align with IOM’s MHPSS framework, operational guidelines, and project objectives.

3. Assist the MHPSS Associates in the preparation and organization of psychoeducational and wellbeing activities for residents.

4. Support the identification of training needs and contributing to appropriate learning opportunities. Encourage peer support, teamwork, and practical skill development.

5. Assist in collecting data and statistics for submission to the Monitoring and Evaluation team. Support the preparation of operational reports to inform programme tracking and improvements.

6. Support collaboration with external partners, including NGOs, community organisations, and statutory services, to maintain referral networks and facilitate resident’s access to services.

7. Assist in maintaining psychosocial support activities in line with IOM’s protection principles, confidentiality standards, and operational guidelines. Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and protection-sensitive environment for all residents.

8. Perform any other duty as may be required.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• High school diploma with six years of professional experience; or,
• Bachelor’s degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy, Clinical or Counselling Psychology, Educational Psychology, Social Work (Counselling stream), or another relevant mental health discipline from an accredited academic institution with four years of relevant work experience.
• Accreditation or membership with a recognized professional body (e.g. Psychological Society of Ireland, EFPA; IACP, IAHIP) will be an asset.

Experience:

• Experience in humanitarian, social service, community support, or MHPSS-related settings, including work with migrants, refugees, and vulnerable populations.
• Experience supervising staff in operational or programme tasks is desirable.
• Familiarity with referral processes and community-based support networks.
• Knowledge and experience working with State agencies and non-governmental Organisations in Ireland preferred.
• Sound and proven understanding of international standards, best practices, issues related to displacement and integration.
• Experience working in a multi-cultural environment is an advantage.

Skills:

• Strong organizational and coordination skills.
• Excellent communication and report-writing abilities.
• Capacity to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and partner organizations.
• Intercultural competence, empathy, and emotional resilience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Languages:

• IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish
• For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
• Working knowledge of any UN languages an advantage

Required Competencies:

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.
• 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 2

• 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

Managerial Competencies - Behavioral indicators – Level 2

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

Notes:

• Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
• This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
• This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence and work permit for the country where this position is based will be eligible for consideration.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
• IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
• IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
• IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website.

Other:

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.

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

How to apply:
Please apply to this job post, sharing your updated CV.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview, soon after the closing of the Vacancy.

Posting period: From 21.11.25 to 05.12.25

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: €3,452.00 per month

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Free or subsidised travel
• Private dental insurance
• Private medical insurance
• Sick pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Dublin, CO. Dublin: reliably commute or be willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• Ireland (required)

Work Location: In person