Background of the Consultancy: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine is set against a backdrop of a country that has been affected by six years of armed conflict, an underfunded health system, and an ageing population. In the conflict-affected oblasts, Donetsk and Luhansk, there is a very high proportion of elderly people (36 per cent of total population), many of whom live in remote settlements with limited services and access to existing ones. In addition to physical health needs, the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the psychological wellbeing of population through increased fear, anxiety, confusion, frustration, anger, and withdrawal.

IOM Ukraine will contribute to the Government of Ukraine’s efforts to effectively prepare and respond to the impact of COVID-19 in conflict-affected areas. It will do so through the provision of essential hygiene, mental health and psychosocial (MHPSS) support and individualized assistance to individuals that are at risk of trafficking in persons, through support to vulnerable returnees who are at risk of exploitation and abuse, IDPs and other conflict-affected individuals in the government-controlled area (GCA) of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

Nature of the Consultancy: Under the overall supervision of the Emergency Coordination Officer and the direct supervision of the Community Stabilization Specialist (CSS), the Project Psychiatrist for IOM MHPSS Hotline will provide individual counseling to beneficiaries and, if needed, individual and group consultations over the phone and through online platforms to project staff: MHPSS hotline consultants, Project Psychologists and Project Supervisor on peculiarities of work with beneficiaries with psychiatric manifestations. Provision of face-to-face counseling is subject to the lifting of quarantine restrictions.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Assess and screen beneficiaries referred by Project staff by conducting psychiatric evaluations, including interviews, medical histories, observations, and psychological testing.
2. Analyze data and results of assessments to diagnose patients.
3. Develop a treatment plan, measure progress against the plan, and make adjustments as needed.
4. Provide crisis intervention as needed.
5. Develop referral mechanisms both internally and externally to state assistance bodies/civil society organizations or INGOs/UN
6. Conduct trainings (based on needs assessment) as appropriate to ensure psychologist’s competency.
7. Provide monthly reports identifying the most common trends to help better identify current and future needs.
8. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

The Consultant should meet the following requirements: 

• Advanced degree in a Psychology, Psychiatry or other related area is required.
• Minimum of five years of related experience.
• Experience of working with vulnerable populations preferably affected by conflict and experience in developing and delivering tailored training.
• Fluency in Russian and Ukrainian is required.

This is a part-time position.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CVs to [email protected], referring to this advertisement in the subject line of the message by 04 February 2021.

Please note, that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.