Description
Introduction
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration.
Project Context and Scope
The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine has significantly increased the need for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), particularly among veterans, their families, and families of the fallen. As the country moves towards recovery and resilience-building, addressing the psychological and emotional impacts of war remains a key priority. In response, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is strengthening its community-based MHPSS programming, specifically the Equine Assisted Psychosocial Support (EAPSS) as a psychosocially-informed, experiential approach that supports emotional regulation, trust-building, and social reintegration.
A core element of this intervention is the engagement of veterans as EAPSS consultants through a peer-to-peer approach. EAPSS consultants, drawing on their lived experience, play a key role in building trust, promoting engagement, and supporting reintegration. Working alongside IOM psychosocial facilitators and equestrian service providers, they contribute to the delivery of EAPSS interventions, enhancing the accessibility, relevance, and effectiveness of services for conflict-affected populations.
The peer-to-peer approach is an integral part of the EAPSS implementation protocol; therefore, given the project’s focus on veterans, the engagement of veteran consultants is required to ensure trust-building, effective participation, and meaningful psychosocial outcomes.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing:3R (Response, Resilience and Recovery) Unit, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Unit.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Tasks to be performed under this contract
The EAPSS Consultant will be part of a multidisciplinary team composed of IOM psychosocial facilitator (MHPSS Psychosocial Worker (Consultant) or relevant IOM staff trained according to EAPSS methodology) and equestrian service provider, working collaboratively to deliver community-based equine-assisted psychosocial support (EAPSS) services.
The EAPSS Consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:
- Support the preparation, organization, and facilitation of structured EAPSS activities for veterans, veteran families, and families of the fallen, ensuring activities are delivered in line with established methodologies and quality standards.
Accompany and support the implementation of EAPSS activities in accordance with agreed quarterly and/or semi-annual plans of action.
Collaborate closely with other team members to ensure coordinated, safe, and effective service delivery.
Participate in monitoring, reflection, and feedback processes to support continuous improvement of activities.
Support visibility and donor engagement efforts, including participation in donor and stakeholder visits to programme activities, as required.
Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Performance indicator for the evaluation of results:
- Deliver peer-to-peer support sessions, reaching the planned number of individuals and services with quality aligned to IOM guidelines.
- The fulfillment of the time on the job required as indicated in the contract, which will be confirmed through a detailed time sheet.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications and Experience
The Consultant should meet the following requirements:
- Status of war veteran who is not currently in active military service (Anti-Terrorist Operation, Joint Forces Operation, or the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war).
- Experience working with people (e.g. in community, support, or volunteer roles).
- Interest in psychology and ability to understand and support others emotionally (basic psychosocial skills).
- Good communication skills and ability to work with diverse groups of people.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work in a team and in a multicultural environment, with respect for diversity.
- Completed secondary education.
- Fluency in Ukrainian; basic knowledge of English is an advantage.
Required Competencies
Values
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
- Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules