Project Context and Scope
Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and nongovernmental 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.
The objective of the A.A.A.T.P. project is to support the Irish Department of Justice with the administrative tasks related to the Temporary Protection (TP) applications of Ukrainian nationals and Third Country nationals (TCNs) arriving in Ireland following the outbreak of the full-scale war in Ukraine.
IOM has assisted with the registration of persons fleeing the war in Ukraine and arriving to Ireland through two (2) Points of Entry (PoEs): Dublin Airport and Rosslare Europort, as well as in three (3) Registration Centers: Dublin Citywest, Cork and Limerick. This has been achieved by implementing actions such as in-person assistance and information provision, identity verification, form filling, document completeness checks, data entry into the Department of Justice’s system, daily, weekly, and monthly statistical data collection, as well as interpretation services and direct support to beneficiaries fleeing the war.
A total of 14 caseworkers have been recruited and deployed across the five duty stations, strategically aligned with the needs on the ground, enabling IOM to maintain operational flexibility and a consistent and responsive presence in key locations, aligning with fluctuating arrival trends.
The aim of counselling sessions is to support staff in reflecting on all aspects of their interactions with beneficiaries, thereby contributing to their ongoing development within their roles. These sessions aim to provide a safe and confidential space where staff can explore their work, as well as their personal and professional responses to the challenges they encounter. The primary focus is on enhancing personal and professional growth, encouraging reflective practice that supports resilience and effectiveness. This is especially important for those working directly with vulnerable individuals, as counselling can help to identify and mitigate the potential impacts of vicarious trauma.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
Immigration and Border Governance Unit - “Assistance with the Administration of Applications for Temporary Protection in Ireland” project (IV0102).
Tangible and measurable outputs of the work assignment
The counselling sessions are to be delivered by a suitably qualified and experienced clinical counsellor who is not the staff members’ line manager and who is external to IOM. It is anticipated that group sessions will take place in one-hour sessions. There will likely be four groups consisting of 2-4 staff members each. It is expected that one group will undertake a session per month. The counsellor is expected to deliver approximately 6 sessions in the first 6 months (1 session per month). If necessary, and in agreement with IOM and the counsellor, individual sessions might be organized. Payments will take place on a monthly basis, depending on the number of sessions delivered that month.Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
The counsellor should be able to provide a safe and trusted space for IOM staff to be encouraged to reflect on their work and experience.
In this position, the counsellor should:
Enable staff to explore and clarify their thinking by reflective practice and critical analysis within a framework of group peer counselling. Demonstrate respect for IOM staff and beneficiaries and enable each staff member of the counselling group to participate fully in sessions. Give clear and constructive feedback to staff. Have an in-depth understanding of group dynamics. Be able to encourage and motivate staff to improve their self-care and practice within the workplace. Be aware of the effect of vicarious trauma on staff and encourage practices and skills to navigate staff through this. Be able to maintain appropriate boundaries. Challenge behaviour that would cause concern about casework, development, or use of counselling. Be able to maintain strict confidentiality at all times and not disclose to any third party any personal information relating to IOM staff. The counsellor will ensure that disclosure of information to any person shall comply with the provisions of IOM’s data protection policy and safeguarding guidance.Education, Experience and/or skills required
Qualified Psychological Therapist / Clinical or Counselling Psychologist / Psychotherapist or equivalent and accredited to their professional body. The counsellor should be supervised in relation to their counselling practice and maintain their commitment to their own continuous professional development. The counsellor should be insured. Experience of working with vulnerable groups, particularly refugees or vulnerable migrants, is considered an advantage. IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. Travel required Sessions will take place online – no travel required. Required Competencies