Org. Setting and ReportingThe Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP) was established by the General Assembly in its resolution 77/301, adopted on 29 June 2023. Please note that while the position is currently located in Geneva, Switzerland, the duty station may be subject to change. Applicants should be aware that the position may be relocated to Damascus, Syria, or to another location relevant to the Institution's operations. By applying, candidates confirm their willingness to accept such a reassignment in accordance with UN regulations and rules, should such a decision be made. The incumbent reports to the Human Rights Officer, or her/his designee. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Psychologist may be responsible for the following duties: • Supports the development and implementation of MHPSS policies and frameworks to ensure victim-sensitive and trauma informed approaches are embedded in all interventions for missing persons. • Drafts and refines the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) policy, incorporating inputs from stakeholder workshops and subject-matter experts. • Develops specialized protocols on trauma-informed interviewing, child-related procedures, suicide-risk assessment, and other focused areas as needed. • Ensures all protocols and policy elements adhere to ethical, evidence-based, and survivor-centred practices. • Contributes to training content and guidance materials to support staff and partners in implementing the MHPSS policy and protocols. • Conducts research and analysis of psychosocial and mental health issues/events affecting victims and their families, and assesses their impact on their wellbeing. • Collects and analyses relevant data and indicators, including gender-specific data, related to victims and their families, to identify trends and provide insights for planning, decision-making, and reporting. • Directs and contributes to capacity-building efforts related to mental health and psychosocial support in the country of assignment. • Reviews existing practices, identifies gaps, and recommends improvements to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support interventions. • Performs other duties as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge of psychology, trauma-informed care, and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) guidelines, with a strong understanding of ethical, victim-centred practices. Skills in providing trauma-informed, victim-centred support to individuals affected by human rights abuses, including cases of missing persons, ensuring ethical, professional, and sensitive engagement. Ability to assess psychosocial needs, develop and implement MHPSS protocols, and analyse relevant data to inform planning and decision-making. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. EducationAdvanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, Counseling, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in one of the fields above in combination with at least two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, Counseling, or a related field is required. Experience providing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to survivors of conflict-related trauma, human rights violations, sexual violence, and to families of missing persons is required. Experience in delivering MHPSS-related training and capacity-building for multidisciplinary teams is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Arabic is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).