MHPSS Advisor

Description

MISSION

This position focuses on provide technical expertise to lead multidisciplinary assessments (with the coordination team), analyze the context and stakeholders present and propose relevant MHPSS activities adapted to Afghanistan (Kabul and rural areas identified)

MHPSS Advisor is responsible for the design of MDM MHPSS strategy and modalities in the area of intervention, ensure quality and relevance of implementation of MHPSS activities in line with MdM and international quality standards. He/she also ensures the technical support, training and supervision of MdM and partner MHPSS teams.

Following Taliban takeover of power in August 2021, the accumulative effects of the conflict, international sanctions and the economic crisis, recurrent drought and Covid has led to one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. In view of this situation, MDM decided to reopen its mission (MDM operated in Afghanistan from 1982 to 2012) in the country to contribute to the humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Afghan people.

GEOGRAPHIC AREA OF INTERVENTION

The position will be based in Kabul with frequent travels to the field and the provinces where MDM will implement activities. Collective housing (no family duty station)

CHART

The position reports directly to the Country Coordinator.

FUNCTIONS

Technical support to MHPSS department:

Ensure assess needs and technical framework coherence of MdM’s MHPSS assessments and future intervention through technical supervision following MdM’s standards and in line with International policies and standards

Support the field and coordination team in developing and implementing relevant activities and referral mechanisms in coordination with Health team

Ensure proper technical supervision and orientation to ensure quality of activities and services

Plan, coordinate, validate Information, Education and Communication (IEC) MHPSS materials to support MHPSS activities.

Design, adapt and update MHPSS protocols, procedures and tools

Innovations in Mental Health:

Develop innovative tools, approaches, modalities, interventions to enable access to MHPSS services aiming to bridge the existing gaps due to the under-developed system of MH care

Training activities:

Develop appropriate training objectives, planning, contents, evaluation tools, and didactic materials for MHPSS interventions (topic areas as defined by programmatic needs)

Identify the training needs of staff on MHPSS, including support to GBV survivors, and organize relevant trainings (directly or through external resources).

Monitoring activities:

Validate the interventions proposed and monitor their effectiveness.

Follow-up the MHPSS intervention implementation and ensure it is in line with projects timeline and quality standards.

Coordinate with Health coordinator and Field Coordinators the implementation of technical support of MHPSS staff on different locations

Propose programmatic adaptations of the MHPSS program and activities if needed.

Design tools for the collection of qualitative and quantitative data, promoting data systemization and analysis

Human Resources:

Participate in defining Job descriptions/ToRs for MHPSS staff and recruitment

Participate in recruitment process for MHPSS staff if necessary

Proposal writing and Reporting:

Contribute to the identification, design and proposal writing of MHPSS intervention.

Provide regular technical reporting on MHPSS activities to the General Coordinator, coordination team, technical referent in HQ in line with established technical report structure.

Validate and contribute to Sit-Rep monthly mission reports.

Contribute to donor reports by analyzing the M&E data related to MHPSS activities collected and consolidated from field implementation.

Other responsibilities:

Participate in Coordination team meetings.

Represent MdM in external meetings relevant for MHPSS, and also Protection and GBV in collaboration with the Medical Coordinator.

Plan and develop tools for the assessment needed to develop MdM’s program and integrated MHPSS activities.

Ensure close collaboration and adequate integration with Health Team

Contribute to the implementation and follow-up of the advocacy strategy

This list of activities is not exhaustive and may change depending on the situation.

Minimum requirements

BACKGROUND AND SKILLS:

Academic: Graduated in Psychology. Complementary training in clinical work is an asset (accredited courses, masters in clinical psychology).

Complementary: Training in gender and gender-based violence, project cycle management, psychosocial tools and humanitarian field

Languages: C1 English level is mandatory, Knowledge of Dari or Pashto is an asset.

Computer requirements: Management of MS-Office is required.

EXPERIENCE

Working experience in MHPSS in humanitarian contexts and INGOs (minimum 2-3 years)

Knowledge of international guidelines and principals, good practices of mental health and psychosocial support in emergency settings

Knowledge in integrated MHPSS interventions models in promotion/prevention and treatments at primary health care level, as well community-based approach

Ability and proven capacity in planning and monitoring MHPSS programmes, supervision of technical activities and orientation accordingly

Experience in coordination and advocacy are strong assets.

Experience working in different cultural contexts. Knowledge of the context of Afghanistan is a strong asset.

COMPETENCY PROFILE

Ability to adapt to complex contexts and stressful situations.

Excellent communication skills, listening and diplomacy skills

Reactivity, adaptability, capacity to take initiatives

Strong problem solving and organizational skills

Capacity to work and coordinate with others and within a team.

Rigor and autonomy.

Pedagogical capacity and training skills.

Strong writing and communication skills.

Identification with the lines of work, values and mission of Médicos del Mundo.

AVAILABILITY

As soon as possible

SALARY

Medicos del Mundo’s Salary charts.