Job Title: MHPSS Officer
Location: Hassakeh
The Opportunity:
Technical support for implementation and monitoring of MHPSS programs
- Contribute to the design and implementation of needs assessments in coordination with MEAL staff, child protection coordinator, MHPSS specialist and MHPSS technical advisor.
- Support Child Protection coordinator in the design of MHPSS activities for new proposals, in coordination with MHPSS specialist and MHPSS technical advisor.
- Support Child Protection coordinator and other key staff on preparing for project kick-off meetings and budget review meetings when the project includes MHPSS component.
- Collaborate with local mental health service providers and ensure a referral system is in place for children and caregivers in need of specialized mental health care.
- Support to carry out safety assessments for MHPSS activities and ensure that all activities are suitable for the children to participate in during the session.
- Ensure that the schedules of MHPSS activities are followed and that all children who meet the criteria for access to the activities do attend.
- Monitor regularly MHPSS activities and activities in which MHPSS perspectives should be considered across sectors through field visits to ensure adherence to the project plan and standards of safe programming and MHPSS.
- When included in the MHPSS programs, provide focused non-specialized MHPSS services to children and their caregivers and ensure relevant recording of the provided services.
- When needed, facilitate MHPSS psychoeducation sessions and other MHPSS program sessions.
- Support case management in MHPSS related issues eg. Through case consultations and participation in case conferences.
- Develop and maintain a database of MHPSS beneficiaries and their progress to track their mental health and psychosocial well-being over time.
- Prepare procurements requests for setting up MHPSS activities.
- Prepare reports and case studies that highlight the impact of MHPSS interventions on the well-being of children and caregivers.
- Support the development and implementation of child and caregiver feedback mechanisms to ensure their voices are heard in MHPSS program decision-making.
- Contribute to the development of child-friendly and safe spaces for MHPSS activities and ensure they are adequately equipped.
Quality assurance of MHPSS programs
- Identify MHPSS capacity building needs of SC staff and other stakeholders involved in implementation or supervision of the activities across sectors.
- Provide MHPSS capacity building according to the identified needs in collaboration with MHPSS specialist.
- Provide systematic supportive technical supervision to staff who is implementing MHPSS programs or the staff in whose work MHPSS perspectives are critical (e.g nutrition, education).
- Support Child Protection coordinator in integration of international MHPSS protocols, MHPSS SOPs and MHPSS best practices to the working environment with the children.
- Assist in the development and adaptation of culturally sensitive MHPSS materials and resources for children and caregivers.
- Facilitate focus group discussions and feedback sessions with children and caregivers to gather insights and suggestions for improving MHPSS services.
- Train and mentor local community volunteers to provide basic psychosocial support and assist in the identification of children and caregivers in need of specialized services.
- Welcome technical supportive supervision provided by MHPSS specialist or other technical staff.
MHPSS human resources management
- Participate in the recruitment process of MHPSS assistants and MHPSS facilitators.
Internal and external coordination
- Collaborate with community leaders and influencers to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma associated with seeking help.
- Participate in internal and external coordination meetings and working groups related to MHPSS initiatives in the humanitarian sector.
- Contribute to active communication and collaboration between sectors.
- When asked, represent the organization / area office in internal or external visits and calls.
Other
- Stay updated on the latest developments in the field of mental health and psychosocial support and integrate best practices into program activities with the support of MHPSS specialist.
- Contribute to positive and inclusive working environment.
- Comply with relevant the organization policies and practices with respect to child protection, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.
- In agreement with line manager, perform other required MHPSS duties within reason (in line with skills and experience)
- Ensure a strict adherence to the principles of MHPSS, CAAFAG, child protection and child safeguarding, including respect for confidentiality and always acting in the best interests of the child.
Coordination and representation
- Coordinate with other relevant organization sectors and departments as necessary.
In order to be successful you will bring/have:
- Bachelor degree in related field like psychiatric nursing, social work, clinical psychology, mental health, medicine with experience in psychiatric care
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in a MHPSS related position.
- At least one years’ experience in a CP or MHPSS related position with an INGO.
- Strong communication skills and ability to deal with different people.
- Medium level verbal and written English skills.
- Fluency in Arabic or Kurmanji
- Computer literate (including working knowledge of Microsoft Office) and ability to do internet based research
- Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills and discretion with confidential information
- Ability to work independently and proactively
- Proven ability to handle challenging work load
- Ability to travel overnight inside North East Syria
- Ability to visit project implementation sites like camps
Application Information:
Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application, and include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations.
We follow an extensive background and reference checks for candidates, so we request you to provide accurate information in your CV (i.e. specific dates for your experience and academic certificates etc.). Any discrepancies in information provided in your CV and application will lead to cancelation of your candidacy at any stage of the process even after employment.
Please mention your English and Computer skills clearly in your application
We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.
All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.
INGO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
The application period closes on 30/10/2023
Applicants may submit their CVs with their cover letter, address; telephone number and contact information through the below link: