Advisor, Global MHPSS Technical Unit

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION (BACKGROUND)

International Medical Corps delivers emergency medical and related services to those affected by conflict, disaster and disease, no matter where they are, no matter what the conditions. As one of the few international relief organizations to prioritize prevention and treatment of mental health and psychosocial needs in humanitarian crises, we have the capacity to respond to these immediate needs. As communities recover and development begins, we focus on the longer term, to help strengthen mental health care systems and shape national policies.

International Medical Corps plays a leading role in the strengthening of mental health and psychosocial support services and work forces in humanitarian settings. We contribute to the development of global guidelines and national policies for improving mental health and well-being among affected populations.

Join our talented team of global MHPSS advisors to support the MHPSS programs in over 20 countries and technical resource development and competency strengthening.

The successful candidate can be based anywhere in the world where International Medical Corps has a program office. It is a remote position with significant travel to country programs as requested.

JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY

As a member of the HQ TU MHPSS Team, provide technical quality oversight and programmatic guidance and support to global and country-level MHPSS activities and programming

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function with or without reasonable accommodation:

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program support: Support country teams and provide guidance and oversight in the development and running of culturally appropriate mental health and psychosocial activities, including MH PHC integration, MHPSS case management, Early Childhood Development, Psychological First Aid, designing holistic recreational, vocational and social activities for children and youth targeting refugees and vulnerable populations across the region, peer support programs for people with chronic or severe mental illness, mental health advocacy and other programs in line with global guidelines and IMCs approach.

Proposal Development: Assist country teams in developing further MHPSS programming as appropriate and in the development of project proposals

Standards and principles: Ensure that all MHPSS work is in keeping with IASC guidelines on MHPSS support in emergencies.
Promote global guidelines such as IASC MHPSS guidelines where appropriate opportunities arise
Ensure and promote complementary and holistic coordinated community based MHPSS programming compliance with IMC’s MHPSS approach and Technical Unit Guidance notes on minimum and comprehensive quality standards for MHPSS programs.

Crosscutting integration: Provide support to country teams based on identified needs and working to ensure IMC holistic and crosscutting approaches across MHPSS, Nutrition, Health, Child Protection and GBV program areas.

Coordination: Support country level coordination WG efforts, promoting IMC’s active participation and/or leadership, and contribution to WG advocacy, coordination and mapping activities.
Support country teams in coordinating activities with relevant Government Authorities, International and National Organizations, advocating for best practices, and partnerships in line with national strategies.

M&E: Develop and employ consistent, standardized tools for monitoring and evaluating processes and outcomes of IMC MHPSS programs across the region, with attention to record of lessons learned through evidence-based practice for the purpose of project replication or expansion.
Representation and visibility: Represent IMC and its MHPSS programs in relevant national and international conferences and meetings.

Travel: Support teams remotely and in person through frequent field visits

Reporting: Regular reporting and updates to TU Senior Global MHPSS Advisor and regional Senior Director. Regular contact with Senior Global MHPSS Advisor about planning, methods and tools used, and progress.
Expected outputs for each country technical assistance field visit will include:
Field trip report that includes a situational analysis, program(s) assisted, assistance provided, and recommendations for follow up/improvement.
Annexes that include all work products including any new or improved MHPSS tools or measures used during the assignment

Perform other duties as assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed in this document are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and not necessarily all inclusive.

Code of Conduct
As applicable to this position, an individual must promote and encourage a culture of compliance and ethics throughout the organization and maintain a clear understanding of International Medical Corps’ and donor compliance and ethics standards and adheres to those standards.

If this is a supervisory position, one must set an example of ethical behavior through one’s own conduct and oversight of the work of others; ensure that those who report to you have sufficient knowledge and resources to follow the standards outlined in the Code of Conduct & Ethics; monitor compliance of the people you supervise; enforce the Code of Conduct & Ethics and International Medical Corps’ policies, including the Safeguarding Policy and the Protection from Harassment, Bullying and Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace Policy, consistently and fairly; support employees who in good faith raise questions or concerns.

Safeguarding
It is all staff shared responsibility and obligation to safeguard and protect populations with whom we work, including adults who may be particularly vulnerable and children. This includes safeguarding from the following conduct by our staff or partners: sexual exploitation and abuse; exploitation, neglect, or abuse of children, adults at risk, or LGBTI individuals; and any form of trafficking in persons. Staff are also responsible for preventing violations to our Code of Conduct and Ethics, which may involve Conflicts of Interest, Fraud, Corruption or Harassment. If you see, hear or are made aware of any violations to the Code of Conduct and Ethics or Safeguarding Policy, you have an obligation to report.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Typically a 4-year University degree in related area. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
• The qualified candidate will be a mental health professional (psychologist, clinical social worker, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse) with professional practice experience in clinical mental health
• Typically, 10+ year of relevant and progressive experience working in mental health related field, including at least 5+ years’ experience in setting up, establishing and running MHPSS programs in humanitarian and low-resource settings
• In-depth knowledge of global guidelines (e.g. IASC Guidelines on MHPSS In Emergency Settings)
• Training and capacity building experience
• Very good ability to mentor, support and motivate others
• Strong organizational and supervisory skills
• Strong reporting and writing skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work within different cultural environments
• Honest, hardworking and a self-motivated
• Ability to work within a team structure or in isolation, flexible, and can cope with stressful workloads and working with limited resources
• Ability to travel often and on short notice to project sites
• An excellent command of verbal and written English

ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL OR LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

• Clinical Psychology training and experience desirable
• Former work with IMC MHPSS teams desirable
• Eastern European experience desirable
• Experience with technical resource development and competency strengthening desirable
• Proposal development and writing experience desirable
• Remote management experience desirable
• Additional language skills desirable.

Equal Opportunities
International Medical Corps is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.

Misconduct Disclosure Scheme

All offers of employment at International Medical Corps are subject to satisfactory references and background checks. International Medical Corps participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme from the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response (SCHR). In accordance with this, we will request information from an applicant’s previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.