Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Implementer

Field-based position in MESO supported countries (Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, Sudan, and Iran), possibility to be deployed in other MSF contexts and with visits to the headquarters.

Context

The Middle East Support Office (MESO) is the OCG office in Amman, Jordan. Its purpose is to support MSF programs in the face of the growing complexity of intervention contexts and new challenges in the Middle East and beyond.

The office is currently supporting Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, Sudan and Iran. MESO joins other MSF structures already present in the region. Together, we aim to generate a strong dynamic in the Middle East, to better understand its challenges and problems, and gain a clearer picture of the medical and humanitarian issues that MSF needs to address.

Mission

The MESO Flying Mental Health and Psychological (MHPSS) Implementer directly assists missions in the implementation of high-quality MHPSS activities through providing on-site or remote technical support to project MH team. In close collaboration with the MH technical advisors, the flying MHPSS implementer will support portfolio mission countries in identifying gaps in MHPSS services and will assist to fill those gaps by providing relevant support.

She/he contributes in learning and development of the project MH teams, through providing on-the-job trainings, as well as mentoring and coaching of first mission MHAMS and MH Supervisors.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Direct support to the Projects

• Filling gaps for Mental Health Activities Manager (MHAM) positions (usually no more than 2 months per project) in missions supported by MESO, and if feasible, to also support missions outside MESO portfolio countries, (cross fertilization)
• In case of gap of MHAM and MH Supervisors, priorly arranged/agreed with project PMR, to provide remote clinical supervision to MHPSS teams.
• Regular support to all the MHAM (and MH Supervisors) in the project’s trough remote assistance or field visit, when possible and needed upon missions’ request to ensure adherence to MSF MHPSS protocols.
• Participate in explos/assessments and emergency response related to MHPSS field, on request of Missions/cells and upon validation of the MESO Medical Support Coordinator.
• Support field teams in developing, implementing and monitoring of MHPSS strategies.
• Develop ad hoc analysis based on the request of the project, on both clinical and contextual aspects related to MHPSS field.

Strengthen the integration to the MSF MHPSS programs in the region

• In close collaboration and with the guidance of MH Advisors at HQ, support the deployment and adaptation of protocols, guidelines, and SOPs to regional needs. Provide feedback and Support in the improvements of the quantitative and qualitative monitoring of the MHPSS activities in the projects/missions (data collection, monitoring and reporting).
• Promote and contribute to the capitalization and standardization of MHPSS programs in the region by sharing good practices amongst the different projects in the region.
• Support the strengthening of mhGAP interventions via close collaboration with the Psychiatric Advisor.Work closely with related specialties to ensure coherent medical transversality within and among projects.
• Provide feedback to the HQ MH Advisors As, relevant RMPs and medical coordinators about progress, challenges and opportunities discussed at project level.
• Liaise and coordinate with other regional actors and platforms (academia, INGOs) to contribute to network for possible trainings, exchange of experiences and potential partnerships.

Human Resources/Capacity Building

• Mentors and coaches first missioner MHAMs and local MH supervisors working in MESO portfolio mission countries.
• Assess and identify the learning needs of MHPSS team and, when pertinent, provide on-the-job training.

Miscellaneous

• Produce a report after a field visit with clear actionable recommendations for the projects and a planned follow up, possibly within one week.
• Support to other missions, depending on needs and availability.
• Contribute to MESO development, reflection on MESO ways of working, new support area to develop and new approach in order to adapt the office dynamics to changing needs in the missions and in the region.

Your Profile

Education

• Master’s level degree in psychology or MD degree with specialization in psychiatry

Experience and Skills

• Essential working experience of at least 5 years as psychologist (or psychiatrist)
• Minimum 2 years’ experience as Project MHAM (Experience with MSF is essential)
• Critical reading and writing skills
• Data tools and DHIS 2
• Mentoring and capacity to deliver trainings
• Computer : Excel, Word and PowerPoint

Languages

• Fluent in English (written and sppken), Arabic as a strong asset

Personal Abilities

• Excellent ability to work in a multicultural environment successfully and to demonstrate commitment and support for diversity, gender-responsive, inclusive, and non-discriminatory behavior and attitudes
• Commitment to MSF’s Principles
• Cross-cultural Awareness
• Analytical Thinking
• Strategic Vision
• Results and Quality Orientation
• Initiative and Innovation
• Teamwork and Cooperation

Terms of Employment

• Fixed-term contract, 12 months
• Full-Time, 100%
• Working place: Field-based position in MESO supported countries (Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, Sudan and Iran) with possibility to be deployed in other MSF contexts with visits to the headquarters in Amman/Geneva. 80% of the time in the field
• Practical working conditions in the field are in accordance with the MSF OCG volunteer manual.
• Ideal start date: ASAP
• Gross monthly salary: CHF 5’500.- based on 100%
• Benefits: Health insurance and living expenses in the countries of intervention and at headquarters, paid according to internal regulations.