Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergencies

Mission and objectives

WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that was established in July 1946 and whose objective is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. WHO’s primary role is to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations system. WHO’s main areas of work are health systems; health through the life-course; noncommunicable and communicable diseases; preparedness, surveillance and response; and corporate services.

Context

WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that was established in July 1946 and whose objective is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. WHO’s primary role is to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations system. WHO’s main areas of work are health systems; health through the life-course; noncommunicable and communicable diseases; preparedness, surveillance and response; and corporate services.

Task description

The incumbent under direct supervision of the regional advisor for mental health and substance use consultant at the Regional office EMR will engage and coordinate with the Ministry of Health (MOH), Directorates of Health (DOHs), UN/NGO partners and national focal points for MHPSS to: • Provide technical guidance to develop, implement and monitor the MHPSS action plans for catering to the needs of population across the response and recovery phases; • Promote a system-based approach to integrate MHPSS in health and related social sectors in coordination with relevant agencies and entities; • Provide technical support for the capacity enhancement initiatives in coordination with the national and international stakeholders involved in the current humanitarian response to develop a multi-layered MHPSS response; • Facilitate development of community-based Mental Health services; • Coordinate with all stakeholders to enhance the capacity of PHC personnel to deliver a basic package of mental health care based on WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme – Intervention Guide (mhGAP-HIG) as part of the PHC package of care; • Coordinate and technically support the development of secondary level psychiatric outpatient /inpatient services to provide referral and Supervisory support for PHC personnel; • Contribute to the development of and strengthening of specialist level psychiatric services; • Participate with all stakeholders and partners to develop IEC materials and raise awareness on mental and psychosocial needs to counter stigma and discrimination; Co-develop, in coordination with national stakeholders, surveillance and monitoring systems; • Provide technical advice to partner civil society organizations and other entities, as appropriate, on the issues related to instituting a robust MHPSS program; • Assist with Mobilization of adequate and sustained resources for the development and implementation of MHPSS activities and programmes; • Provide programmatic support to the mental health and substance abuse programme at the country office; • Written periodic updates on MHPSS services, shared with relevant sectors and management; • Draft and review technical documents and information products as appropriate. Results/Expected Outputs: As an active WHO team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to the WHO Health Emergencies incident management system, at the country level, and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: • development, adaptation and use of approaches, and interventions aimed at protection, promotion of mental health and prevention of Mental, Neurological and Substance use disorders (MNS) through integration of mental health and substance abuse components in general health care and promoting intersectoral collaboration; • Support to all stakeholders to develop and implement policies, programmes and plans on mental health and psychosocial support based on the best available evidence and guided by the WHO, and IASC polices, position papers and strategies and guidelines on mental health and psychosocial support during emergencies and COVID 19 pandemic; • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment; • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed; • The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counter-parts, including Implementing Partners (IPs); • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment; • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development dur-ing the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

Eligibility criteria

Age

27 – 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in mental health and psycho-social programming; • Public health qualification will be an added plus; • Experience working in the Humanitarian context and emergencies; • Experience in capacity building and in strengthening various duty bearers’ understanding of and response to mental health and Psychosocial Support; • Experience working on the inclusion of hard to reach groups of children is a plus; • Good knowledge of and experience in using established inter-agency standards and guidelines in MHPSS; • Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively in written and spoken English; • Public health qualification will be an added plus; • Knowledge of Ukranian and/or Russian is desirable; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.