Mental Health & Psychosocial Support Project Manager

Role & Responsibilities

The Mental Health & Psychosocial Support Project Manager (MHPS Project Manager) develops, leads, monitors and evaluates the assigned MHPSS project(s). This involves effectively managing and reporting on the projects in line with the objectives, timeframe and budget. Other important aspects of the role include managing and training local staff to meet international quality standards in mental health care delivery, encouraging beneficiary participation, liaising with other stakeholders and anticipating, planning and contributing to the development of MHPSS components for new health project proposals and reports.

Project Overview

Medair’s goal in Leer County is to reduce morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations through the provision of emergency health, nutrition and WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) services, and to improve the mental and psychosocial wellbeing of affected populations.

Workplace & Conditions

Field position based in Leer, South Soudan, with very basic working and living conditions (living in tents or tukuls).

• The project area might not always be accessible due to insecurity and programming would have to be done through remote management of local Medair staff from the capital base in Juba with occasional short trips to project locations.

Starting Date / Initial Contract Details

As soon as possible. Full-time, 12 to 24 months.

Key Activity Areas

Psychosocial Support Project Management

• Manage the assigned MHPSS projects in order to meet the project objectives within budget and within the allotted time frame, reporting promptly operational concerns to Project Coordinator (PC) and Health Advisor (HA) (e.g. projected failure to meet objectives; increased beneficiary needs; projected over or under spending on project budget).
• Contribute to development and implementation of an appropriate and effective MHPSS strategy including proactive planning for responsible exit in consultation with PC and HA.
• Set clear objectives and indicators for MHPSS activities in collaboration with the PC, HA, field managers and, where appropriate, with the local communities.
• Develop new proposals, linked to the assessed needs and gaps and the Medair country strategy, in conjunction with the field team and HA.
• Ensure holistic services for survivors of gender-based violence including clinical management and psychosocial support.

Staff Management

• Line-manage the BCC/PSS Officers within the assigned projects, including day-to-day management, development and training, appraisals, etc.
• Facilitate regular meetings to assist information sharing between project staff, to ensure all staff members are aware of project objectives and current work plans and to provide the opportunity for feedback.

Financial Management

• Manage the MHPSS budgets for the assigned project(s) and ensure all expenses are according to budget and meet the Medair standards with regard to financial management, including accountability and good governance.

Communication & Coordination

• Develop and maintain appropriate, regular, transparent and supportive communication structures with the assigned MHPSS team, Medair in-country and GSO advisors and other relevant stakeholders (e.g. beneficiaries, community leaders, local and national government officials, UN agencies and other NGOs), with the objective of ensuring good cooperation and partnerships.

Logistics

• Liaise, as necessary, with the logistics and finance staff to ensure items are procured, transported, stored, managed and accounted for correctly.

Quality Management

• Ensure MHPSS projects are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and in accordance with Medair, donor, country and international standards i.e. Sphere and CHS.

Team Spiritual Life

• Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, and external contacts.
• Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith-based team settings. Fully contribute to the rich spiritual life of your team, including team devotions, prayers, and words of encouragement.
• Encouraged to join and contribute to Medair’s international prayer network.

This job description covers the main tasks that are anticipated. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary.

Qualifications

• Mental health, psychiatric nursing or social work studies.
• Counselling qualification.
• Excellent working knowledge of English (speaking and writing).

Experience

• 2 years’ post-qualification professional experience.
• At least 1-year management experience.
• At least 1-year work experience in developing country.
• Able to prioritise clearly, oversee multiple tasks, set clear objectives for staff and delegate.
• Experience in training / mentoring / coaching staff.
• Team-player with good inter-personal skills.
• Creative, open-minded, flexible, self-learner.

All new deploying international staff to Medair’s country programmes (and other roles which require field travel) should be fully vaccinated with a WHO-approved COVID vaccine, supported with a COVID vaccination certificate as evidence.