MHPSS Programme Advisor – Ukraine Response

Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) is seeking a dedicated Mental health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Program Advisor to join our program in Ukraine. The person hired will lead the development and implementation of NCA’s programme to support emotional well-being of conflict affected people, particularly women and girls affected by gender-based violence (GBV). MHPSS are essential components of a comprehensive package of care to promote psychosocial wellbeing and prevent mental disorders among GBV survivors. Survivors of GBV are at increased risk for a range of mental health problems including depressive or anxiety disorder, PTSD, suicidal ideation and self-harm.

NCA has been working through partners in Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022. NCA’s program portfolio in Ukraine focuses on multipurpose cash assistance (MPCA), water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and prevention of and response to GBV. The GBV program features integration of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH).

The main geographic focus is inside of Ukraine, in the central, southern and eastern regions of the country, with exact locations to be determined. The position will be seconded to an NCA international partner to support development and implementation of the program. The MHPSS Program Advisor is a crucial position to ensure the development, implementation, and quality control of the joint NCA-partner response. An important part of the job is to train, guide and support national GBV / protection / MHPSS team members. You can expect frequent travels within Ukraine to project locations.

The contract is for six months and based at NCA’s partner office in Ukraine. This is a non-family duty station and NCA will provide you with accommodation and a living allowance, as well as comprehensive insurance and an R&R plan.

Start date: As soon as possible. Applications will be assessed on an ongoing basis. This position requires European, US or Canadian citizenship or other that allow swift visa acceptance to Ukraina.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Overall, be the programmatic lead of the MHPSS component of the NCA and partner joint response
• Collaborate and coordinate with other programme areas (Gender Based Violence (GBV), Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH), Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) in developing integrated programming
• Recruit and build the capacity of national staff from partners, and other relevant stakeholders on MHPSS, including the development and delivery of a capacity building plan for staff and partners on MHPSS
• Ensure MHPSS interventions are implemented in a timely manner, are evidence-based, and underpinned by sound MEAL and quality assurance procedures, developing clear SOPs and training/backstopping staff/partners accordingly
• Participate directly as well as facilitate partner participation in relevant coordination fora, and actively contribute to joint assessments, analysis, monitoring and advocacy
• Contribute technical input to the proposal development process, with input based on updated assessment of needs and in line with endorsed NCA and partners’ programming strategy
• Contribute to the development of a scale up strategy and of a continuation of the proposed intervention

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years of proven experience in mental health and/or psychosocial support programming in emergencies
• Good collaboration and communication skills
• Ability to be proactive and work independently
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential, Ukrainian or Russian is an asset
• Excellent thematic technical skills and experience in humanitarian program development and implementation
• Good skills in facilitating trainings and workshops
• Ability to operate in a high stress and unpredictable environment

Personal Qualities:

• Demonstrate flexibility, reflection, and the ability to maintain positive relationships and composure in stressful situations
• Exceptional cooperative skills, seeing strengths as well as opportunities in colleagues and partners
• Ability to listen and build trust while at the same time a establish a clear direction and motivate others
• Excellent at communicating and engaging partners and staff

We offer:

• Exciting and highly meaningful job with one of Norway’s largest humanitarian organisations, with opportunity to develop new approaches in an international, multicultural environment
• Opportunity to acquire professional and personal development
• We can offer competitive terms and conditions
• Opportunity to work in an international environment with one of largest ongoing emergency responses
• Most of all, you will make a real difference in lives of people in crisis

In your application, please include the following:

• Experience in using therapeutic interventions, PM+, CETA, mhGAP (reference to these 3 must be mentioned)
• Experience in facilitating participatory training of non-professionals in using therapeutic interventions
• Experience in:

– setting up GBViE programmes – managing GBViE programmes

We encourage all qualified persons to apply for a job with us, regardless of gender, age, disability or cultural background. Through our recruitment portal, you can register and submit your CV, write an application / cover letter and attach relevant certificates. Only applicants using this electronic portal will be considered for the position.

Applications will be assessed on an ongoing basis.

Before you apply: We kindly ask you to carefully read the ACT Code of Conduct for the prevention of misconduct, including corruption, fraud, exploitation and abuse, including sexual; and to ensure child safeguarding and the Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse and Child Safeguarding policy before you submit your application. If you are the selected candidate for this position you will be asked to complete and sign our Code of Conduct and Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse, and Child Safeguarding Policy.