MHPSS SPECIALIST, MOLDOVA,ROMANIA

POSITION SUMMARY

HIAS Moldova & Romania is seeking a MHPSS (Mental Health and Psychosocial Services) Specialist to join its small, yet growing and dynamic team. The MHPSS Specialist will be expected to provide technical services in support of local partners implementing programs for vulnerable migrants and refugees to improve mental health and psychosocial well-being of Ukrainian and third nationals refugees and migrants. The MHPSS Specialist will focus on provision of training and capacity building to local MHPSS service providers on issues related to adversity and displacement and work together with team members and local partners to support community based mechanisms for improvement of well being, protection resilience of those impacted by the events of the war in Ukraine. This position reports to Program Manager Moldova and Romania.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Support the development of a contextual multi-sector emergency MHPSS response for Ukrainians, third country nationals and affected communities in Romania and Moldova, in close coordination with the Program Manager
• Contribute to the development of HIAS’ MHPSS operational strategy as well as the design of new relevant MHPSS interventions in Romania and Moldova tailored to the identified MHPSS needs and in line with global best practices and standards.
• Support Moldova and Romania MHPSS program direction, including provision of technical expertise on program design and development with local partners.
• Develop appropriate training for local service providers on adversity and displacement and other areas of MHPSS competencies prioritized by local partners.
• Plan and oversee the establishment of community based mental health and psychosocial support interventions
• Mainstream MHPSS interventions and principals into all projects supported by HIAS.
• Travel within Moldova and Romania for training, capacity building, liaison and monitoring of HIAS supported projects and activities.
• Responsible for MHPSS planning and implementation plans and ensuring timely efficient and effective implementation of the psychosocial activities
• Preparation of timely, quality, and comprehensive reports and assessments
• Coordinate with partners and local organizations to create linkages for refugees for promotion of quality referral pathways, strengthening MHPSS services and ensuring their integration of MHPSS concerns to different sectors
• Participate in MHPSS coordination working groups for Moldova and Romania; participate in multi-sectoral technical working groups where possible, including Protection and Child Protection
• Support the development of a community of practice among partners providing MHPSS services to refugees in both countries.
• Contribute in the development of project proposal, concept notes and sector publications

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Masters’s degree in Counselling Psychology or related field
• Minimum of 5 years working in MHPSS programming; preference for candidates who have previous experience with direct service provision to vulnerable refugee and migrant populations.
• Demonstrated experience with operationalizing MHPSS Global standards and principles, including knowledge of international humanitarian standards for MHPSS programming.
• Knowledge of Accountability to Affected Populations framework
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills required.
• Responsible, Professional and with Integrity
• Ability to work with people from different culture settings.
• Ability to work effectively with teams.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, especially refugees or asylum seekers.
• Fluency in English and Romanian (oral and written). Added advantage to candidates who speak Ukrainian or Russian
• Must have the rights to work and live in either Moldova or Romania
• Knowledge on Computers; Ms-Office, Email and Internet.

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required or permanent location. Location is subject to change based on programmatic needs. Flexibility is essential as we grow and develop. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced, changing work environment with many crucial deadlines. All team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal work hours of responsibilities as needed.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with inteity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • (Hachnasat Orchim)

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • (Tzedek)

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie (Chesed)

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • (Chevruta)

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • (Ometz)

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • (Ruach)

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.