MHPSS Specialist

Duty Station: Ramallah/Nablus

Starting Date: Dec 2024

End Date: Mar 2025 (with the possibility of renewal)

This is a full-time position and working hours are from Sunday to Thursday, 08:00 – 16:00.

PREMIERE-URGENCE INTERNATIONAL (PUI) is an international, apolitical, non-religious, and non-profit French organization intervening in 23 countries worldwide. PUI aims to provide a global response to the fundamental needs to people affected by humanitarian crises, from the emergency to the restoration of their autonomy and dignity. Première-Urgence and Aide Médicale Internationale merged in 2011 to offer a better range of lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to communities affected by extreme adversity.

PUI's humanitarian and development aid strategy in oPt focuses on providing support to populations affected by the coercive environment and subsequent IHL/HR violations in both the West Bank (WB) and the Gaza Strip (GS). PUI's programming incorporates interventions in several sectors, aiming at the prevention of livelihoods' loss and displacement as a consequence of protection threats, lack of services (health, education, WASH), and lack of access to agricultural lands or job opportunities.

Overall Objective

Under the direct responsibility of the West Bank Field Coordinator and the technical supervision of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Coordinator, the MHPSS Specialist is in charge of the daily implementation and supervision of MHPSS activities in the field, contributing to the development of MHPSS activities. He/She manages the PUI’s MHPSS Facilitators team.

The position entails frequent travels to areas of operations all over West Bank and East Jerusalem..

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Programs: He/She ensures proper implementation and monitoring of MHPSS activities falling under his/her responsibility. He/She contributes to the development of new MHPSS activities on the basis of identified needs.
• Human Resources: He/She supervises the MHPSS Team (PUI salaried employees and, as the case may be, daily paid workers or implementer workers).
• Logistics and Administration: He/She ensures compliance of activities falling under his/her responsibility with logistical and administrative procedures.
• Representation: He/she represents the association before partners, authorities, clusters, working groups, and local actors involved in the implementation of MHPSS programs. 
• Safety: He/She contributes to efforts aimed at ensuring compliance with safety rules at the site, and transmits all information relating to safety concerns to his/her immediate supervisor.
• Strategy: He/She contributes to the development of new interventions on the basis of identified needs.

Specific objectives and linked activities:

       1.ENSURE IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING OF MHPSS PROGRAM

• Ensures the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of MHPSS activities, according to the defined SOPs, work plan, and strategy with the support of the MHPSS Coordinator.
• Contribute to the strategic development of MHPSS programming in the mission.
• Ensures the quality of the service provided and that all activities are in line with PUI’s technical guidelines including intervention framework for MHPSS and international recommendations.
• Works in close collaboration with the Field Coordinator and MHPSS Coordinator on the development, implementation, follow up  and learning of/on MHPSS activities, including the development of new SOPs and other framing documents, adaptation of existing SOPs, etc.
• Work with the operations, protection, MEAL, and community engagement teams to ensure an integrated approach.
• Ensures the implementation of the activities through partners when necessary or supporting other partners’ activities according the needs and request from the mission.
• Alongside the MHPSS team and depending on needs, directly implements MHPSS activities in the field (facilitation of workshops, individual or group sessions, awareness-raising and outreach activities, open day events, etc.).
• Ensures the proper day-to-day functioning of MHPSS activities falling under his/her responsibility and the compliance with goals defined in the project proposal.
• Ensures that project planning and monitoring tools are up-to-date and accurate.
• Follows up weekly data entry by the MHPSS staff and/or MEAL, and compiling the monthly report in line with project and donor requirements.
• Provides support for the development of adapted and culturally sensitive key MHPSS messages for IEC, community activities, and communication materials.
• Follows up on the progress, challenges, and achievements towards project targets and indicators in MHPSS activities and informs his/her line manager of any serious challenge in this regard.
• Analysis MHPSS data and other sources of information to assess progress and recommends improvements.
• Upon request of the MHPSS Coordinator, provides inputs for the development of MHPSS programming in the mission.
• Follows up on the logistics, HR, and financial aspects of the MHPSS activities.
• Ensures the proper archiving of all the documents, tools, and training materials produced in the context of project/s, and ensures the availability of the verification sources mentioned in the proposals.
• Ensure good compliance with PUI’s data protection protocol regarding data collection, beneficiary forms and storage of beneficiaries' files at the field level.
• Ensures providing a monthly update of MHPSS activities regularly to his/her direct supervisor, as well as ensuring providing the MHPSS progress inputs to MEAL department to feed project-related reports regularly. Follow up closely on the budget consumption of MHPSS activities and provide any MHPSS financial-related updates upon request.
• Reports to clusters or 5W platforms when requested from Field or MHPSS Coordinators.
• In cooperation with the PUI MHPSS coordinator and Field Coordinator he/she will be participating actively in designing the MHPSS activities budget during the project proposal stage.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of an Emergency Response Plan according to the needs.

       2.SUPERVISE THE MHPSS TEAM AND ENSURE CAPACITY BUILDING

• Ensures the application of the Internal Rules of Procedure of PUI for the mission, and guarantees that they are known and respected by the PSS team
• Under the supervision of the Field Coordinator and the technical support of the MHPSS Coordinator, contributes to recruitments according to the needs of the projects, by creating and/or updating job profiles/job descriptions and participating in the hiring process (interviewing, testing, etc.) for direct implementation of the activities or through partners.
• With support from the Field Coordinator and MHPSS Coordinator, ensures that each staff under her/his supervision is subject to a written appraisal at least once per contract period and per year, and at a minimum before leaving office.
• With the support from the Field Coordinator and MHPSS Coordinator, ensures that staff under her/his supervision is subject to a written and tailored individual action plan to support the improvement of their performance.
• Participates in any decision related to the termination of employment contracts of team members.
• With support from the MHPSS Coordinator, identifies the training needs of the MHPSS team, and identifies topics of training according to those needs, to the assessed beneficiaries’ needs, and the project objectives.
• Based on needs and requests from the MHPSS Coordinator, provides capacity-building sessions to the MHPSS staff and members of other teams when relevant, including Psychological First Aid.
• Conducts regular visits to the field ensuring the implementation of quality services and providing the support needed for the MHPSS Facilitators.
• Ensures regular technical individual and group supervision of the MHPSS staff with the support of the MHPSS Coordinator, and provides advice/guidance to improve clinical practice and interventions by implementing the PUI Supervision guidelines and related tools.
• Contributes to the MHPSS internal or external reports following the request from Field or MHPSS Coordinators.
• Reviews and adapts tools to timely monitor delivered activities, including but not limited to session outcome reports, pre and post-tests, referral tracker, etc.
• Supports the staff under his/her direct management in the fulfilment of their duties by ensuring that agreed activities and procedures are regularly and timely performed by the MHPSS team.
• Demonstrate a proactive attitude towards continuous improvement by actively seeking opportunities to enhance technical and professional competencies.
• Promotes and contributes to regular MHPSS meetings, actively listening and sharing insights, suggestions, and updates to foster collaboration among the field team and enhance program effectiveness.
• Identifies improvement areas in terms of adopting the “psychosocial approach” within the PUI oPt mission, and actively proposes recommendations aiming at covering those gaps.
• Ensures team building among his/her team, promotes teamwork and a good working environment to ensure their wellbeing is maintained in the best shape.
• He/She will implement mechanisms for coordinating his/her own team and organize their supervision.
• He/she will act to prevent sources of misunderstandings or miscommunications that might create tension among his/her team and alert the Field Coordinator and MHPSS Coordinator to take the appropriate actions to address such concerns.

      3.ENSURE LOGISTICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT FOR THE MHPSS PROGRAM

• On a monthly basis, provides the administrator with all information necessary for the development of cash flow estimates specific for his/her programme(s).
• Ensures that HR documents (time sheets, leave request, etc.) are communicated to the Admin Assistant/officer at the Base and his/her supervisor on time
• Ensures that the monthly budget tracking of the program(s) falling under his/her responsibility is up-to-date, participates in analyses, detects possible anomalies, and proposes adjustments.
• In coordination with the Logistics Manager, he/she organizes the logistical components of his/her programs (BoQs, delivery, distribution, on-site storage, etc) and ensures appropriate space and materials are allocated for the good conduct of MHPSS activities.
• Communicates to the Logistics assistant on a weekly basis his/her needs related to vehicles and communication equipment for the implementation of programs.
• Prepares purchase requests according to the MHPSS needs and ensures proper communication of specifications with the log assistant using the appropriate Procurement logistical tools.

       4.INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL LIAISON

• Participates in external MHPSS Sector Coordination meetings.
• In close collaboration with other relevant sectors (Health, Nutrition, Protection), create and continuously update the service mapping and referral pathway of specialized MH services for severe and/or complex cases.
• Reporting continuously to the Field Coordinator and MHPSS Coordinator on the achievement of his/her objectives, the implementation of the program, and the needs identified on the field.
• Reporting to the MHPSS Coordinator on the required technical aspects and quality concerns
• Communicating the needs and requests of his/her team to the other departments, using the proper communication channels, and ensuring his/her team does the same with proper anticipation and level of formalization.
• Upon specific request from the Field Coordinator or MHPSS Coordinator, participate on an occasional basis in external MHPSS Sector Coordination meetings (i.e. in case of absence).

       5.ENSURE THE SAFETY OF PROPERTY AND PEOPLE

• Ensures that the safety plan is known by the team falling under his/her responsibility and that safety rules are respected.
• Contributes to data collection on safety issues in his/her field of operations and disseminates them to the Field Coordinator regularly or on an ad-hoc basis if urgent.
• Ensures that projects, methodologies, or selection criteria do not place beneficiaries, PUI staff, or any other persons at risk of harm.
• Ensures that members of his/her team and daily paid workers, as the case may be, are provided with safety gear adapted to their activities.
• Responsible for compliance with the security policy on the activity sites, in PUI subbases, and during the movements of his/her team.
• Reporting on the security situation to the Field Coordinator and the Log/Security officer/manager.
• Ensuring PUI security regulations are implemented by the program team, and that the proper validations are obtained.
• Upon request from the field Coordinator, contributes to PUI’s security analysis with his/her input.
• Ensures that protection principles are met at all times.
• Ensure his/her team is reachable when they are in the field and they are easily communicated through having efficient communication devices /Channels Make sure that the security updates are circulated to his /her team and they are adhering to it.

       6.CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PROPOSALS

• Participates in identifying MHPSS-related needs in coordination with the MHPSS Coordinator and Field Coordinator.
• In the context of identifying new operations, he/she contributes to the preparation of project proposals for the MHPSS sector or other, as per request.
• Participates in the strategy development of the mission.

جميع الحقوق محفوظة لموقع جوبس.

Required Knowledge and Skills

TRAINING: 

Required: 

• Bachelor or Masters degree in psychology (or related field).

Desirable:

• Masters in clinical psychology.
• Project management (project cycle, design and monitoring tools, budget follow up, etc.).

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: (Humanitarian, International)

Required: 

• Minimum 4 years of working experience in NGOs, iNGO or CBO.
• Minimum 1 year experience in staff management position.
• Minimum 1 year experience in MHPSS supervision.
• Demonstrated technical experience in implementing PSS-related projects.
• Experience in designing and implementing of capacity-building initiatives around mental health.

Desirable:

• Experience in Community and public health.
• Clinical experience with victims of conflicts, survivors of S/GBV and survivors of torture, refugee / displaced populations.
• Experience in scalable MHPSS programs (PM, mhGAP, Children resilience).
• Experience in trauma-focused therapy.
• Clinical experience with migrants / displaced people, victims of conflicts, survivors of S/GBV and survivors of torture.
• Experience and ability to work in unstable environments.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Required: 

• Good management capacities and team leadership spirit.
• Good writing skills in English.
• Programmatic, financial, and organizational planning skills.
• Experience and ability to work in unstable environments.
• MHPSS intervention in humanitarian setting.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of the importance of confidentiality and data protection-relevant protocols.
• Ability to work in challenging conditions and find suitable techniques to mitigate any probable challenges.
• Ability to work in volatile and complex humanitarian settings.
• Ability to take initiative and be proactive in tackling changes and seeking opportunities.

Desirable:

• Project management skills.
• Knowledge of IASC PSS guidelines.
• Knowledge of procedures: institutional donors (OFDA, ECHO, AAP, UN agencies).
• MHPSS intervention in humanitarian setting.
• Good knowledge of IASC MHPSS guidelines.
• Good knowledge of integration of mental health and psychosocial support services in primary health care settings.

LANGUAGES

• Arabic
• English

Required: English mandatory: very good command in spoken and written English.

SOFTWARE (Pack Office, Other (to be specified)

Required: Good knowledge of the MS office software - Including Word, Outlook, Excel.

Required Personal Characteristics (fitting into the team, suitability for the job and assignment)

• Ability to work independently, take the initiative and take responsibility.
• Strong commitment in humanitarian principles.
• Resilience to stress.
• Diplomacy and open-mindedness.
• Good analytical skills.
• Organization and ability to manage priorities.
• Proactive approach to making proposals and identifying solutions.
• Ability to work and manage professionally and maturely.
• Ability to integrate into the local environment, taking account of its political, economic and historical characteristics.
• Excellent communication skills, diplomacy, and a solution-oriented attitude.
• Ability to withstand pressure.
• Capacity to delegate and supervise the work of a team.
• Honesty, integrity, and transparency.
• Adaptability, flexibility.
• Great sense of confidentiality.
• Ability to work in secluded and volatile contexts.
• Cultural sensitivity.

*To have a valid driving license

PUI provides a work environment that reflects the values of integrity, diversity and gender equality. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from women and underrepresented cultural or social groups, particularly people with disabilities and people from communities highly affected by occupation-related violence (including settler violence).

All PUI workers adhere to the values and principles outlined in the PUI Code of Conduct and policies, including the Protection from Exploitation and Abuse Policy and the Child Protection Policy.”

If you believe you are the candidate we are looking for, you could apply using the two mandatory steps:
1. Please fill in the form in the link below:

MHPSS SPECIALIST– APPLICATION FORM

2.In addition, please submit a cover letter and a detailed resumebefore Monday November 18, 2024by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. Please indicate the Position Title "MHPSS SPECIALIST" in the E-mail subject line.

Incomplete applications or Unfilled Forms will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.