MHPSS Supportive Supervision

1       Background

Doctors of the World Swiss is an independent association that works to realize the right to health for all people, especially for vulnerable populations, excluded or victims of natural disasters, famine, disease, armed conflict or political violence. Our projects are carried out in 76 countries in America, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The main mission of the volunteers and professionals who form part of our organization is to work towards the fulfillment of the fundamental right to health and the enjoyment of a dignified life for everyone.

Since 1994, Doctor of the World Swiss has been present in Palestine, supporting the mental health services in the occupied Palestinian territory (the West Bank and Gaza), promoting a mental health model based on promotion, prevention, and community care.

2       Context

In the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), a protracted crisis persists, marked by long-term military occupation, frequent violations of international laws, internal divisions, and recurrent escalations of violence. This situation deteriorated significantly after the Israeli government declared war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, resulting in substantial casualties, massive displacement, and a dire humanitarian crisis.

The population, including health workers and first responders, is experiencing heightened levels of stress and anxiety. These issues are compounding the humanitarian and social impacts of the conflict, and similarly affect the Palestinian population in the West Bank, further exacerbating the ongoing crisis.

The ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in oPt have profoundly impacted the mental health and psychosocial well-being of the entire population. Health and MHPSS workers, operating under extreme stress and resource constraints, face an urgent need for support to be able of providing services under these conditions. This program would aim to enhance the capacity and resilience of MHPSS service providers, ensuring they can continue to provide essential services under challenging conditions.

Given these circumstances, implementing an MHPSS supportive supervision process for MDM teams in the West Bank and Gaza is critical.

3       Objective of the consultancy / Contracted services

The consultancy aims to design and implement a comprehensive MHPSS supportive supervision service tailored to the needs of our MHPSS teams in Gaza and the West Bank. The service should aim to:

• Enhance the skills and competencies of MdM’s MHPSS providers in delivering high-quality services in an extremely adverse context.
• Provide ongoing psychological support to MHPSS workers to manage work-related stress and prevent burnout and compassion fatigue. This support aims to manage work-related stress and implement trauma-informed practices to prevent occupational stress injuries and enhance overall psychological resilience.

To achieve these main objectives, it is important to take into account the following conditions:

• In Gaza, the team is engaged in providing basic psychosocial support services to affected populations at medical points within four shelters. These services include group psychosocial support for children, adolescents, and adults, psychoeducation, awareness activities, counseling, and PFA.
• In the West Bank, the team responds to critical incidents related to political violence. Their interventions include PFA, counseling sessions, and implementing the Problem Management Plus Program (PM+).
• The MdM’s MHPSS team comprises 15 professionals including psychologists and social workers (03 in Gaza and 12 in the WB).
• For the team in Gaza, the supportive supervision sessions will be conducted remotely. Initially, the frequency of these sessions will be high, with two sessions per month, to address urgent needs effectively. Over time, as the initial challenges are managed, the frequency will be reduced to one session per month to maintain steady support while allowing for the practical application of strategies.
• For the team in the West Bank, the supportive supervision sessions will also be held once per month and face to face in our office in Bethlehem.
• The decision on whether these sessions will be conducted as individual or group sessions will depend on the proposals submitted by the consultant. The consultant is expected to determine the most effective modality—group or individual—based on their expertise and understanding of the team's dynamics and needs.
• In both cases, the modality and frequency of the sessions should be crafted to ensure they meet the specific requirements and circumstances of each team, and proposals should clearly outline how these elements will be tailored to support the teams effectively.

4       Time of contract

12 months with a mid-year review after six months.

5       Main responsibilities

• The consultant will assess the specific needs and challenges faced by MdM’s MHPSS teams in Gaza and the West Bank, focusing solely on their requirements for supportive supervision in adverse contexts. This assessment should include direct consultations with the teams to understand their operational impacts and support needs, explicitly excluding broader organizational capacity evaluations.
• Based on the needs assessment, design a comprehensive MHPSS supportive supervision service that should include:
  • Detailed plans for both individual and group sessions, with flexibility based on the consultant’s recommendations.
  • Strategies for delivering these sessions remotely, especially for the team in Gaza.
  • Integration of trauma-informed practices to enhance psychological resilience and manage occupational stress.
• Develop an implementation plan that details the logistics, timeline, and resources required for the supportive supervision service. This plan should also specify the initial high-frequency phase for Gaza and the ongoing monthly sessions for both teams.

6       Deliverables

• Comprehensive report detailing the findings from the initial needs assessment, including specific challenges and recommendations for the supportive supervision structure.
• Detailed document outlining the service’s goals, methodologies, session plans (individual and group), and trauma-informed practices to be implemented.
• Clear and actionable plan for rolling out the supervision sessions, including schedules, platforms for remote delivery, and criteria for evaluating the success of these sessions.
• Monthly reports assessing the impact and effectiveness of the supportive supervision program, with recommendations for ongoing adjustments and improvements.
• At the end of the consultancy period, a final comprehensive report summarizing the program’s outcomes, lessons learned, and future recommendations for sustaining and scaling up the supportive supervision efforts.

7       Profile

• Licensed Clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist with at least 7 years of experience providing Mental Health and psychotherapeutic services.
• At least two years of experience in a similar consultancy role/proven expertise in MHPSS supervision program design and implementation, particularly in crisis or conflict settings.
• Strong understanding of the cultural and operational context in Gaza and the West Bank.
• Excellent analytical, design, and communication skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English.
• Strong adherence to ethical principles, especially in sensitive contexts.
• Respect for the privacy and dignity of individuals.
• Commitment to unbiased and factual reporting.
• Knowledge and adherence to humanitarian principles.
• Culturally sensitive and to issues related to gender and disability.
• Ability to adhere to MdM's mission, values, and principles, as well as to the organization's codes of conduct, PSEA, and safeguards.

8       Place of work

The person hired will be able to perform most of his or her duties and responsibilities remotely. However, he/she will need to have the means and availability to hold agreed-upon face-to-face meetings at MdM's offices in Bethlehem and possibly East Jerusalem.

9       Proposal requirements

Consultants are expected to provide a detailed approach that includes:

• A clear rationale for chosen methodologies and content areas.
• An outline of the proposed activities and how they will be implemented within the logistical constraints of Gaza and the West Bank.
• Detailed budget:
  • Gaza: 6 months service
  • West Bank: Monthly budget
• Evidence of previous successful implementations in similar contexts.

Application Requirements

Applicants shall submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter.
2. Technical Proposal outlining methodology for conducting the service.
3. CV including information about past experiences in similar projects / assignments.
4. Financial Offer.

Kindly send your CV, technical offer and price offer to, [email protected]

  no later than 19th June 2024. Title MHPSS Supportive Supervision consultancy