Coordinator, MHPSS 115 views0 applications

Program Description

International Medical Corps IMC has been responding to the humanitarian needs of conflict-affected populations, and health emergencies in CAR since 2007 with funding from ECHO, BHA (OFDA), FCDO (DFID), EC Bekou, and UN agencies. IMC has provided life-saving health (primary health care, secondary health care, response to health emergencies), nutrition, and protection (GBV) services to more than 500,000 conflict affected people (displaced and host communities) in CAR. Due to its long-standing presence and relationships in the country, IMC is the first and only responder to the humanitarian crisis in Vakaga prefecture since 2013. It works in partnership with national, regional and district MoH facilities while maintaining the capacity to implement actions for responding to emergency needs.

Currently, International Medical Corps operates in the insecure northern and eastern prefectures of Central African Republic (CAR), named Haute-Kotto, Vakaga, and Ouaka, through the provision of emergency health (including mental health) and nutrition services and addressing GBV needs in Bria health district (Haute-Kotto prefecture), Bambari and Grimari health districts (Ouaka prefecture) and Birao health district (Vakaga prefecture). The arise of security incidents has increased following the December 2020 presidential election crisis and has affected the ability of humanitarian organizations to reach people with increased needs and who are struggling to recover from the previous crises.

International Medical Corps also supports government health facilities with essential medicines, medical supplies, and equipment as well as the rehabilitation of health posts. International Medical Corps operate mobile medical units in PK-3 IDP site (Bria), PK-8 IDP site (Bambari) and Chinese and Aerodrome IDP sites (Vakaga) to provide vital health care services to IDPs and most isolated villages. In addition, IMC support the MOH preparedness to respond to COVID-19 in trough the strengthening of the community engagement and case management in these health districts. Since March 2020, IMC was committed to support strengthening the health system through the performance-based financing (PBF) approach in Bria and Vakaga health districts with EC Bekou funding.

IMC operates out of 3 main field bases (Bambari, Bria and Birao) and 2 sub-bases (Tiringoulou, Sikikede in Vakaga) across the 3 prefectures while a national coordination office is based in Bangui. In Vakaga health district, IMC supports 20 MoH primary health facilities and Birao district hospital as well running of MMU in Chinese and Aerodrome IDP sites with the support of BHA, EC Bekou and CHF fundings. IMC has been providing integrated MHPSS care in primary healthcare settings in different regions of Central African Republic for over 5 years. The programs use the mhGAP approach to improve access to quality mental health and psychosocial support services in clinics and in the community.

Job Description

The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Coordinator will oversee all MHPSS programming for the country’s response, and will manage the MHPSS team as well as monitor IMC’s partnership with local partners for the implementation of various MHPSS projects
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function with or without reasonable accommodation:

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate the MHPSS programming for the country, including strategy development and monitoring of multiple projects.
• Manage the MHPSS team, including field-based MHPSS managers, psychiatrists, and national MHPSS staff; support with team-building, performance reviews, and professional development of staff
• Closely work with local NGO partner(s) and relevant government focal points for the implementation and monitoring of MHPSS projects
• Provide continual technical guidance and support for MHPSS-related trainings and supervision as needed
• Prepare and implement a Training of Trainers (ToT) program on PFA and other relevant topics and support national trainers to roll out trainings
• Support the development of MHPSS referral pathways with partner NGO(s) and external service providers to strengthen links to available MHPSS- and Protection-related services
• In collaboration with local partners, engage community leaders, community-based organizations, and other service providers in supporting beneficiaries to access MHPSS services as well as ensuring their feedback for quality monitoring and accountability
• Lead the development of MHPSS-related IEC materials
• Oversee monitoring and evaluation of MHPSS programming, and development of M&E tools and collection and analysis of program data
• Prepare MHPSS reporting on a regular basis, as the focal point for the MHPSS team
• Work closely with support departments to support program administration and the logistical implementation of activities in program sites
• Implement the project in line with IMC and global MHPSS standards and guidelines and closely coordinate with IMC’s Technical Unit Global Mental Health Advisor for development and review of training materials and reports.
• Coordinate regularly with other sectors’ teams for integrated approach to activities and trainings
• Mainstream MHPSS within IMC across sectors, and with partners and service providers
• Participate in MHPSS coordination meetings for information sharing, collaboration with partners, referral mechanisms, and advocacy for best practices and IASC MHPSS guidelines

Perform other duties as assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed in this document are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and not necessarily all inclusive.

Code of Conduct
As applicable to this position, an individual must promote and encourage a culture of compliance and ethics throughout the organization and maintain a clear understanding of International Medical Corps’ and donor compliance and ethics standards and adheres to those standards.
If this is a supervisory position, one must set an example of ethical behavior through one’s own conduct and oversight of the work of others; ensure that those who report to you have sufficient knowledge and resources to follow the standards outlined in the Code of Conduct & Ethics; monitor compliance of the people you supervise; enforce the Code of Conduct & Ethics and International Medical Corps’ policies, including the Safeguarding Policy and the Protection from Harassment, Bullying and Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace Policy, consistently and fairly; support employees who in good faith raise questions or concerns.
It is all staff shared responsibility and obligation to safeguard and protect populations with whom we work, including adults who may be particularly vulnerable and children. This includes safeguarding from the following conduct by our staff or partners: sexual exploitation and abuse; exploitation, neglect, or abuse of children, adults at risk, or LGBTI individuals; and any form of trafficking in persons. Staff are also responsible for preventing violations to our Code of Conduct and Ethics, which may involve Conflicts of Interest, Fraud, Corruption or Harassment. If you see, hear or are made aware of any violations to the Code of Conduct and Ethics or Safeguarding Policy, you have an obligation to report.

Equal Opportunities
International Medical Corps is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.

QUALIFICATIONS
Typically a 4-year University degree in related area. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate

EXPERIENCE

• The qualified candidate will be a mental health professional (psychologist, clinical social worker, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse) with experience in MHPSS program coordination
• 7+ year of relevant and progressive experience working in mental health related field, including minimum of 4 years of professional experience coordinating MHPSS projects in humanitarian settings
• Knowledgeable in and experience following IASC Guidelines on MHPSS in Emergencies and international best practices on the integration of MHPSS into primary health care settings
• Demonstrable technical expertise in the assessment, design, and delivery of responses to pre-existing and emergency-induced MHPSS needs
• Training experience required; capacity and proven track record in national staff and partner training and capacity-building
• Strong organizational and supervisory skills
• Honest, hardworking and self-motivated
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within different cultural environments
• Strong written and communication skills
• Ability to work within a team structure or independently, flexible, and can cope with stressful workload
• An excellent command of verbal and written English
• Additional Technical or Language Requirements
• Experience with EU grant management will be an asset. Excellent decision-making skills, team player and strong communication skills. Ability to work in harsh conditions, often in remote areas. Creativity and the ability to work with limited resource settings. Fluent in French and professional proficiency in English

Misconduct Disclosure Scheme

All offers of employment at International Medical Corps are subject to satisfactory references and background checks. International Medical Corps participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme from the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response (SCHR). In accordance with this, we will request information from an applicant’s previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.