Specialist, MHPSS (1 position – Open to Somali Nationals only) 56 views0 applications

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS

International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and
relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.
Established in 1984 by volunteer doctors and nurses, International Medical Corps is a private, voluntary,
nonpolitical, nonsectarian organization. Its mission is to improve the quality of life through health
interventions and related activities that build local capacity in underserved communities worldwide. By
offering training and health care to local populations and medical assistance to people at highest risk, and with the flexibility to respond rapidly to emergency situations, International Medical Corps rehabilitates devastated health care systems and helps bring them back to self-reliance.

JOB PURPOSE
The mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) specialist will be responsible for implementing and
managing the technical components of a comprehensive MHPSS project. International Medical Corps’
approach to mental health is heavily based on training and developing the capacity of local partners and
national staff; the successful candidate should therefore have experience in training, on the job supervision and mentoring, coordination and in building referral links to other formal service providers and informal community supports. The mental health specialist will train, supervise, coordinate and oversee a national team of mental health officers, psychosocial support workers, and a team of community outreach volunteers who will engage in outreach, follow-up and basic mental health and psychosocial support. The MHPSS specialist will closely work and coordinate with the mental health and psychosocial coordinator who is tasked to oversee all MHPSS related activities including training and supervising general health care providers in mental health using mhGAP Intervention Guidelines.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Actively lead or participate in coordination mechanisms in the area (e.g. Health, general
coordination, potential MHPSS coordination group) and advocate for principles of IASC MHPSS
guidelines.
2. Identify and train mental health officers and staff/volunteers in community outreach, mental
health case management, follow-up and mental health promotion.
3. Provide training in the identification and non-pharmacological management of priority mental
health condition to general health staff in line with WHO mhGAP Intervention Guidelines in
coordination with MHPSS coordinator.
4. Engage trained staff and volunteers in on the job mentoring and supervision
5. Provide mental health and psychosocial support services along with health staff as needed
6. Ensure completion and analysis of pre post knowledge tests and on the job supervision checklists.
7. Support collection and reporting of mental health project data including HMIS reporting and
patient outcomes (e.g. functioning, satisfaction with services)
8. Provide training in other MHPSS topics as appropriate, depending on identified needs (e.g. key
aspects of psychological first aid and relevant aspects of IASC guidelines) to IMC and staff from
other agencies
9. Implement social and recreational activities (e.g. youth friendly activities)
10. Assist with the development of new proposals
11. Assist with hiring of national staff as needed
12. 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.
13. Represent IMC in MHPSS related meetings and coordination groups.

MINIUMUM REQUIREMENTS
14. The qualified candidate will be a mental health professional (psychologist, clinical social worker,
psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse) with 5+ years’ experience working on MHPSS programs,
preferably in humanitarian settings
15. Training and clinical supervision practice and experience required
16. 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
17. Demonstrable technical expertise in the assessment, design, and delivery of responses to preexisting
and emergency-induced MHPSS needs
18. Training experience required; capacity and proven track record in national staff and partner
training and capacity-building
19. Strong organizational and supervisory skills
20. Honest, hardworking and self-motivated
21. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within different cultural environments
22. Strong written and communication skills
23. Ability to work within a team structure or independently, flexible, and can cope with stressful
workload
24. An excellent command of verbal and written English

IMC is a humanitarian organization involved in emergency programmes. All IMC staff are to be flexible
and willing to assist in IMC operations as and when required.

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. 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.

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.
Safeguarding
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; and any form of trafficking in persons.
Equal Opportunities:
International Medical Corps is a ‘first-responder’ both to natural and men-made disasters and has a mandate of working in remote locations. The organization has a comprehensive security management policy and plan in place and is committed to do everything possible within its remit to ensure safety and security. Notwithstanding, the mandate and programming choices of International Medical Corps require staff with a high degree of resilience, extremely decisive quality and ability to move fast. 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.