Mental Health advisor At INTERSOS

INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.

Terms of reference

Job Title: Mental Health advisor

Code: SR-00-9333

Duty station: HQ/home based

Starting date: 02/05/2024

Contract duration: 4 months

Reporting to: Head medical unit

Supervision of: none

Type of Duty Station: Non-family duty station

General context of the project

INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.

General purpose of the position

MH referent will be focused on supporting INTERSOS Medical unit in developing a minimum package of MH activities and integrating them with protection activities for MHPSS to ensure the provision of comprehensive and effective mental health support to the target population affected by humanitarian crises. This involves assessing mental health needs, designing SOPs and tools, building capacity, establishing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. The goal is to promote mental well-being, resilience, and recovery among affected populations.

Main responsibilities and tasks

Based on existing international standards:

1. Map and Assess ongoing MHPSS activities: Conduct focus group discussions and interviews with involved personnel (both medical and protection staff, both at HQ and in the field) to assess current MHPSS projects issues and concerns.

2. Develop a strategy that outlines the approach and methodology to cover clinical support for MH concerns and ensure it aligns with MHPSS strategy of the Protection Unit

3. Develop a minimum package of clinical interventions targeting MH issues: Collaborate closely with Med-U staff and other relevant stakeholders, to create a SOP that guides the medical MH activities.

4. Integrate the minimum package with the protection part of MHPSS activities: Work alongside protection and Medical unit to seamlessly integrate both medical and Protection interventions for MHPSS.

5. Train HQ staff: Organize training sessions for Medical Unit and protection staff to enhance capacity in delivering MHPSS interventions effectively across the various layers of the MHPSS pyramid

6. Establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms: Create tools and protocols to monitor and evaluate the impact of MHPSS activities on the well-being of beneficiaries, ensuring that they meet international standards.

Required profile and experience

Education

• A degree in psychology, medical/paramedical degrees, or a related field with a focus on mental health and psychosocial support.

Professional Experience

• At least 5 years in a similar position.

Professional Requirements

• In-depth knowledge of mental health and psychosocial support principles and best practices in humanitarian settings.
• proven familiarity with international standards and guidelines for mental health and psychosocial support in emergencies and proven capacity in developing related documents/tools.
• Familiarity with international humanitarian standards and guidelines, such as the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings.

Languages

• English

Personal Requirements

• Humanitarian motivation and commitment
• Flexibility
• Effective communication
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Strategic thinking and vision