Technical Specialist, MHPSS, Ukraine Response At HIAS

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS seeks a Technical Specialist, MHPSS, Ukraine Response to support overall learning processes and technical strengthening efforts for its’ MHPSS programming in the Ukraine Response Region to improve access to appropriate MHPSS care and strengthen protective environments for conflict-affected individuals and communities. The complexity of the Ukraine response and the unique needs of IDPs and refugees in Ukraine and the neighbor countries have highlighted the necessity for HIAS to develop regional positions to support current and future MHPSS programming. HIAS provides collaborative community-based mental health and psychosocial support services (CB-MHPSS) in Ukraine, Poland, Romania and Moldova, working where possible through partnerships. The region is home to vibrant networks of support and long-standing efforts to address mental health and HIAS programming is meant to support rather than replace those efforts.

Under the overall supervision of the the Technical Advisor, MHPSS, Ukraine Response, the successful candidate will provide technical support, ensuring field teams are technically equipped to provide the highest standard of quality services. Quality assurance provision will be supported by needs assessments, lessons learned, evidence-based practices, global technical consensus and trends, including innovative strategies and cross-sectoral approaches. The candidate will also contribute to HIAS’ thought leadership and expertise by expanding HIAS’ MHPSS technical resources and toolbox in the Ukraine Region. The Technical Specialist, MHPSS, Ukraine Response will work in close collaboration with the Technical Advisor, MHPSS, Ukraine Response and in coordination with county offices’ MHPSS technical coordinators, focal points and program managers, the Strategy & Measurement department and the rest of the technical team in HQ. The Technical Specialist, MHPSS, Ukraine Response will ensure quality services are delivered that meet both ethical and global standards and that the programs evolve to meet changing needs and succeed in implementing HIAS’ Refugee Rights Framework. They will be responsible in collaboration with the Technical Advisor, MHPSS, Ukraine Response for ensuring that adequate technical capacity processes, tools, resources and systems are in place for MHPSS teams to capitalize successful experiences and implement quality, evidence-based programs, both within MHPSS and cross-sectorally, supporting opportunities for research and innovation, and contributing to building HIAS’ profile in the region in the MHPSS sector.

Note, this position is based at our headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland or our office in New York, New York, and we will consider a remote option for applicants who live outside of commuting distance to either of our offices and are based in other states in which we are registered (Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin). This position can also be based in the Africa & Eurasia region in countries where HIAS has existing operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

QUALITY ASSURANCE

• Provides guidance on program quality and sustainability efforts by facilitating the effective understanding and utilization of HIAS’ quality standards/benchmarks across regional and/or country programs.
• Contributes to the provision of ongoing technical support for mental health and psychosocial support staff in the Ukraine Response, including training materials and processes.
• Provides technical input to ensure high-quality implementation of MHPSS frameworks and tools, and supports processes of adaptation of global tools to local specificities to ensure contextual relevance of the interventions.
• Shares practices and processes with program staff across the region, stimulating a regional approach to MHPSS programming when possible.

CAPACITY BUILDING SUPPORT

• Contributes to the development, review and roll-out of capacity building plans and processes, and works with country offices, HQ and expert consultants or external stakeholders to contextualize and adapt global and country-specific materials.
• Works with Technical Advisor, MHPSS, Ukraine Response and country programs to develop and implement staff capacity building plans, tools and processes.
• Shares cross-context learning with program staff across the region.
• Contributes to capacity building to MHPSS staff of HIAS key implementing partners and other stakeholders at the regional and national level.

DELIVERY/IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT

• Provides technical support to ongoing priority program/projects to ensure high-quality implementation frameworks and tools, and supports processes of adaptation of global tools to local context, ensuring that KPIs are met and risks are minimized.
• Provides support to localization initiatives and MHPSS program/projects implementation through partners.
• Guides the development and implementation of MHPSS technical and programmatic resources, tools and guidelines, technical assessment, capitalization and capacity building processes tailored to the Ukraine Response context.
• Contributes to positioning HIAS as a key actor and partner of choice on MHPSS in the Ukraine Response Region, through generation of evidence and developing and sharing critical MHPSS technical developments and best practices.
• Serves as HIAS’ technical representative in country and regional technical coordination meetings (e.g. clusters TWGs) when needed.
• Facilitates the development, strengthening and expansion of technical networks and alliances with experts, think tanks, academia, grass roots networks and other relevant technical stakeholders on MHPSS issues.

RESEARCH & LEARNING

• Contributes to research and learning initiatives across the region and supports the development of priority knowledge-based products, including but not limited to case studies, assessments, program evaluations and select publications.
• Provides support to regional research initiatives in the Ukraine Response Region by helping identify the most relevant research questions, providing input on research design and implementation, and contributing to results dissemination and integration of findings within HIAS’ technical MHPSS toolbox.
• Leads the regional development of case studies, promising practices, lessons learned and other knowledge-based products to share both internally at HIAS and externally with the broader forced displacement field.
• Supports developing robust MHPSS program monitoring and evaluation systems and tools in collaboration with regional MEAL staff and country office staff; ensures MHPSS measurement tools are adequately selected and implemented, and that monitoring data is correctly interpreted and used to ensure high-quality implementation of MHPSS programming.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of MHPSS needs assessments across the region by providing (remote and/or onsite) technical support and guidance to field staff regarding methodology’s design, implementation process and analysis of results/reporting and dissemination.

FUNDRAISING SUPPORT

• Supports and contributes to drafting and review of concept notes, proposals and technical reports in terms of language and associated technical references and methodologies.
• In line with HIAS’ organizational strategic goals, supports the diversification of regional funding by providing input on potential opportunities and partnerships.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s degree or higher in psychology, social work or related field preferred.
• 3- 5 years of experience implementing MHPSS programming in humanitarian settings, and at least 1-2 years acting in an advisory capacity in MHPSS programming, preferably in Eurasia; preferred experience working in emergencies or supporting emergency program design.
• Demonstrated experience in implementation of multi-sectoral response to MHPSS, including (but not limited to) GBV, child protection, legal response and economic inclusion.
• Knowledge/experience of mental health considerations and best practices related to the treatment for individuals impacted by displacement, conflict, torture, gender-based violence and other human rights violations.
• In depth understanding and practical experience with IASC MHPSS guidelines, in addition to other MHPSS global guidelines and best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to train staff and implementing partners on MHPSS, including excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated capacity and experience in conducting field level assessments and developing assessment tools, e.g. questionnaires, focus group discussions.
• Experience in development of theories of change, including output and outcome level performance measurement indicators and targets related to MHPSS.
• Collaborative, flexible team player with the ability to think creatively, logically and critically about solutions to gaps in economic inclusion programming.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills, including the ability to regularly communicate with, motivate and support field-based staff as well as effectively communicate key program achievements and operational challenges.
• English fluency required; Ukrainian and/or Polish fluency preferred.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills required.
• Up to 40% travel may be required.

HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a HIAS recruiter.

Step 3: Video interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Video interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Online reference check with SkillSurvey.

Step 6: Offer and background check with Shield Screening.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • Hachnasat Orchim

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • Tzedek

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • Chesed

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • Chevruta

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • Ometz

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • Ruach

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.

SAFEGUARDING:

HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ 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. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.