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: MHPSS Expert
Code: SR-28-2267
Duty station: Remote working with field visits
Starting date: 16/01/2022
Contract duration: 3 months
Reporting to: Protection Coordinator
Supervision of: MHPSS Specialist (national)
Dependents: Non-family duty station
General context of the project
Over 40 years of conflicts and political turmoil have taken a massive cumulative toll on the people of Afghanistan. A total of 18.4 million people, almost half of the total population, have been estimated by the UN to need humanitarian assistance prior to recent events. Severe droughts are recurring in Afghanistan, currently resulting in nearly 14 million people in acute food insecurity, with over 3 million children facing severe malnourishment. The recent displacement of 550,000 people is adding to an estimated 2.9 million people who remain internally displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance, while winter months are around the corner.
INTERSOS has been working in Afghanistan since 2001, with a country office in Kabul, and field bases in Kandahar and Zabul provinces. In recent years INTERSOS has been focusing its assistance based on integrated community-based approach that includes primary health care (including sexual and reproductive health care),
nutrition and protection programmes serving conflict-affected populations, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, with a special focus on socially excluded individuals, including women, children and persons living with disabilities.
With its operational approach and active engagement with the communities, INTERSOS has been enjoying strong community acceptance and operational access. All INTERSOS activities continue to be implemented in Afghanistan at present time, with no operational restrictions and with full inclusion of female staff.
It is widely anticipated that Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation may deteriorate further, given that the international support to key essential and social services – food aid, health, education, and other essential services, is currently frozen. Although humanitarian aid can not replace this gap, the international assistance that prioritises urgent humanitarian needs will be essential.
At the same time, unless the operational environment with all its impediments (including in relation to banking/cash transfers and counter-terrorism measures) does not improve, the response will continue to be a challenge.
Recognising that the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan will require a more intensified international humanitarian assistance, INTERSOS remains in Afghanistan to deliver its ongoing activities, and potentially scale up its response.
General purpose of the position
In collaboration with the Protection Unit and the Medical Unit, provide technical guidance and support to MHPSS staff (both medical and protection staff) ensuring the different components of the programme are delivered according to internal guidelines and in line with international standards and principles, according to INTERSOS vision and values. He/she is the technical focal point to provide appropriate and timely technical guidance to Afghanistan INTERSOS mission including capacity building, development of guidance notes/tools, and developing MHPSS strategies.
Main responsibilities and tasks
Support to the programme
Lead efforts to provide guidance and support to field programmes in Afghanistan (both on site and remote assistance) that will result in development and implementation of high quality MHPSS programmes and strategies that make a measurable impact. In particular:
Provide mh training tohealth personnel and, if necessary, build additional training materials for MHPSS component according to National policy and international standards to support the training of health staff in Afghanistan to raise their capacity in responding to MHPSS issues;
Supervise the MHPSS Specialist and develop tools to support the monitoring and supervision of Psychologists and ensure proper standards are followed in PSS service delivery.
Train, together with the MHPSS Specialist, the PSS counselors and provide on-job mentoring, specially for identification and referral of cases that need specialized services.
Supervise the MHPSS Specialist and participate in the Afghan MHPSS TWG and share best practices and lessons learnt;
Support and supervise the coordination between the focused nonspecialized PSS intervention with the Individual Case Management;
Increase and enhance MHPSS programme monitoring and evaluation, and determining impact, wherever possible, including the use of standard indicators.
Development and quality control
In coordination with the Protection Unit, actively participate in the PSS Working Group and collaborate to the development of harmonized tools and guidelines about Psychosocial Support.
Required profile and experience
Education
BA Psychology
Desirable Master degree (MA or LLM) in Psychology or related subjects
Professional Experience
Minimum of five years of relevant working experience in MHPSS related sectors, preferably within an INGO
Strong theoretical, technical and practical background in MHPSS
Professional Requirements
Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet)
Demonstrate experience with different donors: proposal writing, compliance, and reporting
Leadership, people management and development, teamwork and cooperation
Strategic Vision
Service Orientation
Good/In-depth knowledge and understanding of Humanitarian Principles and minimum standards.
Good communication skills, both oral and written in English
Previous experience in developing and implementing M&E activities (desirable)
Previous experience as technical expert (desirable)
Languages
Fluent in English
Personal Requirements
o Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work and integrate in a multicultural team
o Ability to work under pressure, flexibility
o Problem solver, dynamic, mature, proactive
o Diplomatic skills in networking with partners, authorities, and donors
How to apply:
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates are invited to apply following the link below: https://www.intersos.org/posizioni-aperte/missioni/#intersosorg-vacancies/vacancy-details/61ba5f7391777c001fed73ce/
Please note that our application process is made of 3 quick steps: register (including your name, email, password, citizenship and Skype address), sign-up and apply attaching your CV and motivation letter in PDF format. Through the platform, candidates will be able to track their applications’ history with INTERSOS.
In case you encounter severe difficulties applying through the platform - i.e. if and only if it is impossible to submit the requested files through the adequate channel - you will be allowed to submit your CV and Motivation Letter (both in PDF version) via e-mail to recruitment@intersos.org, with the subject line " Platform issue – SR-28-2267– Position ". Please, bear in mind this is an exceptional measure, as there are allocated channels created for every job opening, which will make this process quicker and easier.
Please note that any application submitted via e-mail may take longer than our standard terms to be processed.
Please also mention the name, position and contact details of at least three references, including the line manager during your last job. Family members are to be excluded.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview.