Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Coordinator

MHPSS Coordinator contributes to the calling of Medical Teams International through the design, implementation, and technical supervision of all MHPSS and protection programming conducted directly by Medical Teams staff and indirectly through local MHPSS partners as part of the Ukraine regional response. Takes the lead in coordination and monitoring of regional MHPSS programming ensuring service quality, supervision, reporting, and staff and volunteer capacity building within MHPSS. Represents Medical Teams International in the relevant MHPSS TWGs in collaboration with the Ukraine Response Medical Coordinator(s) and MHPSS manager(s). 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, develop and support the implementation of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) activities in collaboration with the Ukraine Country Director and other senior management and HQ Health Advisor. 

•  Lead and coordinate the needs assessment in the current and, where necessary, nearby geographical areas to inform the design of appropriate MHPSS interventions before implementation 

• Develop supervision model for MHPSS programming, including any clinical support necessary, if MHPSS program includes direct provision of counselling or treatment by licensed clinical psychologists/counsellors/psychiatrists. 

• Plan, monitor and evaluate MHPSS programming objectives, indicators, and outcomes of Ukraine regional response program. 

• Collate, create and store MHPSS tools and guidance documents for Medical Teams’ MHPSS programming. 

• Collaborate with Medical Teams’ HQ Technical Team to recommend MHPSS guidance documents and tools needed globally to support country level MHPSS. 

• Conduct or facilitate MHPSS trainings for Medical Teams staff and volunteers (trainings to include psychological first aid (PFA), mhGAP, Psychosocial Support (PSS) awareness and other relevant MHPSS trainings). 

• Assist in implementing HR functions related to MHPSS staff management (hiring and training) and ensure training and capacity building of Medical Teams staff and volunteers based on assessed needs related to MHPSS. 

• Ensure quality in the MHPSS programming across different locations and with local partners. Initiate and lead meetings for sharing, learning and continuous improvement of activities with local partners and other MHPSS actors.  

• Represent Medical Teams at MHPSS coordination and technical working group meetings at regional and national level(s), task force meetings and other partner coordination meetings and communicate relevant information back to staff and HQ technical team. 

• Network and identify local MHPSS NGOs to partner with and/or support. Work with senior management to vet and establish partnerships. 

• Develop and implement systems and processes to enhance coordination across various Medical Teams offices and areas, with a focus on the MHPSS team. This will ensure the smooth execution of project objectives and adherence to Medical Teams’ MHPSS guidelines. 

• Support MHPSS manager(s) to establish and keep updated MHPSS referral pathways for all program locations.  

• Develop MHPSS programs by ensuring protection protocols as outlined by IASC guidelines.  

• Represent Medical Teams Internation in MHPSS and Protection coordination mechanisms including clusters and technical working groups.  

• Provide technical guidance and build capacity of the MHPSS team in linking protection with their MHPSS activities.  

• Lead on the MHPSS sections of project proposals, donor and internal reports including compiling and analysing data, writing narrative and analysis. 

REQUIREMENS

EDUCATION, LICENSES, & CERTIFICATION :

• Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Clinical Counselling, or similar field with 5 years of relevant experience (clinical counselling/educational psychology preferable) 

• Postgraduate training in Public Health is an added advantage 

• Valid practising license is preferred 

• Certification as Psychological First Aid (PFA) and MH GAP ToT trainer     

 EXPERIENCE:

• Three years plus MHPSS experience in humanitarian and/or development organization, including experience in the field. 

• Experience in MHPSS program design and implementation with experience in delivering trainings and psychosocial support, preferably in community-based work.  

• Experience in Protection program design and implementation with experience in delivering trainings on protection as IASC guidelines.  

• Previous experience with an international NGO or UN agency is required. 

• Experience outside of home country is desired.  

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of evidence-based practices in MHPSS programming in humanitarian settings, particularly related to conflict and disasters 

• Knowledge of humanitarian principles and operations and project cycle management 

• Knowledge of Ukraine conflict situation and current humanitarian response 

• Basic knowledge of principles and current approaches to monitoring and evaluation in humanitarian programs 

SKILLS:

• Skilled in communications using email, applications including Teams, and WhatsApp/Signal 

• Strong interpersonal skills 

• Skilled in project cycle management 

• Skilled in capacity building and mobilizing staff and volunteers to achieve a common goal 

• Skilled in relationship building with the ability to liaise with local and international partner agencies 

• Skilled in data analysis and writing proposals and reports 

• Skilled at using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook 

• Skills in Ukrainian, Russian, and/or Romanian desirable 

• Strategic thinker with analytical skills 

• Keen interest to mentor others 

 ABILITIES:

• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment 

• Ability to travel frequently and at times upon short notice  

• Ability to exercise considerable initiative to plan, organize and follow through to meet deadlines 

• Ability to support Medical Teams’ Calling and adhere to the Medical Teams’ Code of Conduct