Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Advisor

Caritas Switzerland (CACH) is one of the leading Swiss NGOs in the field of poverty reduction in Switzerland and abroad. International Cooperation programmes focus on humanitarian aid, income generation, climate change and migration. Caritas Switzerland works through local implementing partners in the Ukraine Crisis Response, focusing on providing technical value-added specifically in livelihoods, protection, shelter, and WASH.

Project: REMARKET - Recovery and Empowerment through Market Access and Resilient Economic Transformation in Ukraine

Position: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Advisor

Location: Kyiv and project locations

Duration: 1 year (with a possibility of extension) 

Reporting to: Project Manager, Caritas Switzerland

1. Background Information

The REMARKET Project seeks to address the economic and social challenges faced by IDPs, returnees, and host community members in Ukraine due to the ongoing war. With a focus on enhancing market access, promoting economic empowerment, and fostering social cohesion, the project aims to create sustainable livelihoods and reduce dependency on humanitarian aid.

The ongoing war in Ukraine has not only devastated the economy but also deeply affected the mental health and psychosocial well-being of the population. Displacement, loss of livelihoods, exposure to violence, and uncertainty have contributed to high levels of stress, trauma, and psychosocial distress. The MHPSS Advisor will play a crucial role in ensuring that the project's interventions are sensitive to these issues and provide adequate advisory support to Caritas Switzerland, its partners and project participants.

2. Objectives

The primary objective of the MHPSS Advisor is to design, implement, and oversee mental health and psychosocial support interventions that are integrated into the REMARKET Project’s activities. The advisor will ensure that MHPSS is considered across all project components, contributing to the overall well-being and resilience of the beneficiaries.

Specific Objectives:

• Develop a MHPSS intervention strategy with a practical action plan that aligns with the project's goals.
• Ensure the integration of MHPSS into Outcome 1 (Entrepreneurship and MSME support), and Outcome 2 (TVET  and skills training) activities.
• Build the capacity of project staff and local partners to address MHPSS needs effectively.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of MHPSS interventions on beneficiaries' mental health and psychosocial well-being.

3. Scope of Work

The MHPSS Advisor will work across all project components to ensure that mental health and psychosocial support are integrated into the design, implementation, and evaluation of activities. The scope of work includes:

 Strategic Planning: 

• Develop a detailed MHPSS action plan that addresses the unique needs of IDPs, returnees, and host communities in the context of Ukraine
• Design MHPSS interventions that include individual counseling, peer support groups, stress management workshops, and trauma-informed care practices – integrated with wider project activities.
• Train project staff and local partners on MHPSS principles, ensuring they can recognize and address psychosocial issues in partnership with project partners
• Monitoring and Evaluation:   Support the MEAL team to develop MHPSS-related indicators and contribute to the overall M&E framework of the project

4. Roles & Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the MHPSS strategy for the project, ensuring it is evidence-based and aligned with the best practices for the context of Ukraine
• Support partners in the implementation of MHPSS activities, ensuring they are delivered in a safe, accessible, and culturally appropriate manner.
• Provide training to project staff, partners, and/or local service providers on MHPSS principles and best practices
• Develop MHPSS-related indicators and contribute to the project’s M&E framework.

5. Duration & Timeline

The MHPSS Advisor will be engaged for the full duration of the project, from January 2025 to December 2026 equivalent to 28 days, with a focus on the following key milestones:

• Year 1 (14 days): Develop the MHPSS strategy, and begin capacity-building activities.

• Year 2 (14 days): Monitor progress, and adjust activities based on feedback. Evaluate the project impact,  integrate lessons learned, develop recommendations on sustainability and handover plans for MHPSS interventions.

6. Reporting Requirements and Sustainability

The MHPSS Advisor will be required to provide regular reports to the Project Manager, based on the agreed framework, including:

• A report detailing MHPSS activities, challenges, progress, and any necessary adjustments to the strategy or interventions (Year 1).

• Presenting findings from MHPSS activities, and discussing any changes needed to improve effectiveness A final comprehensive report that summarizing the impact of MHPSS interventions, key achievements and challenges, and recommendations for future projects (Year 2). 

As the project nears completion, the MHPSS Advisor will be responsible for developing a sustainability plan. This plan will ensure that MHPSS services can continue to support beneficiaries beyond the project’s lifespan. The advisor will work closely with local partners to transfer knowledge and resources, ensuring that they are equipped to maintain MHPSS activities independently.

7. Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• Advanced degree in Psychology, Social Work, Mental Health, Psychiatry, or a related field from a recognized Ukrainian or international institution. 
• A professional background in clinical psychology or mental health program management is highly desirable.

Experience:

• Local Expertise: Minimum of 7 years of experience in MHPSS program design and implementation within Ukraine, especially with displaced populations, returnees, and host communities
• Cultural Sensitivity: Strong understanding of the socio-cultural dynamics in Ukraine, particularly in regions affected by the conflict. 
• Capacity Building: Proven track record in training and capacity building of local staff, NGOs, and community leaders in MHPSS best practices. Experience in mentoring and coaching trainers is a plus.

Skills:

• Languages: Fluency in Ukrainian is mandatory. Proficiency in English is needed. 
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with beneficiaries, local partners, and stakeholders in conflict-affected areas.
• Conflict Sensitivity: Experience in working in high-stress, high-risk environments with a focus on conflict-sensitive approaches. 

Competencies:

• Leadership: Ability to lead MHPSS initiatives within a multi-disciplinary team, providing strategic direction and oversight for psychosocial interventions.
• Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability in responding to the changing needs of conflict-affected populations in Ukraine, with a focus on continuous learning and improvement.
• Ethical Standards: Commitment to upholding high ethical standards in mental health care, including confidentiality, informed consent, and respect for cultural differences.

8. Additional Considerations

• Risk Management: The MHPSS Advisor will be responsible for identifying and mitigating risks related to mental health and psychosocial support activities, and report about it immediately to the Project Manager. This includes addressing potential challenges such as cultural sensitivities, access to services in conflict zones, and the need for confidentiality and trust-building with beneficiaries.

• Gender and Inclusion: The MHPSS Advisor will ensure that all MHPSS interventions are gender-sensitive and inclusive, considering the specific needs of vulnerable groups

Please send us CV in English.

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