International Medical Corps recruits 01 MHPSS Specialist

International Medical Corps recruits 01 MHPSS Specialist

International Medical Corps is a global humanitarian nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.

Established in 1984 by volunteer doctors and nurses, International Medical Corps is a private, voluntary, nonpolitical, nonsectarian organization. Its mission is to improve the quality of life through health interventions and related activities that build local capacity in areas worldwide. By offering training and health care to local populations and medical assistance to people at high risk, and with the flexibility to respond rapidly to emergency situations, International Medical Corps rehabilitates devastated health care systems and helps bring them back to self-reliance.

Background

As part of a comprehensive program to provide critical support to refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons and migrants in Libya, International Medical Corps will be providing primary health care and referral support for specialized treatment, improved hygiene and sanitary conditions and protection.

Job Purpose

The Mental health and psycho-social support (MHPSS) Specialist will be responsible for supporting the integration of mental health into primary health care service delivery in the detention centers and urban settlements in line with WHO mhGAP Intervention Guidelines. International Medical Corps’ approach to mental health is heavily based in training and developing the capacity of national staff; the successful candidate should therefore have experience in training, on the job supervision and mentoring, coordination and in building referral links to the other formal service providers and informal community supports. The MHPSS Specialist will work towards building the capacity of MHPSS staff, and in particular psychiatrists and doctors providing them with training and supervision as per IMC models within the context of WHO and IASC guidelines. The MHPSS Specialist will work and coordinate with the Program Director and Medical Director very closely and will also work in collaboration with the HQ based IMC Senior MHPSS Advisor.

Main Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function with or without reasonable accommodation. The tasks listed are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

• Assist in setting up the mental health PHC integration program in line with WHO mhGAP and IMC guidelines together with the national IMC psychiatrist
• Conduct field visits to monitor and support MHPSS activities and interventions provided, and support technical quality of programming by providing feedback and mentorship,
• Provide joint training together with the IMC national psychiatrist in the identification and management (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) of priority mental health condition to general health staff in line with WHO mhGAP Humanitarian Intervention Guidelines in coordination with project staff,
• Provide training together with the IMC national psychiatrist in other MHPSS topics as appropriate, depending on identified needs (e.g. key aspects of Psychological First Aid and relevant aspects of IASC guidelines) to IMC and staff from other agencies
• Provide joint on the job mentorship and supervision of trained health staff and volunteers,
• Provide mental health consultations on severe and complex cases along the IMC national psychiatrist and with trained staff as needed,
• Develop a system for follow up with IMC psychiatrists to monitor the quality of services delivered and oversee the coordination with PHCC staff in the designated locations.
• Support the identification and training of local outreach workers, CHWs/volunteers for training in community outreach, case finding and mental health promotion,
• Provide guidance and technical support for adapting mhGAP guidelines to the local context and on developing specific activities and/or interventions for affected-displaced populations and host communities,
• Assist in developing and implementing data collection, M&E and quality control measures (e.g. on the job supervision checklists, client satisfaction measures mhGAP training reports) for mental health services, and community-based psycho-social activities.
• Support communication and coordination with relevant stakeholders such as donors and the relevant partners as needed, together with the IMC psychiatrist.
• Prepare regular and timely updates and reports in coordination with the Program Director.
• Ensure that program activities developed are implemented in line with IMC mandate, policies, procedures and country strategy, including donor’s requirements, national and international rules and guidelines and IMC MHPSS Quality Standards.
• Implement the project in line with IMC and global MHPSS standards and guidelines and closely coordinate with IMCs Health Technical Unit Senior Global Mental Health Advisor for development and review of training materials and reports,
• Submit a report before the end of the assignment which includes activities undertaken, documents training and supervision activities (including training materials, pre post tests and training evaluation results) and provides recommendations which are shared with the IMC country team and HQ
• Perform other duties as assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed in this document are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and not necessarily all inclusive

Code of Conduct

It is our shared responsibility and obligation to prevent matters involving Sexual Exploitation & Abuse, Trafficking in Persons, Child Safeguarding and any suggested violation to our Code of Conduct, which may involve Conflicts of Interest, Fraud, Corruption or Harassment.  If you see, hear or are made aware of any suggested activities then you have an obligation to report.

• Psychiatrist with minimum four years of experience working on MH and PSS programs, preferably in humanitarian settings
• Trained on Psychological First Aid, familiar with mhGAP manual (various versions IG and HIG) and community based MH training material as well as previous training experience to multi-cultural groups

Experience

• Experience in mental health and protection work with displaced persons, refugees and returnees
• Experience in training and capacity building.
• Familiarity with IASC Guidelines and MHPSS in Emergency Settings

Competency

• Strong writing and communication skills
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure, mange time and prioritize work to deadlines
• Well-developed organization skills
• Able to work independently, with minimal supervision and under pressure

Other

• Fluency in English
• Knowledge of Arabic will be an asset

Equal Opportunities

International Medical Corps is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.