Position Objective:

This expert position is dedicated to MHPSS (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support) capacity building of Local Support Organisations (LSO) staff and community volunteers. The expert will be responsible to design a full training material package for teams mainly on Psychological First Aid (PFA), stress management, harmful coping mechanisms, provide these trainings and ensure regular coaching, clinical supervision and on-the-job supervision. This capacity building activity will involve the use of international standards manuals and protocols, the adaptation of this material to local context, as well proposition of new tools and guidelines for clinical work and supervision. The expert is expected to spend at least 50% of his time in the field, whilst training, supervision and technical support to the field team. The expert will work in close collaboration with all project’s program managers to adjust training and supervision modalities, under the supervision of the MHCPGP and Health PM. The expert will also be responsible for programs follow-up and external coordination purpose.

Reporting to

• Health Manager (Medical and Psychosocial)


• Technical/Support Manager : MHCPGP Regional Technical Advisor

Travel requirement

• 50%

Qualification

• Bachelor / Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology


• Specific expertise on trauma oriented clinical approaches and psychotherapies


• Previous experience in training and clinical supervision of psychologists, psychosocial workers, project officers and volunteers


• Knowledge or Experience in implementing MHPSS humanitarian programs


• Knowledge or Experience in Psychological First Aid (PFA), having a PFA certificate of trainer will be a strong asset


• Previous experience with ACF is an asset


• Good level of English and Sindhi language is mandatory


• Competent use of MS Office

 The MHPSS Specialist is responsible for:

•  Design a full MHPSS training package for LSO staff and youth volunteers, according to international PFA standards and protocols


•  Conduct capacity building need assessment and establish technical areas that requires training and on job support among the team.


• Based on identified needs, develop capacity building plan in collaboration with Health Manager and HQ MHCPGP advisor


• Adapt or prepare coaching and training materials and sessions for the field team based on the protocols validated by the AAH MHCPGP team (field and HQ).


• Conduct basic and refresher trainings on technical aspects and support conduction of other ad hoc training sessions, coaching and on-the–job support based on identified needs.


• To provide support to trained staff to train other field staff


• Ensure continuous supervision and technical support to the field teams and activities.


• Sensitize and train other ACF staff on integration of MHCPGP and protection principles and activities.


• Organize clinical sessions to facilitate experience sharing for trained staff and volunteers

The MHPSS Specialist is responsible for:

• Explore areas of strength and weakness, opportunities and treats with regard to the MHCPGP or health and nutrition program activity/implementation and reinforce program strong sides and propose solutions or recommendations to aspects that requires improvement (in collaboration with the Health Manager and HQ MHCGP team).


• Make recommendations to enhance program or services qualities in the context with close collaboration with the MHCPGP & Health PM and Nutrition & Health Head of Department. 


•  Provide recommendations and suggestions to ensure activities and/ actions of MHCPGP programs are respectful and specific to the context (e.g.in accordance with existing Action Against Hunger protocol, national policy and international guidelines)


• Contribute to the definition of new modalities of intervention according to context and program evolution in collaboration with the PM and the HOD.


• Contribute in the revision of monitoring and program tools in collaboration with the MEAL HoD, Health Manager and build capacity of trained staff and volunteers on the new tools and procedures .


• If necessary to adapt  or assist  development of context based guidelines and  protocols with Health Manager, SPM and HQ team.


• Monitor and follow-up the implementation, strength and weakness, skills and knowledge of the field team on validated protocols in the project area (significant field presence is expected).

The MHPSS Specialist is responsible for:

• Establish/ strengthen networking with other humanitarian and development actors on Nutrition, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), Protection including Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Child Protection (CP), Early Childhood Development (ECD), at field and at base level.


•  According to the needs, to develop contact with others organizations and/or individuals for potential referrals of the beneficiaries; potential external training opportunities for staff; and developing a good understanding of the mental health and care practices policies and practices in Iraq in close collaboration with the Head of Department.

The MHPSS Specialist is responsible for:

• In collaboration with Health Manager and Senior Nutrition and Health Manager, conduct monthly review meetings – (on program outcomes and supervision)


• Report operational bullet-point as part of the monthly activity report for Health Manager to follow up on capacity building, key activity issues, including recommendations


•  Ensure capitalization and learning of program documentation, case studies and success stories in collaboration with the Health Manager, SPM, MEAL department.


• Contribute to the setting of a standard monitoring and evaluation databases for programs, in close collaboration with the PM, Head of Department and MEAL department.


• Proactively support ACFs commitments to gender equality and child protection sensitivity


• Read and ensure a full understanding and promotion of ACFs Gender Minimum Standards & Child Protection Policies


• Implement all work related activities with a gender, inclusion and child protection lens, taking into account the different needs, concerns and ideas of our staff and beneficiaries


• Ensure and encourage the incorporation of gender equity principles in all policies and activities


• Help build an inclusive office environment where people do not feel disadvantaged or judged according to their gender or limited due to manageable disability.

Skills and resources needed to perform the function

• Strong Capacity building / Training Skills


• Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills


• Able to analyze and summarize complex technical and contextual information


• Fluent in English, reading writing and speaking. Fluency in Sindhi language of the program implementation area will be preferred


• Excellent computer skills


• Team management skills


• Ability to handle stress and pressure

Female Professionals are strongly encourage to apply. 

 Note :

Action against Hunger is committed to the prevention of risks related to abuse, sexual exploitation and the promotion of gender equality and its diversity. The Pakistan Mission encourages the application of the women / men / transgender/ disabled workers. Action Against Hunger's recruitment process is free of charge, no compensation of any form shall be requested from a candidate. It reflects the major policies and its charter through its professionalism and impartiality. If you observe behavior in opposition to these values during this process, please report it to the appropriate teams. All persons hired by Action Against Hunger will also be checked for compliance with the "anti-terrorist" lists, while respecting the rights of employees and the confidentiality of personal data.