MHPSS Technical Advisor at Medecins Du Monde

Essential duties

He/she will be responsible of ensuring MHPSS activities are integrated within the medical services package delivered to IDPs and host population in MdM’s clinics or supported Ministry of Health PHCC. He/she will follow-up the smooth implementation of MdM strategy for the response to MHPSS in Nigeria in close collaboration with the and the GBV Technical Advisor. Contribute to the implementation and design of the overall mental health and psychosocial support strategies, activities, and resources in Maiduguri. She / he will receive the support of Deputy Genco in charge of Program and the MHPSS referent.

Support the provision of services to GBV survivors in MdM operational sites (MdM clinics, MOH PHCC)

• Contribute to the development of the MdM strategy with the coordination team (needs assessment and adjustment of the MHPSS activities).
• Ensure the achievement of outcomes and implementation of activities, the quality, and the consistency of the MHPSS component of the program.
• Develop, update, and design MHPSS standards, protocols, SOPs, and good practices, internally with the support of the MHPSS referent in HQ and Deputy genco.
• Ensure that mental health components of the program are consistent with the MDM-F strategy and the national mental health strategy and suggest any corrective measures to adapt the program if necessary (outbreaks, new needs arising, etc.).
• Follow up on the current data collection system for mental health and psychosocial activities and the analysis system.

Human resource, capacity building / training

• Ensure the supervision of the Mental Health (MH) program and officer.
• Support the Mental Health officers in the supervision of the mental health team (case managers, counsellors.
• Provide technical support to the different department of the mission when needed GBV, medical and MHPSS team).
• Participate in the briefing and debriefings, annual reviews for MHPSS team members.
• Participate in regular meetings with the other technical programs.
• Maintain good inter-team communications engender good team dynamics with the health program manager, medical supervisor, MH officer and the all MdM staff.
• In coordination with the human resources department and program manager:
• Identify the needs for training/support of the MHPSS team and facilitate the implementation of a global training plan for the MHPSS staff.
• Ensure the technical supervision of all MHPSS team.
• Participate in the design of training curriculum for outreach workers, clinic staff and partners about mental health and psychosocial support.
• Organize the capacity building for MdM staff and partners to ensure the continuous integration of MHPSS into primary healthcare and implement an efficient referral system between actors.

Reporting, information management, coordination / representation

• Provide monthly reporting about MHPSS activities.
• Participate in proposal writing to potential donors when requested.
• Participate to donor’s reporting when requested.
• Ensure the production of summaries and analysis of the data collected and compiled in collaboration with MEAL.
• Work in close collaboration with the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Referent in HQ to ensure coordination and information sharing.
• Write field visits report whenever conducting field visit. 

Hierarchical & Functional links

The MHPSS Technical Advisor is directly under the responsibility of the Deputy Genco in charge of programs with support MHPSS HQ referent

Technical Expertise, Skills and Knowledge

Essential Skills

• Psychiatrist or Psychologist with an accomplished specialization degree.
• Master’s degree in clinical psychology, mental health, or related field is an added advantage.
• Project Management training added advantage.
• At least 3 years relevant professional experience in a similar position in humanitarian sector- or leading MHPSS program and activities.
• Experience in MH GAP + PFA
• Experience in designing community and facility based MHPSS approach.
• Ability to take effective decisions according to the context.
• Ability to work in a volatile security context and to apply strict security rules.
• Ability to manage a team and work with partners in a multi-cultural setting.
• Ability to have a global overview of a program and long-term strategy.

Desirable Personal skills required

• Ability to take quick decisions according to the context in coordination with the team.
• Ability to listen and to be diplomatic.
• Team spirit and willingness to cooperate.
• Ability to manage priorities and to meet deadlines as well as work under pressure.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills