IASC MHPSS RG Co-Chair

The IFRC PS Centre is looking for a new MHPSS in Emergencies Specialist to take over the role of Co-Chairing the IASC Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings (IASC MHPSS RG) alongside WHO. The IFRC has Co-Chaired the group since November 2015. You will contribute to coordinating global MHPSS work in humanitarian contexts, interacting with multiple agencies at HQ, regional and country-level, in addition to liaising with other team members working on emergencies from the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.

We are keen for the person to start as soon as possible and thus we will interview applications as they come in

Key tasks and responsibilities

Coordination of the IASC MHPSS in Emergencies Reference Group

• Maintain strong coordination between IASC RG members, and facilitation of the IASC RG workplan.
• Provide remote and in-country technical support on MHPSS emergency programmes and coordination to MHPSS WGs in humanitarian contexts.
• Provide technical support to the Dutch standby partner (RVO) and the inter-agency MHPSS roster.
• Continue humanitarian diplomacy efforts on different levels (donors, humanitarian system, in emergency-affected countries).
• Represent the IASC MHPSS RG in international fora (e.g., at the IASC Secretariat, Global Clusters, international meetings).
• Facilitation and coordination of the IASC RG annual meeting.
• Conduct capacity building initiatives on the IASC MHPSS Guidelines and other related products (e.g., IASC RG Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, COVID-19 related publications).
• Facilitate language translations, printing and dissemination of the IASC MHPSS Guidelines, COVID-19 pandemic and other associated products.
• Deploy at short notice for brief missions to humanitarian/ emergency contexts.
• Reporting to back donors and the IASC Secretariat
• Staff can be asked to assist the Head of PS Centre or fellow colleagues in other ad hoc tasks and projects.

Requirements

• 5-7 years (or more) operational and programmatic experience in mental health and psychosocial support in emergency contexts.
• Master’s degree in psychology, social work, global mental health or psychiatry.
• Strong networking and coordination skills.
• Be confident in public speaking and humanitarian diplomacy.
• Ability to manage and navigate large and complex processes and partnerships.
• Strong oral and written English language skills.
• Working knowledge of French or Spanish language.
• Ability to write clearly and for a variety of audiences – policy, management and technical.
• Ability to develop positive relationships and build trust.
• Flexibility.
• Good stress management skills.
• Willingness to travel (and at short notice).
• Knowledge/ previous experience with the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is preferred.