MHPSS Coordinator

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 underserved communities worldwide. By offering training and health care to local populations and medical assistance to people at highest 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

IMC provides high quality MHPSS services for the conflict affected population in Syria. MHPSS services include psychiatry, psychotherapy, brief psychological interventions, case management and community based activities. MHPSS services are integrated with Medical and Protection services and provided in a variety of settings, including primary healthcare facilities and community centers. IMC also aims to improve the quality of MHPSS services provided through various capacity building initiatives, trainings and robust supervision.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increasingly overwhelmed health and mental health care services and widespread loss and fear. To protect the population and reduce the burden on healthcare services, the Syrian authorities have initiated physical distancing measures restricting the extent to which people can leave their homes to access key services. The continuity of mental health and psychosocial support service provision is paramount, both to ensure that those with preexisting and potentially chronic and severe mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) conditions continue to receive care, as well as to offer support to those experiencing an onset of emotional distress or mental health conditions due to the various stressors related to the pandemic.

IMC Syria is committed to taking measures that reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission while continuing to meet the MHPSS needs of the population. This requires flexible service delivery in which MHPSS services can be provided remotely offering a means of maintaining core services during the pandemic while protecting the health of service users. Remote MHPSS support includes all support that is not provided face-to-face including phones calls, text messages, emails, and video conferencing. The IMC Technical Unit have developed Tele-MHPSS Guidelines that are currently undergoing field testing requiring the Syria MHPSS team to work closely with the MHPSS TU to implement and develop the guidelines introducing any adaptations necessary with respect to the Syrian context and available resources.

Job Purpose

The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Coordinator will oversee all MHPSS programming for the country’s response, and will manage the MHPSS team as well as monitor IMC’s partnership with local partners for the implementation of various MHPSS projects.**

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.

• Coordinate the MHPSS programming for the country, including strategy development and monitoring of multiple projects.
• Manage the MHPSS team, including field-based MHPSS managers, psychiatrists, and national MHPSS staff; support with team-building, performance reviews, and professional development of staff
• Provide continual technical guidance and support for MHPSS-related trainings and supervision as needed
• Prepare and implement a Training of Trainers (ToT) program on PFA and other relevant topics and support national trainers to roll out trainings
• Support the development of MHPSS referral pathways with partner NGO(s) and external service providers to strengthen links to available MHPSS- and Protection-related services
• In collaboration with local partners, engage community leaders, community-based organizations, and other service providers in supporting beneficiaries to access MHPSS services as well as ensuring their feedback for quality monitoring and accountability
• Lead the development of MHPSS-related IEC materials
• Oversee monitoring and evaluation of MHPSS programming, and development of M&E tools and collection and analysis of program data
• Prepare MHPSS reporting on a regular basis, as the focal point for the MHPSS team
• Work closely with support departments to support program administration and the logistical implementation of activities in program sites
• Implement the project in line with IMC and global MHPSS standards and guidelines and closely coordinate with IMC’s Technical Unit Global Mental Health Advisor for development and review of training materials and reports.
• Coordinate regularly with other sectors’ teams for integrated approach to activities and trainings
• Mainstream MHPSS within IMC across sectors, and with partners and service providers
• Participate in MHPSS coordination meetings for information sharing, collaboration with partners, referral mechanisms, and advocacy for best practices and IASC MHPSS guidelines

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.

Qualifications

• Academic degree in psychology, mental health, psychiatry, clinical psychology, or any relevant field

Experience

• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience coordinating MHPSS projects in humanitarian settings
• Knowledgeable in and experience following IASC Guidelines on MHPSS in Emergencies and international best practices on the integration of MHPSS into primary health care settings
• Demonstrable technical expertise in the assessment, design, and delivery of responses to pre-existing and emergency-induced MHPSS needs
• Training experience required; capacity and proven track record in national staff and partner training and capacity-building

Competency

• Strong organizational and supervisory skills
• Honest, hardworking and self-motivated
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within different cultural environments
• Strong written and communication skills
• Ability to work within a team structure or independently, flexible, and can cope with stressful workload

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.