MHPSS Technical Specialist – South Sudan

CONTEXT :

Outraged by the injustice faced by people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, we aspire to a world of solidarity and inclusion, enriched by our differences, where everyone can live in dignity.
Handicap International is changing his name and becomes « Humanity & Inclusion ». HI, Humanity & Inclusion is an independent and impartial aid and development organisation with no religious or political affiliations operating in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster. We work alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable people to help meet their essential needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights.

HI has offices in 63 countries.

For further information about the association: www.hi.org.

MISSION CONTEXT:

On 22nd February 2020, the Transitional Government of National Unity was established in South Sudan, marking the start of a 36-month transitional period ahead of elections, in accordance with the terms of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) signed on 12th September 2018. However, the selective and incomplete implementation of the security compromises made under the revitalized peace agreement threatens the country’s security and stability. In particular, the deadlines for completing transitional security arrangements, including the formation, training and redeployment of unified forces have not been met. There have been several instances of armed groups breaking the permanent ceasefire agreement, and low-level endemic conflict is likely to continue.

In 2021, across South Sudan, about two thirds of the country’s population (7.5 million) remain in need of humanitarian assistance. In the last years, the situation has become even harder since humanitarian funding has significantly decreased. While the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity has registered a decline in politically motivated fighting, the cumulative effects of years of conflict, violence, protracted and repeated displacement, layered on top of pre-existing development challenges, continue to impact the population throughout the country. This has translated into sustained poverty, periods of famine, persistent protection concerns, and a lack of livelihoods and access to basic services, with women, girls and persons with disabilities being disproportionately affected.

In regards to COVID-19 outbreak, the number of reported cases in South Sudan continues to rise steadily. As of 12th January 2021, 3,662 cases have been reported in the country. If not contained, the virus could have a devastating impact on the country, given the tens of thousands of people living in overcrowded camps for internally displaced persons and South Sudan’s fragile and under-resourced health care system.

HI has been operating in South Sudan since 2006, implementing emergency and development actions aimed at improving protection, quality of life, and the promotion of rights of vulnerable individuals, including persons with disabilities. HI’s current operations are centered in Juba, Yei, Torit and Yambio in Central, Eastern and Western Equatoria States, with HI’s country office based in Juba city. During 2021, HI is planning to establish programmes in Unity State and Upper Nile, which remain amongst the most conflict and disability affected states of the country. The operational context in South Sudan today is considered largely a humanitarian and emergency response, while slowly phasing into resilience programming. The ongoing peace initiatives, if successful, might result in huge population movements of returnees (both IDPs and refugees) across the country.

JOB DESCRIPTION :

Under the management of the Operations Manager (in the future the Technical Unit Manager) and in liaison with HQ MHPSS Technical Specialist, the MHPSS Technical Specialist is responsible for the technical support and regular follow-up of all MHPSS activities across the country, including:

• Quality and technical oversight of all direct service provision activities, including individual and group-based counselling
• Coordination with MHPSS key actors and stakeholders at national level
• Capacity-building of HI staff and relevant stakeholders
• Institutional representation of HI at MHPSS coordination forums
• System strengthening activities
• Development and implementation of HI’s MHPSS strategy in South Sudan

She/he will be responsible for:

1) Technical support

2) Representation and external coordination

3) Support to the program strategy

4) Reporting

5) Line/team management

The detailed Job Description will be shared with short-listed candidates.

PROFILE SOUGHT :

Qualification(s):

Advanced university degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in mental health, psychology or related fields from a recognized university or academic institute

Experience :

At least 4 years of experience in the field of MHPSS

Experience of training and technical supervision in the field of MHPSS with NGOs, in protracted crisis as well as in development context

Experience and/or technical understanding of the protection sector

Experience in participating in humanitarian coordination mechanisms

Experience of INGO representation, donor reporting and project development from technical perspective

Experience in working with and strengthening public health services and systems is highly desirable

Experience working in a multidisciplinary intervention context and technical understanding of rehabilitation, inclusive humanitarian action sectors

Experience/knowledge of scalable MHPSS intervention tools is highly desirable

Experience in patient rehabilitation is an asset

Experience in the field of vulnerability/disability is an asset

Experience in South Sudan or East Africa region is an asset

Skills :

Excellent written and spoken English

Strong capacity building skills

Comprehensive knowledge of the IASC Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings guidelines and associated products

Excellent networking capacities for building constructive relationships government bodies and humanitarian actors

Strong computer skills (use of MS Word, Excel, Outlook and other relevant software)

Strong analytical skills (needs to understand systems of services’ functioning, needs of partners in terms of capacity building, etc.)

Personal qualities:

Excellent communication and reporting skills

Strong organizational skills

Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills

Capacity to build and promote partnerships across sectors and with government counterparts

Ability to work in a tensed and volatile context with strict security measures

CONDITIONS :

At HI, the conditions offered are up to your commitment and adapted to the context of your mission. Particular attention is paid to health issues and your personal situation.
We offer an induction and training path adapted to our staff members and we have a HR policy oriented toward mobility and professional development.

• 12 months International contract starting from May 2021

• The international contract provides social cover adapted to your situation:

• Unemployment insurance benefits for EU nationals

• Pension scheme adapted to the situation of our employees: if you already have a personal pension scheme HI will contribute at the same level of your personal monthly contribution with a maximum of 272.53€/month ; if you do not have a personal pension scheme, we will open a private pension account with your contribution of 272.53€/month and a contribution of HI of the same amount

• Medical coverage with 50% of employee contribution

• Repatriation insurance paid by HI

• Salary from 2757 € gross/month upon experience

• Perdiem: 593 € net/month – paid in the field

• Hardship allowance: 500 € net/month paid with your salary

• Paid leaves: 25 days per year

• R&R: every 8 weeks

• Position open to couples and/or families

• Housing: fully covered by HI

If you are resident in the country: local package