Can you effectively develop and support MHPSS interventions in a complex context?

The Danish Red Cross (DRC) is looking for a committed and experienced Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) delegate for Iraq to support the management and development of the Psychosocial programme implemented by Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS). We are looking for someone experienced at strengthening the technical and programming capacity of the local partner with respect to MHPSS, while also being strong at maximising synergies and integration with other programme interventions.

Context

Iraq finds itself in a post-conflict crisis, 4 years after the territory claimed by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant was taken back. In some places, the country is slowly transitioning towards recovery, but life in northern and central areas of the country remains severely disrupted because of protracted internal displacement, security concerns and lack of basic services in areas of return. More than 2,4 million people are in acute need of assistance, exacerbated significantly by the negative socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19.

DRC supports 6 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). We have been present in Iraq and working in partnership with IRCS since 2013. The DRC programme, mainly Health and Psychosocial Support, is funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) alongside private partnerships such as Novo Nordic.

The DRC programme is implemented by IRCS in North and Central Iraq, while for 2022 some activities will also be extended to the South. DRC support focuses on contributing to durable solutions and building communities’ ability to cope with, and transition from the protracted crisis. MHPSS is one of DRC’s key sectors in the country. Our work in MHPSS aims to prevent further distress and promote mental health and psychosocial wellbeing, and as such, primarily supports IRCS to implement basic and focused PSS activities whilst ensuring referral to other levels of care.

Responsibilities

The MHPSS Delegate is based in Baghdad at the Headquarters of the IRCS, and is responsible for:

  • Programme development. Support resource mobilization, coordination with relevant DRC advisors and technical working groups and support IRCS in the implementation of ongoing and future projects.
  • Technical support & capacity development. Provide solid technical advice and support to IRCS on MHPSS interventions and approaches and Protection, Gender and Inclusion minimum standards.
  • Project monitoring, evaluation and reporting. Provide inputs for strengthening IRCS capacities in programme monitoring, reporting and evaluation within MHPSS; provide inputs to PMEAL design and set-up of DRC supported projects.
  • Partnership & Coordination. Promote, support, and facilitate IRCS in establishing/maintaining relations with relevant MHPSS stakeholders; maintain close coordination and communication with relevant Movement and external partners for MHPSS in Iraq, including ICRC, IFRC, National Society partners, MHPSS and protection working groups; promote and strengthen the cooperation and collaboration with ICRC on MHPSS
  • Contribute to the Global MHPSS matrix. Promote and contribute to the DRC MHPSS file through active participation in the MHPSS matrix to ensure technical quality, innovative elements in programming and better institutional learning from MHPSS and protection interventions in Iraq. When possible, support assignments, missions or surge, as agreed between the Country Manager and the MHPSS matrix coordinator.

Experience, technical skills and personal qualities:

  • You have a minimum of 5 years of solid experience in PSS training, supervision and development of training materials and manuals.
  • Proven practical experience in Psychosocial Support Programming (PSP) in the field.
  • Experience in assessments, programme development, proposal and report writing, and development of M&E systems for MHPSS interventions.
  • Experience in capacity-building of local partners, particularly in PSP, ideally within the Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement.
  • A minimum of 5 year’s working experience on humanitarian response in an international setting.
  • Experience working in fragile and insecure contexts
  • A relevant academic degree in the health sector (psychology or public health), social science, international development or similar.
  • Excellent English speaking and writing skills, and the ability to work in Arabic.
  • Full proficiency in Microsoft Office and as self-supporting with computers as possible.
  • A valid international driving licence.
  • Integrity and professionalism, able to work collaboratively, focused on beneficiary needs.
  • Good cultural awareness and sensitivity, patience and the ability to train, mentor and develop Host National Society staff and volunteers.
  • Ability and willingness to live and work under restricted conditions in Baghdad and travel around the country under ICRC security rules
  • Ability to work both independently but also with your direct supervisor as a cooperative team-player.

Employment Conditions

Starting as soon as possible. The length of the contract is 12 months with possibility of extension.

The salary including all allowances and pension payment will be between DKK 40.700 and 43.000 per month, depending on qualifications and experience.

The duty station is Baghdad, Iraq. This is a non-family duty station with a paid 7-day Rest & Recuperation break permitted after every 8 weeks in-country. Travelling to programme areas within Iraq is possible to the extent that the security situation permits.

The MHPSS delegate reports to the DRC Country Manager based in Baghdad and is accountable for ensuring that the DRC supported MHPSS programme and partnerships in Iraq are implemented in compliance with DRC Standard Operational Procedures and donor regulations. In addition, the Delegate will be part of the DRC MHPSS matrix, with cross cutting global technical tasks/responsibilities and technical reporting line to the MHPSS matrix coordinator.

This vacancy is archived.

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