Back MHPSS Manager

SUMMARY

IsraAID is looking for a MHPSS Program Manager to support the inception and ongoing implementation of a Health and MHPSS program in Eswatini. This position is an exciting opportunity to get hands-on experience in a non-profit project and lead innovative grass-roots activities in the field. The ideal candidate will combine experience in humanitarian aid with experience in training national staff in core PSS principals, as well as experience in programs in partnership with the MoH and health professionals.

CONTEXT

IsraAID is a non-profit, non-governmental and apolitical humanitarian aid agency dedicated to supporting populations in crisis around the world, Founded in 2001. As of 2020, the organization has responded to crises in 50 countries and has operations which span across 15 countries and a wide number of different sectors of expertise from both the humanitarian aid and international development arenas.

During IsraAID’s 2-week exploratory mission in Eswatini, the IsraAID team conducted an assessment to map and understand the various capacities, actors, assets, and gaps relating to the rollout of the COVID 19 vaccination. Staff deployed included experts in vaccination campaigns, public health, operations, psychosocial support, and communications.

Based on these findings, the below plan of action proposes strategic interventions to:

(1) Provide tailored guidance to local actors;

(2) Support the facilitation of a successful vaccination rollout campaign;

(3) Identify, highlight and support the mitigation of potential risks throughout the rollout;

(4) Build the local health system’s capacity;

(5) Ensure that the vaccination program is utilized correctly, efficiently, and for the benefit of all Emaswati.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The MHPSS Program Manager will lead assessments, training sessions, and supervise the technical aspects of the program in Eswatini. The MHPSS Manager will manage, lead, develop content and continue to shape a vision, in line with the organization’s established policies, principles and operating practices.

The MHPSS Manager works under the supervision of the Country Director and IsraAID management, and is responsible for:

1. Support the initiation and implementation of awareness raising activities focused on the mental health needs among the public and specifically, health personnel.
2. Develop and use MEAL tools.
3. ToTs to nurses and other frontline workers on community-based PSS interventions
4. Leading and conducting PSS orientations to managers in the health sector
5. Conduct trainings with psychologists, health care workers
6. Lead structural support groups focused on emotional regulation, burnout
7. Develop content and M&E tools for the training programs.
8. Facilitate and manage trainings and other activities which will be supported by international MHPSS experts that will be deployed periodically.
9. Lead trainings for wellness nurses in the target clinics (in collaboration with the regional psychologists)
10. Introduce short-term MHPSS approaches to national psychologists and psychiatrists (through ToTs, orientation programs).
11. Document all the program components, developed modules and other training materials.

Human Resource Management

· Maintain regular communication with the protection coordinator at HQ, MEAL coordinator and head of health sector at HQ for cohesive, professional and strategic implementation

· Support program team members (both national and short-term international staff) during training and supervision activities

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND COMPETENCIES

• Significant experience in an equivalent position in a development or humanitarian context
• MA in Social work, Expressive art therapy or Psychology with at least 5 years of experience.
• Able to work in a high stress environment**
• Flexibility and cultural sensitivity.**
• Proven training experience
• Proven therapeutic experience with post trauma.
• Worked in a health environment
• Advantage, Past experience in group therapy- Advantage
• Fluent/mother-tongue English