Interpeace
Interpeace is an international organization for peacebuilding, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Its aim is to strengthen the capacities of societies to manage conflict in non-violent, non-coercive ways by assisting national actors in their efforts to develop social and political cohesion. Interpeace also strives to assist the international community (and in particular the UN) to play a more effective role in supporting peacebuilding efforts around the world through better understanding and response to the challenges of creating local capacities that enhance social and political cohesion. For more information about Interpeace, please visit www.interpeace.org
Background
Rwanda has identified mental health and trauma healing as areas of priority. A 2018 Mental Health Survey revealed high prevalence of mental health disorders, particularly among survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. In addition, the country’s National Unity and Reconciliation Policy recognises “serious levels of trauma” as a major effect of the genocide that still weighs heavily on society today. It identifies the healing of psychological wounds as a guiding principle on which unity and reconciliation are established. High levels of trauma, anxiety and depression make it more difficult for people to trust and forgive each other. Trauma affects the ability to open up, receive and trust others, and it is a major cause of inter-community suspicions, especially between groups of genocide survivors and former prisoners. This has limited people’s ability to cooperate in shared, mutually beneficial economic activities.
Service or Assignment Description and Objective(s)
Given the above context, Rwanda’s 4th Health Sector Strategic Plan emphasises the need for holistic innovative programmes that simultaneously promote mental health service provision, advance social cohesion and support sustainable livelihoods. Interpeace, in partnership with Rwanda National Unity and Reconciliation Commission and Prison Fellowship Rwanda will soon start implementing a programme entitled: ‘*’**Reinforcing Community capacity for social cohesion through societal trauma healing in Bugesera District’’* Pilot programme, to strengthen social cohesion and sustainable peace through scaling up community-based healing and livelihood initiatives.
The beneficiaries of the programme will include survivors of the genocide against the Tutsi and their families; former prisoners living in Bugesera District (including those who may have been held in other Districts); local leaders, prison officials in Bugesera District; current prisoners from Bugesera prison and their families, as well as youth, in particular those from the families of genocide survivors and perpetrators who may be experiencing the effects of inter-generational transmission of trauma and genocide ideology.
Scope of work
Interpeace is looking for one Senior Expert on Mental Health in Rwanda, who will contribute to the successful implementation of all Mental Health-related activities of the Bugesera Pilot programme.
Their services will be required for up to 120 working days during the period October 2020 to 31 December 2021.
Specifically, s/he will:
Qualifications
Essential qualifications and experience:
Desired qualifications and experience:
This vacancy is archived.