Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Consultant

We are currently recruiting a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Consultant to support our Programs team.

This is a remote position, open to candidates globally.

At Relief International, we are committed to building a representative, inclusive and authentic workplace. We strongly encourage applications from candidates from minoritized backgrounds those who bring lived experience of the contexts in which we work.

This role is classified as requiring standard background checks.

About Relief International

Relief International is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience and promote long-term health and wellbeing. We work in 16 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, providing Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education and Livelihoods programming that creates the foundation for community resilience.

About the Opportunity

Relief International is seeking a qualified and experienced MHPSS consultant to enhance the integration of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) within the organization’s health programming by conducting a rapid assessment of current capacities, developing a tailored intervention framework, and creating actionable plans and training resources. This initiative aims to strengthen the organization’s ability to deliver effective, culturally appropriate integrated MHPSS services that are aligned with global standards and responsive to the specific needs of the communities served considering the fragile and conflict affected settings in which Relief International operates.

Deliverables

• Conduct a Rapid Assessment: Evaluate the current capacity for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) programming within the organization and its areas of operation. This includes reviewing existing national plans, policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), tools, and programmatic approaches, as well as assessing staffing levels and capacities related to MHPSS.
• Develop an MHPSS Intervention Framework: Create a tailored MHPSS intervention framework that aligns with global standards and integrates with Relief International’s (RI) Health and Nutrition strategy, particularly within the context of primary healthcare programming. The intervention framework should consider practical approaches that are evidence based and appropriate to the contexts in which Relief International operates
• Create an Implementation Action Plan: Develop an action plan that outlines steps for effective implementation of the MHPSS intervention framework at all organizational levels.
• Design an MHPSS Capacity building Framework: Establish a training and capacity building framework for MHPSS, utilizing existing publicly available tools, resources, and were possible suggesting trainers. The framework should aim to enhance the skills of RI field teams and partners involved in MHPSS initiatives and include supportive supervision. Note that implementation of the training is not within the scope of the consultancy
• Develop an Operational Tool for MHPSS Program Design: Create an operational tool linked to the MHPSS intervention framework, which will guide RI field teams in designing safe, high-quality, and context-responsive MHPSS programs.

We are looking for someone to start the consultancy in November, the level of effort required is 60 days. This can be completed across 3 – 6 months.

About You

You will bring the following experience and skills.

• Educational Background: A master’s degree or higher in psychology, social work, public health, or a related field, with a focus on mental health or psychosocial support.
• Professional Experience: substantial experience in MHPSS programming, including work in humanitarian or development contexts. Experience in integrated health programming would be beneficial.
• Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of global MHPSS frameworks and guidelines, such as those developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) including mhGAP. Familiarity with evidence-based practices for mental health interventions is essential.
• Capacity Building Skills: Proven ability to design and facilitate training sessions for diverse audiences, including healthcare professionals, community workers, and beneficiaries.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Experience conducting needs assessments and program evaluations, with the ability to develop practical tools and frameworks for implementation and monitoring.
• Cultural Competence: Ability to work effectively in diverse cultural settings and adapt interventions to local contexts while respecting cultural beliefs and practices.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Collaboration and Partnership: Experience working collaboratively with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations, to strengthen MHPSS services.

Research shows that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs, unless they meet every single requirement. If you’re excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t align with every criteria described, we encourage you to apply anyway, you could be exactly what we need!