Mental Health & Psychosocial Support Assessment Consultant – Gaza

Position Title: Consultancy: Mental Health & Psychosocial Support Assessment – Gaza

Department: Emergency Programs

Location: Remote

Key Relationships:

• Reports to: MHPSS Technical Specialist and Director, International Emergency Response (matrix reporting)

Assignment Type: 1-month temporary consultancy

Application requirements: Resume and a brief proposal that outlines the steps they would take to conduct the MHPSS assessment, an estimated timeline and the proposed rate for the consultancy.

About Americares:

Americares is a health-focused relief and development organization that saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster. With global staff and offices spanning nine countries and medical aid and health programming reaching over 80 more, Americares and our network of 4,000 partners help increase access to quality health services and supplies where they are urgently needed. For more information, visit americares.org.

Americares Values:

We create global community, treating people as they want to be treated.

We respond effectively and responsibly, putting plans into practice.

We embed ethics and equity in our work and workplace.

We are better together; partnership is at our core.

We ask and listen, to create sustainable solutions for a healthier tomorrow.

We commit to quality, growing and improving to ensure individuals and communities thrive.

About the position:

As the Israel Gaza conflict continues, Americares is dedicated to providing support to communities impacted by the conflict in Israel and Gaza. Americares is partnering with local organizations with staff on the ground to increase access to medicine, medical supplies and mental health support for frontline health care providers and survivors.

Americares is seeking an experienced Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) professional to conduct an assessment of MHPSS needs and available resources in Gaza and the West Bank. The consultancy is temporary (estimated 1-month) and fully remote.

The consultant should have a background and experience in a mental health field (i.e. psychology, social work, etc.) as well as experience working in humanitarian and conflict-affected settings.

Key Outcomes and Deliverables

Potential duties, responsibilities, and deliverables include but may not be limited to:

• MHPSS Assessment: Conduct an MHPSS community assessment to identify priority needs, gaps, strengths and resources in Gaza and the West Bank, particularly among health and frontline workers. The assessment should include desk research and key informant interviews with local and international NGOs and other relevant MHPSS stakeholders. More specifically, the consultant will be expected to:
• Develop an assessment plan and timeline
• Conduct desk research
• Develop/adapt interview guides and other assessment tools as needed
• Coordinate outreach and interviews with Americares partners, the MHPSS Working Group and other relevant MHPSS stakeholders
• Ensure maximum professionalism, confidentiality and informed consent for key informant interviews and all relevant communication with external stakeholders
• Analyze data to map MHPSS stakeholders and identify priority needs, gaps and resources
• Draft brief assessment report in English (approximately 10 pages or less) summarizing assessment findings and recommendations for program design
• Be available for regular check-ins to ensure smooth coordination with the Americares MHPSS and Emergency Programs team members.
• Quality Assurance and Do No Harm: In coordination with Americares Technical teams, ensure all MHPSS assessment activities are technically sound and meet or exceed minimum humanitarian standards for MHPSS, protection and safeguarding.
• Deliverables:
• Assessment plan and timeline
• Interview guide (and other assessment tools as needed)
• Notes from interviews & outreach
• Draft assessment report for review
• Final assessment report (including citations)

These competencies are required for the role:

• • At least 8+ years of progressive experience in mental health and/or psychosocial support
    – An advanced degree in Psychology, Psychiatric Nursing, Social Work or related mental health related profession
    – Fluency in English and Arabic (Palestinian or Levantine dialect preferred)
    – Experience collaborating with government, NGO, and private-sector partners.
    – Experience working directly in humanitarian contexts and conflict-affected communities
    – Experience leading needs assessments and writing assessment reports
    – Knowledge and experience of MHPSS interventions in emergencies, staff care and support for frontline workers
    – Understanding and experience with the IASC MHPSS Guidelines and other related humanitarian guidelines
    – Strong cultural awareness and sensitivity and experience in Palestine or the Middle East required
    – Excellent writing and communication skills
    – Experience working on teams from multiple geographies
    – Proficient in Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Americares is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of Americares. At any point in the recruitment process, we may request additional information to confirm qualifications. Any misrepresentation of qualifications in any stage of the process will prevent the applicant from moving forward in the process.

To request a disability accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact us at [email protected].