MENTAL HEALTH & PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT (MHPSS) CONSULTANT FOR ASSESSMENT AND TRAINING FOR TEACHERS AND STAFF MANAGED BY FINN CHURCH AID (FCA)

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is the second-largest Finnish development cooperation organization and an important provider of humanitarian assistance with operations in 13 countries across the globe. FCA supports three thematic areas: Right to quality education, Right to livelihood and Right to Peace.

FCA Kenya’s operation in Education in Emergencies (EiE) in Kakuma/Kalobeyei started in 2019. The organization has received funding support from UNHCR, UNICEF, MFA, WUSC and BPRM to implement education interventions in Kakuma/Kalobeyei integrated settlement in Turkana County. FCA under BPRM funding supports provision of quality primary education in eight primary schools in Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement (6 schools in Kalobeyei integrated settlement and 2 schools in host community).

Over 283,112 refugees are hosted in Kakuma/Kalobeyei camps, with fifty three percent under 18 years old. The majority of refugee and asylum-seeking learners are enrolled in pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools and tertiary institutions located in Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps and Kalobeyei settlements (UNHCR, 3/24). FCA currently serves an estimated population of 44,430 refugees and asylum seekers in Kalobeyei settlement camp drawn from different nationalities including South Sudanese, Somali, Sudanese, Ethiopians, and Great Lakes (Congolese, Burundians, and Rwandese). The school’s enrolment in Kalobeyei integrated settlement stands at 29, 507 (13,283 girls, 16,224 boys) learners (Term II EMIS data 2024).

Background and rationale of the evaluation.

FCA Kenya is currently implementing a two-year project with the funding support from Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (BPRM). The projects’ goal is to enhance access to inclusive, equitable, and quality primary education in a safe environment for refugees and host population boys and girls in Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement Camp. The project is implemented across 8 primary schools that have a population of 29,507 learners (56% boys,44% girls) and 229 teachers.

The mental and psychosocial well-being of staff and teachers in a crisis context is essential for the effective programme implementation. The project seeks to provide MHPSS as part of the organizational duty of care for staff. Similarly, FCA is creating platform for debriefing and guiding staff and teachers to process difficult situations encountered at work, ensuring their ability to function after a crisis, and preventing burnout.

To encourage staff and teachers to take care of their physical, psychosocial and mental health and workplace wellbeing, the project is seeking to engage consultant psychologist/counsellor who will support MHPSS assessment aimed at identifying the staff and teachers PSS needs and facilitate training on the identified needs. This is aimed at improving staff resilience and improve their ability to deliver quality service delivery within the refugee camp.

Objective of the consultancy.

• To conduct MHPSS assessments for staff and teachers supporting curriculum delivery in 8 FCA managed schools in Kalobeyei camp.
• To organize and conduct training for staff and teachers based on the identified needs from assessment in order to improve staff resilience and delivery of quality services to persons of concerns.

Types of MHPSS Assessment to be conducted

The consultant psychologists/Counsellor will be required to perform the following MHPSS assessments.

1. Psychological First Aid (PFA) Assessment: This evaluates immediate distress and provides initial support for individuals affected by crises. It’s not a diagnostic tool but helps identify immediate needs.
2. Psychosocial Assessment: This evaluates the psychological and social aspects of individuals affected by crises. It assesses stressors, coping mechanisms, and social support networks.
3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Assessment: For those who have experienced traumatic events, assessments like the PTSD Checklist (PCL) can help identify symptoms of PTSD.
4. Depression and Anxiety Assessments: Tools like the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale for anxiety can be used to assess these conditions.
5. Resilience Assessments: Assessments like the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) measure an individual’s resilience in the face of adversity.
6. Coping Style Inventories: Assessments that determine how individuals cope with stress and adversity, such as the Brief COPE Inventory.
7. Educational Impact Assessments: Assessments focusing on educational aspects like the ability to concentrate, learn, and teach effectively in the midst of crisis.

Skills and qualifications required

• Master’s degree in counselling psychology, Psychology and/or clinical psychology.
• Licensed counsellor with counselling and psychologist board.
• Experience in facilitating psychosocial support trainings/TOT especially in crisis context.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience in conducting psychosocial assessments in humanitarian or refugee settings.
• Strong analytical and report writing skills.
• Sensitivity to cultural and ethical considerations.
• Social problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain professionalism in services delivery and ethics.