Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Coordinator

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international Catholic organisation with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate on behalf of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons, that they may heal, learn, and determine their own future. Founded in November 1980 as a work of the Society of Jesus, JRS was officially registered on 19 March 2000 in Vatican City as a foundation.

JRS is present in over 56 countries worldwide, providing services to more than 811,884 individuals. The work is overseen by 10 regional offices with support from the International Office in Rome. In Kenya, JRS has two projects: an urban refugee project in Nairobi focussing on Education and Livelihoods and field project in Kakuma Refugee Camp focussing on Education, Integrated psychosocial inclusive Education programme in Centres and Safe Shelters.

Operational Context/Role

The MHPSS Coordinator’s role entails Supervision, Reporting and Coordination. They will work closely with the various sector teams, implement, monitor, follow up and report on all MHPSS program activities that include trainings, workshops, facilitation, and data collection.Reporting to the Project Director, the MHPSS Coordinator will be based in Nairobi. This is a fixed term contract typefor five (5) months with possibility for extension.

Child Safeguarding and PSEA commitments

JRS has zero-tolerance towards all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse and takes seriously all concerns and complaints about sexual exploitation and abuse against children and vulnerable adults by JRS personnel. JRS is committed to Safeguard children and vulnerable adults and has policies which outline the expected behaviour, code of conduct and responsibility of all persons acting on behalf of JRS (Staff, consultants, volunteers, interns, Pastoral team and other representatives). All staff working for JRS are expected to abide by this policies and guidelines.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage the assigned MHPSS projects in the Nairobi to meet the JRS project objectives within budget and within the allotted timeframe, promptly reporting operational concerns to the Nairobi Project Director and Country Projects Manager (e.g. projected failure to meet objectives; increased beneficiary needs; projected over or under spending on project budget).

• Provide strong leadership of the assigned MHPSS projects, ensuring both short-term and long-term positive impacts and outcomes for the participants, local authorities (where applicable) and staff.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of an appropriate and effective MHPSS strategy including coordinating assessments at field sites in consultation with Project Director.

• Set clear objectives and indicators for MHPSS activities in collaboration with Project Director.

• Continuously monitor and supervise MHPSS activities, evaluating progress through outputs and impacts using both quantitative and qualitative data involving the MHPSS team (interns and assistants) in analysis and taking appropriate action as needed to ensure continued progress.

• Provide input into the integration of beneficiary participation and accountability in all aspects of the project.

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of all MHPSS activities.

• Assist in liaising with national authorities, mental health professionals, and community-based organizations (CBOs).

• Follow security protocols and ensure they are followed by MHPSS staff.

  Technical / Management

• Develop and manage a comprehensive activity plan covering the time frame of the project proposal.

• Ensure the quality and sustainability of the project outputs.

• Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation assessments against project objectives.

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of activities (monthly, quarterly and final reports).

• Support the Project Director & Country Program Manager in the development of new proposals.

• Support the MHPSS sector by the improvement and further design of the technical sector on approved and appropriate MHPSS practices.

  Staff Management

• Line-manage the junior MHPSS staff within the assigned projects, including day-to-day management.

• Facilitate regular meetings to assist information sharing between project staff, to ensure all staff members are aware of project objectives and current work plans and to provide the opportunity for feedback.

• Provide coaching and technical supervision to staff to develop ownership for MHPSS activities for officers, assistants, and community workers as needed.

• Assess the training needs of MHPSS staff and ensure together with the Project Director and Country Programs Manager that appropriate training is conducted.

  Financial Management

• Under supervision of the Project Director, manage the MHPSS budgets for the assigned project(s) and ensure all expenses are according to budget and meet the JRS standards about financial management, including accountability and good governance

  Communication and Coordination

• Develop and maintain appropriate, regular, transparent, and supportive communication structures with the broader JRS Program team and other relevant stakeholders (e.g., participants, community leaders, local and national government officials, UN agencies and other NGOs), to ensure good cooperation and partnerships.

• Participate in Protection, MHPSS TWG, and other coordination or working group meetings as appropriate and as assigned by the Project Director and Country Programs Manager, as well as in JRS internal trainings representing JRS and feeding back to the Project Director on relevant issues.

  Logistics

• Liaise, as necessary, with the logistics and finance staff to ensure items are procured, transported, stored, managed and accounted for correctly.

  Quality Management

• Ensure MHPSS projects are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and in accordance with JRS, donor, country and international standards i.e. Sphere, CHS and IASC guidelines.

• Promote and use the JRS operating procedures, ensuring that all standardised formats are used, and guidelines are followed.

• Conduct regular field visits to assess quality of activities and to meet with and coordinate with local authorities and organisations.

  Person Specification – Essential Requirements

  Qualification and Experience

• Degree qualification in a related field e.g. psychology, counselling, or related field

• The candidate will be a mental health professional (psychologist, clinical social worker, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse) with experience in MHPSS program coordination

• 4 years of relevant and progressive experience working in mental health related field, including minimum of 2 years of professional experience coordinating MHPSS projects in humanitarian settings

• Experience in project management is an added advantage

• Therapy community development, child protection, or related field. Practical working experience preferably in a safe houses, or schools is an advantage.

• Experience in working in the field of Sexual and gender-based violence women empowerment, and child protection

• Demonstrated experience and commitment to working with marginalized and vulnerable communities and ability to work in an environment of relief emergency operation

• Strong and practical skills in peacebuilding and conflict resolution

• Good knowledge of MS word/Office.

• Able to communicate orally and in writing in Swahili and English. Knowledge of language in will be an added advantage

• Ability to build effective partnerships and collaborate with other team members.

• Ability to work sensitively with vulnerable and refugee populations of different ethnic backgrounds

• Certificate of good conduct (police clearance) will be required