Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Project Manager

Role Overview

The MHPSS Project Manager develops, leads, monitors and evaluates the assigned MHPSS project(s). This involves effectively managing and reporting on the projects in line with the objectives, timeframe and budget. Other important aspects of the role include managing and training local staff to meet international quality standards in mental health care delivery, encouraging beneficiary participation, liaising with other stakeholders and anticipating, planning, and contributing to the development of MHPSS components for new health and protection project proposals and reports.

Project Overview

Medair’s goal in Leer County is to reduce morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations through the provision of emergency health, nutrition and WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) services, and to improve the mental and psychosocial wellbeing of affected populations.

Key Activity Areas

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Project Management

• Manage the assigned MHPSS projects in order to meet the project objectives within budget and within the allotted time frame, reporting promptly operational concerns to Project Coordinator (PC) and Health Advisor (HA)
• Provide strong leadership of the assigned MHPSS projects, working to ensure both short and long-term positive impacts and outcomes for the beneficiaries, local authorities (where applicable) and local staff
• Contribute to development and implementation of an appropriate and effective MHPSS strategy including proactive planning for responsible exit in consultation with PC and HA
• Set clear objectives and indicators for MHPSS activities in collaboration with the PC, HA, Health Project Manager, field managers and, where appropriate, with the local communities
• Continuously monitor and supervise MHPSS activities, evaluating progress through outputs and impacts using both quantitative and qualitative data involving the MHPSS team 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 according to Medair, donor and other applicable timeframes and formats
• Develop new proposals, linked to the assessed needs and gaps and the Medair country strategy, in conjunction with the field team and HA
• Develop strategy and mechanisms to integrate mental health and psychosocial support into Medair programs
• Develop a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework for MHPSS programs, analysing data trends and best practices with subsequent learning to inform MHPSS strategy and programming. Contribute to develop and implement integrated referral mechanism
• Coordinate with protection partners to address the protection issues for the beneficiaries
• Ensure holistic services for survivors of gender-based violence including clinical management and psychosocial support  
• Oversee the implementation of PSS activities in care groups (CGs), Child Friendly Spaces (CFS) and mhGAP-HIG.
• Work closely with MoH and Health programme staff in supporting management and follow-up of SGBV patients.  

Staff Management

• Line-manage the MHPSS Manger, including day-to-day management, development and training, appraisals, etc.  
• Provide technical oversight/support to the MHPSS Supervisors and BCC Officer in order to implement PSS activities through Care Groups, Child Friendly Spaces and mhGAP-HIG
• 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 in order to develop ownership for MHPSS activities
• Assess the training needs of MHPSS staff and ensure that appropriate training is conducted

Financial Management

• Manage the MHPSS allocated funding within the Health budget for the assigned activities and ensure all expenses are according to budget and meet the Medair standards with regard to financial management, including accountability and good governance

Communication and Coordination

• Develop and maintain appropriate, regular, transparent and supportive communication structures with the assigned MHPSS team, Medair in-country and GSO advisors and other relevant stakeholders, with the objective of ensuring good cooperation and partnerships
• Participate in protection, MHPSS TWG, GBV and health meetings as appropriate, in liaison with HA and other MHPSS staff.  

Logistics

• Ensure timely procurement of psychotropic medicine, equipment, and medical supplies for delivery of the project
• Liaise, as necessary, with the logistics and finance staff to ensure items are procured, transported, stored, managed and accounted for correctly

Quality Management

• Promote and use the Medair information management systems and other operating procedures, ensuring that all standardised formats are used and guidelines are followed
• Ensure MHPSS projects are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and in accordance with Medair, donor, country and international standards i.e. Sphere, CHS and IASC guidelines
• Ensure quality treatment and follow-up of mental health patients in line with the treatment guidelines.  

Team Spiritual Life

• Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, and external contacts.
• Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith-based team settings. Fully contribute to the rich spiritual life of your team, including team devotions, prayers, and words of encouragement.
• Encouraged to join and contribute to Medair’s international prayer network.

Qualifications

• Psychiatric Nurse/Social Worker  
• Degree in Global Mental Health
• Medical doctor or nurse with mental health qualification
• Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written).

Experience

• 2 years’ post-qualification professional experience
• At least 1 year management experience
• Minimum of 1 year’s experience working as MHPSS manager overseeing mental health/ psychosocial/ protection projects in humanitarian sector
• Familiar with Microsoft Office programs, in particular Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.