Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Project Manager, Generic

Role Overview

The MHPSS Manager supports, monitors and evaluates the execution of the assigned MHPSS and Protection project(s) conducted by Psychosocial Support Officers (PSSOs). This involves effectively managing and reporting on the projects in line with objectives, timeframe, and budget under direct supervision of MHPSS Project Manager (PM). In close cooperation with MHPSS PM, the MHPSS Manager will be managing and training local staff to meet quality standards in mental health and psychosocial support delivery, encouraging beneficiary participation, liaising with other stakeholders, and anticipating, planning, and contributing to report and proposal writing for integrated MHPSS components in overall programming with a special focus on Protection.

Key Activity Areas

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Project Management

• Manage the assigned MHPSS project(s) in order to meet the project objectives within budget and within the allotted time frame, reporting promptly operational concerns to Project Coordinator (PC) (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, 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, field managers and sector advisors (Health, WASH, Shelter, MHPSS)
• Set clear objectives and indicators for MHPSS activities in collaboration with the PC, 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 Sr. MHPSS advisor at GSO
• Develop the strategy and mechanisms to integrate mental health and psychosocial support into Medair programs in line with Medair’s global Strategic Approach for MHPSS and international standards (IASC, Sphere)
• 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

Staff Management

• Line-manage PSS Officers within assigned projects, including day-to-day management, development and training, appraisals…
• 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, technical supervision and training to staff in order to develop ownership for MHPSS and protection activities
• Assess the training needs of MHPSS staff and ensure that appropriate training is conducted

Financial Management

• Manage the MHPSS budgets for the assigned project(s) 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, Cluster, MHPSS TWG and GBV meetings as appropriate, as well as in Medair internal trainings, and other working groups or meetings as required, representing Medair and feeding back to the MHPSS staff and broader team on relevant issues.

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, prayer, and words of encouragement.
• Encouraged to join and contribute to Medair’s international prayer network.

Qualifications

• Degree in Psychology, Psychiatric Nursing, Social Work, Public Health or Global Mental Health 
• Good English (spoken and written)

Experience

• 2 years’ post-qualification professional experience
• At least 1-year management experience
• At least 1 year’s experience managing mental health/ psychosocial/ protection projects in developing countries
• Ability and willingness to manage project implementation
• Good numerical, report writing and administration skills
• Knowledge of IASC guidelines and policies for MHPSS in emergencies as well as knowledge of humanitarian principles, Sphere and CHS
• Experience in the design, monitoring and evaluation of MHPSS and protection programme activities
• Knowledge and experience of (primary) mental health care principles and management
• Able to prioritise clearly and oversee multiple tasks
• Able to take the initiative in project decisions
• Able to train, coach and supervise staff in MHPSS and protection topics