Consultant for mental health programs / Mental Health Officer in Arzte der Welt / Likari Svitu

MISSION:

The humanitarian aid organization Arzte der Welt e. V. is the German division of the international network Medecins du Monde/Doctors of the World (MdM). The 17 national members of the network implement domestic and international health care projects, currently almost 340 projects in 75 countries around the world.

MdM provides emergency medical aid in disaster and crisis situations, supports access to health care and, if possible, assists with reconstruction measures. The network is also active in risk reduction and preparedness as well as long-term development co-operations in neglected regions around the world that receive little public attention. MdM ensures that its health services are provided equally to the most vulnerable citizens, refugees, internally displaced people and host communities, regardless of their ethnic, social, religious or political background. 

MdM has been operating in Ukraine since 2015, targeting the most vulnerable communities and people by improving access and quality of health care services for the population. Since February 2022 MdM has restructured its setting in Ukraine and adjusted the programme accordingly. Currently MdM GE maintains a coordination office in Dnipro and field offices in Vinnytsia and Kramatorsk. The emergency response in Ukraine is currently implemented around two main components: direct delivery of services through multidisciplinary mobile units (including PHC, SRH, MHPSS and support to GBV survivors) to IDPs and strengthening the local health system through distribution of medicines and medical supplies to several hospitals and primary health care facilities.

1. Context of intervention

Arzte der Welt (Doctors of the World Germany / MdM Germany / MdM GE) has been active in Ukraine since year 2019. Since March 2022 MdM GE has its coordination office in Dnipro city and a field office in Vinnytsia; another field office in Kramatorsk is opening in 2024. 

MdM Germany contributes to improvement of the public health in Ukraine with a range of interventions, from direct support to conflict-affected population through the work of outreach units, providing primary healthcare, mental health and psychosocial support, to rehabilitation of health and social facilities, psychological intervention “Self help plus” (SH+), trainings on “Mental Health Gap” (MH Gap) to family doctors and nurses, awareness raising on health-related topics, etc. Also, MDM GE works with several local partner organisations in Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts, increasing the outreach of provided services to more areas.

2. Objectives 

The MHPSS Officer is responsible for implementing the mental health and psychosocial support activities of MdM Germany in Ukraine and is reporting to the MHPSS Manager.

 Main Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the MH Manager, the MH Officer organizes, implements, and oversees the project:

• Implements capacity-building activities (MhGap, SH+, etc) for evidence-based large-scale interventions aimed at increasing the capacity of professionals identified as the target audience in the MHPSS project (including but not limited to PHC health workers);
• Conducts MHPSS assessments and coordinating activities with other MHPSS Service Providers (INSUs) and stakeholders, maps MHPSS services and referral pathways.
• Supports awareness-raising activities by the MU Psychologists aimed at promoting mental health and reducing stigma among the population in the target locations, plans and implements activities in line with existing German MdM standards, broadening the horizons on the issue and helping to overcome the stigma of MHPSS topics. 
• Organizes trainings and education, promotion of MHPSS trainings to increase the capacity of specialists who help the population (including but not limited to primary health care workers) and community workers within the framework of the German MdM program under supervision of the MH Manager;
• Replaces the Psychologist during the visit to provide direct services if necessary and upon request.

PROGRAM ACTIVITIES 

RAISING AWARENESS

• Identify needs, organize and conduct MHPSS awareness sessions;

• Assessment of MHPSS information needs and development of strategies to reach certain vulnerable groups;

• Facilitating the implementation of community mental health programs (including participant selection, joint training, supervision, support and monitoring) in accordance with the scope of the program and plan.

COOPERATION WITH NGOS, LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS

• Participation in meetings (e.g TWGs, subgroups)        
• Maintain regular contact with other NGOs and organizations;  

• Update the mapping of service providers with the support of field psychologists; 

• Ensure coordination and communication with MHPSS service providers, public health and social protection authorities;

• Summarize briefly when attending meetings. 

MONITORING & REPORTING

• Assist in the regular collection of mental health data after interventions and develop corrective measures, as appropriate, with the coordination of the MH Manager;

• Participate in regular reports on MHPSS activities, as agreed with the MH Manager. 

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

• In coordination with HR team, ensures that staff is trained on MdM Code of Conduct
• Participates in the design and implements staff care activities 
• Drafts job descriptions for psychologists 
• Participates in the selection and onboarding of mental health staff,
• Assures management of MH assistant,
• In collaboration with MHPSS coordination implement the staff assessment plans
• Reports any HR issue to MHPSS Co and HR and supports in developing solutions.
• Ensures that protection standards and policies are mainstreamed throughout the program including Gender & Age markers,

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain good social and professional relations with local and international partners;

• Attend team meetings and take an active part in them;

• Participate in the preparation of contingency plans with the Coordination Group as needed to tailor activities and resources to needs;

• Participate in supervised advocacy and communication activities;

• Perform other additional duties as requested by the MH Coordinator.

Note: The list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and may vary depending on the situation 

EDUCATION:

University degree in psychology or another field related to mental health and psychosocial support

REQUIREMENTS:

Languages:

• Ukrainian (fluent oral and written)
• English (fluent oral and written)

Computing skills: Impeccable command of the Microsoft Office suite of programs

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in designing and delivering MHPSS trainings;
• Experience working with NGOs and/or health care facilities;
• Knowledge of the level of primary health care and the context of mental health of the population in Ukraine;
• Ability to organize oneself independently and work autonomously with the ability to organize, plan and prioritize;
• Experience in coordination.

PROFESSIONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Ability to work quickly, under stress and short deadlines.
• Ability to work in emergency situations while remaining calm. 
• Ability to prioritize and review them daily as needed.
• Ability to flexibly adapt to changing requirements and conditions. 
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to listen to the opinions of others and make decisions together
• Strong teamwork skills. 
• Adhering to the principles and ethics of MdM GE.

VAILABILITY

Incorporation date: ASAP

Fixed term contract with possibility of extension depending on funding

Only applications submitted in English will be considered. 

If a response to the application is not received within 15 days, such application shall be deemed rejected.

Our organisation welcomes people with disability to apply and be part of our team. The candidates with disability will be given an advantage during the selection process compared to the candidates with the same level of qualification.

Please note:

Doctors of the World promotes equal opportunities for all people. We adhere to a policy of positive regard for people who, due to a functional difference or social and/or cultural backgrounds, belong to groups that are underrepresented in the positions offered.

 Therefore, no candidate who meets the professional requirements will be excluded from the selection process based on functional differences, social or cultural origin, race or ethnicity, sex, gender, or any other social or cultural characteristic.