Position Title: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer

Number of positions: 1

Reporting to: Social Behavior Change Communication Coordinator

Duty Station: Mogadishu 50%, Baidoa 50%

Contract Duration: 12 Months

Organisational background:

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 24 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 50 countries, our 8,300 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

Action Against Hunger USA is part of the Action Against Hunger International network. As an independent NGO, Action Against Hunger USA currently manages operations in 8 countries: Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia and Haiti. Action Against Hunger-USA has over $100 million in programs, and approximately 1,800 permanent staff based in New York City, Washington D.C, Nairobi, and country offices. Additional growth is anticipated.

Job Summary

The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officer will be responsible for providing support and services to individuals and communities affected by disasters, conflicts, or other emergencies. The MHPSS Officer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating MHPSS programs and interventions that are culturally appropriate and responsive to the needs of the affected population. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing culturally appropriate and responsive MHPSS services to individuals and communities affected by emergencies. The MHPSS Officer will be expected to work closely with other staff and partners to ensure effective coordination and implementation of MHPSS programs and interventions.

• Purpose The MHPSS Officer is responsible for providing mental health and psychosocial support services to individuals and communities affected by crises, such as natural disasters, conflict, or displacement. The role involves conducting assessments, developing and implementing interventions, and coordinating with other organizations and stakeholders to ensure the delivery of high-quality MHPSS services.
• Engagement: The MHPSS Officer will work closely with other members of the organization, including field staff, program managers, and technical advisors. The role may also involve liaising with external partners, such as government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community-based organizations.
• Delivery: The MHPSS Officer will conduct assessments, develop and implement interventions, coordinate with stakeholders, monitor and evaluate interventions, provide technical support, document activities, and build the capacity of program staff and partners on MHPSS issues

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evaluate MHPSS programs and interventions that are culturally appropriate and responsive to the needs of the affected population.
• Provide technical support to staff and partners in the implementation of MHPSS activities, including training, coaching, and mentoring.
• Conduct assessments to identify the mental health and psychosocial needs of the affected population and develop appropriate interventions to address those needs.
• Provide direct clinical services to individuals and groups affected by emergencies, including counseling, group therapy, and other evidence-based interventions.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and other service providers, to ensure the effective coordination of MHPSS services.
• Develop and implement strategies to promote community-based mental health and psychosocial support, including the involvement of community members in the design and implementation of MHPSS activities.
• Develop and maintain effective data collection and reporting systems to ensure the timely and accurate reporting on MHPSS activities and outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with relevant international standards and guidelines for MHPSS programming.
• Performing other duties as directed by the SBCC Coordinator.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Fiscal Responsibility

None

Physical demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for long periods and to concentrate on work, including typing, and turn out heavy volumes of work accurately, within short time frames under stressful situations in the context of a moderately noisy office with many interruptions.
• Must be able to proofread own work accurately so that only minor corrections are needed on an infrequent basis.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Working Conditions, Travel and Environment

• The duties of the job require regular job attendance at least five days per week. Must be available to work outside normal office hours or on the weekends as required.
• Must be able to travel as required for standard domestic and international official matters. While performing the duties of this job in the field, the employee may be exposed to precarious settings under high security risks and outside weather conditions, as well as infectious diseases

Gender Equality Commitments & Zero Tolerance to Abuse

• Foster an environment that reinforces values of women and men, and equal access to information.
• Provide a work environment where women and men must be evaluated and promoted based on their skills and performance.
• Promote a safe, secure, and respectful environment for all stakeholders, particularly for children, beneficiaries, and members of staff.
• Help to prevent any type of abuse including workplace harassment and sexual abuse and exploitation.
• Respect beneficiaries’ women, men, children (boys and girls) regardless of gender, sex orientation, disability, religion, race, color, ancestry, national origin, age, or marital status.
• Value and respect all cultures.

Required Qualifications

A degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field.

• At least 3 years of experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating mental health and psychosocial support programs in humanitarian and emergency settings.

• Strong understanding of evidence-based interventions for mental health and psychosocial support, including trauma-focused interventions.

• Ability to work in a cross-cultural and interdisciplinary environment.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required. Knowledge of additional languages is an asset.

• Willingness to travel and work in insecure settings.

• Knowledge of international humanitarian standards and guidelines for MHPSS programming is highly desirable.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate closely with government staff, effectively manages their expectations, and builds capacity.
• Proven abilities to set priorities, to multi-task, and to work collaboratively across technical disciplines
• Strong management skills are required, along with the ability to work well in a team environment.