( 2208013 )
Contractual Arrangement : External consultant
Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days) : 6 months or less
Job Posting: Sep 11, 2022, 9:23:21 AM
Somalia is experiencing a multi-layered humanitarian crisis resulting from protracted period of conflict, recurrent natural disasters (including droughts and floods), recurrent epidemics and the social and economic impacts of COVID-19 pandemic. These, coupled with forced and extended displacement into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps; high levels of poverty and deprivation and violation of rights without avenues for recourse have had a lasting impact on communities, resulting in the high prevalence of mental health and psychosocial support needs in the country. Although mental health is part of the revised essential of package health services (EPHS 2020), mental health services in Somalia remain inadequate and inaccessible to majority of those who need them, across the country
In this context WHO Country Office intends to recruit a suitable candidate who will provide technical support, to all partners supporting health sector in Somalia to integrate mental health services in their country programmes, provide technical support to the Federal and State Ministries of Health to scale up prevention and treatment of mental, neurological, substance use disorders in line with EPHS 2020 and support mainstreaming of mental health services in health emergencies response. The incumbent will also support the activities for promotion of mental health with particular focus on the most vulnerable populations.
This position contributes to the three strategic priorities of the WHO General Programme of Work 13 (GPW13); Strategic Priority 1, Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Strategic Priority 2, better protecting people from health emergencies, and Strategic Priority 3, ensuring people enjoy better health and wellbeing. It will support the country towards implementation of mental health care components, integrated within the country’s revised essential package of health services (EPHS 2020) through the Primary Health Care approach. The position will contribute to strengthening the health system components required for delivery of quality services and support mainstreaming and integration of mental health services in humanitarian operations, this progressing toward UHC, health protection and promotion of healthy lives.
Planned timelines (subject to confirmation)
ii. Conduct of capacity building activities to support integration of mental health in PHC using the standards tools and guidelines adapted to Somali context
iii. Annual Workplan for MHPSS Technical Working Group
Educational Qualifications:
Essential: A first level university degree in Medicine, Nursing, Psychology or Public Health (with curriculum including the relevant subjects on mental health and neurology).
Desirable: Advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology, or related field. Specialized training or certification in (a) public health / primary health care / community health (b) clinical psychology or psychiatry and/or (c) MHPSS in emergency and humanitarian crises.
Experience
Essential: At least five years of relevant experience providing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in complex emergency situations and contributing to the service development
Desirable: Experience working in delivery of essential services, including mental health in emergency and humanitarian response. Experience in working within Somalia’s institutions. Experience in WHO, other UN agencies, or nongovernmental and humanitarian organizations.
Skills/Knowledge:
Knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications.
Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Expert):
Mogadishu, internal travel as required
The consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness to work
The Consultant may be expected to travel as required. This may include missions to other states of Somalia for better coordination of assigned tasks and functions.
If travel occurred, all travel arrangements will be made by WHO – WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance.
Additional Information