Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Project Manager

Location

Field based position in Lebanon. Working and living conditions may be different to that previously experienced.

Starting Date & Initial Contract Details

As soon as possible. Full time, 8-12 weeks.

Role Overview

This MHPSS Project Manager role is a short term position to establish a new phase of Medair’s MHPSS strategy within Lebanon. Operationalising Medair’s strategy, the MHPSS Project Manager will collaborate with the MHPSS team to develop standardised tools, establish a common approach and ensure quality training and supervision. The MHPSS Project Manager will prepare and equip the team to roll out new curricula for Peer Support Groups and Psycho-awareness sessions.

Project Overview

Medair’s overall goal in Lebanon is to save lives and reduce suffering in both refugee and Lebanese vulnerable populations through the provision of health, shelter and GIS mapping services, and to improve the mental and psychosocial wellbeing of affected populations.

Our Culture

Key Activity Areas

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Project Management

• Establish standardised tools for use by all MHPSS staff across project activities, based on agreed country strategy. Establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for outworking of project activities and recruiting, training, and supervision of facilitators and community volunteers.
• Oversee and contribute to the revision of existing curriculum, including facilitator guides.
• Conduct Training of Trainers for key curriculum and topics, equipping MHPSS staff to conduct future trainings.
• Set clear targets in the implementation of the MHPSS strategy, based on current research and planning.
• Provide input into the integration of beneficiary participation and accountability in all aspects of the project.
• Ensure a system for accurate and timely reporting of all MHPSS activities according to Medair, donor and other applicable timeframes and formats.
• Develop the mechanisms to integrate MHPSS into Medair’s other sector programmes.
• Coordinate with the MEAL PM, Manager and Officer to develop a monitoring and evaluation framework for MHPSS programmes, analysing data trends and best practices with subsequent learning to inform MHPSS strategy and programming. Contribute to develop and implement integrated referral mechanism.

 

Staff Management

• Line-manage the MHPSS Manager and Psychologist within the assigned projects, including management, development and training, etc., in coordination with the Project Coordinator.
• 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.
• Engage in staff capacity building in relevant areas of MHPSS and general professional learning and skills.

 

Financial, Logistical and HR Management

• Manage the MHPSS budgets for the assigned project(s), in close collaboration with Project Coordinator and ensure all expenses are according to budget and meet the Medair standards with regard to financial management, including accountability and good governance.
• Liaise, as necessary, with the logistics and finance staff to ensure items are procured, transported, stored, managed and accounted for correctly.
• Contribute to thinking and planning for future staffing need for MHPSS Medair Lebanon work.
• Liaise, as necessary, with HR for the recruitment and induction of any staff and volunteers.

 

Communication and Coordination

• Develop and maintain appropriate, regular, transparent and supportive communication structures with the assigned MHPSS team, Medair in-country team and GSO advisors and other relevant stakeholders, with the objective of ensuring good cooperation and partnerships.
• Ensure that MHPSS team is participating in MHPSS Taskforce, protection and GBV meetings, Medair internal trainings, and other working groups or meetings. Represent Medair and feed back to MHPSS staff.

 

Quality Management

• Promote and use the Medair intranet and operating procedures with standardised formats and guidelines.
• 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.
• Encourage conversations to ensure continued learning, best practices and execution are taking place.
• Ensure workplans and implementation plans are well established and followed.

 

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.

This job description covers the main tasks that are anticipated. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary.

Qualifications

• Relevant university degree or post-graduate training.
• Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written). Knowledge of Arabic is desirable.

What is the ROC and why is it required?

Experience

• 2 years’ post-qualification professional experience. At least 1 year project management experience.
• 1 year experience working as MHPSS manager in humanitarian sector.
• Good numerical, report writing and administration skills. Problem solving ability.
• Knowledge of humanitarian principles, Sphere, CHS and IASC guidelines and policies for MHPSS in emergencies.
• Experience in the design, monitoring of implementation and evaluation of psychosocial programmes.