Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Project Manager

Role & Responsibilities

Working as an important member of a diverse team who are committed to serve the world’s most vulnerable with practical and compassionate care, the MHPSS Project Manager develops, leads, monitors, and evaluates the assigned MHPSS project(s). This involves effectively managing and reporting on the projects in line with the objectives, timeframe, and budget. Other important aspects of the role include managing and training local staff to meet international quality standards in mental health care delivery, encouraging beneficiary participation, liaising with other stakeholders, and anticipating, planning, and contributing to the development of MHPSS components for new health and protection project proposals and reports.

Project Overview

Medair’s goal in Sudan is to reduce morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations through the provision of emergency health, nutrition and WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) , ES/NFI, and cash services, and to improve the mental and psychosocial wellbeing of affected populations.

Workplace & Working conditions

Field based position in Sudan.

Starting Date / Initial Contract Details

As soon as possible. Full time, 12-24 months.

Key Activity Areas

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Project Management

• Manage assigned MHPSS projects to meet the project objectives within budget and within the allotted time frame, reporting promptly operational concerns to Project Coordinator (PC) and Health and Nutrition Advisor (HNA).
• 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 and HNA.
• Set clear objectives and indicators for MHPSS activities in collaboration with the PC, HNA, Health and Nutrition Project Manager, 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 proposals, linked to assessed needs and gaps and Medair country strategy, in conjunction with field team and HNA.
• Develop strategy and mechanisms to integrate mental health and psychosocial support into Medair programmes.
• 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. Contribute to develop and implement integrated referral mechanism.
• Coordinate with protection partners to address the protection issues for the beneficiaries.
• Ensure holistic services for survivors of gender-based violence including clinical management and psychosocial support.
• Oversee implementation of PSS activities in care groups (CGs), with CHWs, Child Friendly Spaces (CFS) and mhGAP-HIG.
• Work closely with t MoH and health programme staff in supporting management and follow-up of SGBV patients.

Staff Management

• Provide technical oversight/support to the MHPSS Supervisors and Officers in order to implement PSS activities through Care Groups, CHWs, Child Friendly Spaces and mhGAP-HIG.
• 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 to develop ownership for MHPSS activities.
• Assess the training needs of MHPSS staff and ensure that appropriate training is conducted.

Financial Management

• Manage MHPSS allocated budget for the assigned activities 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 assigned MHPSS team, Medair in-country and GSO advisors and other relevant stakeholders (beneficiaries, community leaders, local and national government officials, UN agencies, and other NGOs), to ensure good cooperation and partnerships.
• Participate in protection, MHPSS TWG, GBV, and health meetings as appropriate, in liaison with HNA and other MHPSS staff. Also, in Medair internal trainings, and other working groups or meetings as required, represent Medair and feed back to the HNA, MHPSS staff on relevant issues.

Logistics and Security

• Ensure timely procurement of psychotropic medicine, equipment, and medical supplies for delivery of the project.
• Liaise, as necessary, with the logistics and finance staff to ensure items are procured, transported, stored, managed, and accounted for correctly.
• Promote and adhere to security procedures and processes, and ensure team members understand and adhere to these procedures and processes as well.

Quality Management

• Promote and use the Medair information management systems and other operating procedures, ensuring that all standardised formats are used, and guidelines are followed.
• 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.

Delegated Responsibilities

• Authorisation of expenditure on applicable budget lines up to USD5,000

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

• Psychiatric Nurse/Social Worker.
• Degree in Global Mental Health.
• Good English (spoken and written).

Experience

• 2 years’ post-qualification professional experience. At least 1 year management experience.
• Minimum of 1 year’s experience working as MHPSS manager overseeing mental health/ psychosocial/ protection projects in humanitarian sector.
• Strong Christian commitment. Passionate about serving the poor. Self-motivated.
• Capacity to work under pressure and manage personal stress levels.
• Ability and willingness to manage project implementation.
• Good numerical, report writing and administration skills. Problem solving ability.
• Knowledge of humanitarian principles, Sphere and CHS as well as IASC guidelines and policies for MHPSS in emergencies.
• Experience in the design, monitoring of implementation and evaluation of psychosocial programmes.
• 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 enforce procedures.
• Able to set clear objectives for staff and to delegate. Committed to consultative and servant minded leadership.