ABOUT INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS

International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.

Established in 1984 by volunteer doctors and nurses, International Medical Corps is a private, voluntary, nonpolitical, nonsectarian organization. Its mission is to improve the quality of life through health interventions and related activities that build local capacity in underserved communities worldwide. By offering training and health care to local populations and medical assistance to people at highest risk, and with the flexibility to respond rapidly to emergency situations, International Medical Corps rehabilitates devastated health care systems and helps bring them back to self-reliance.

BACKGROUND TO THE ASSIGNMENT

The mhGAP-HIG Capacity Building Project is an innovative initiative being jointly implemented by the World Health Organization and International Medical Corps in support of WHO’s Mental Health Gap Action Program and its Humanitarian Intervention Guide. It (a) involves capacity building in mhGAP-HIG and orientation on the IMC Toolkit for Mental Health Integration into general health care in humanitarian settings and the WHO mhGAP Operations Manual (b) the training is followed by mentoring during agency implementation of mhGAP-HIG (c) the process and results will be carefully documented to ensure learning.

During humanitarian crises, there is an increase in people with psychological problems, and health systems tend to be overwhelmed and unable to meet the demand for basic services. Access to specialists for referral and support is typically limited and existing support systems have broken down, while medication supply lines may be disrupted. It is, therefore, important to scale up interventions in humanitarian contexts. Mental health capacity building in emergencies enables health workers to respond more effectively to the needs of people with mental, neurological and substance use conditions. At the same time, such capacity building may contribute to strengthening of health systems in the period after the immediate crisis is over.

On the basis of the strong need and interest in capacity building for mhGAP-HIG and the recently released new tools to inform implementation, there is momentum to boost leadership and capacity for mental health in emergencies within humanitarian organizations.
PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The program aims to synergize expressed views, and also to build capacity and mental health leadership in humanitarian agencies to use mhGAP-HIG and thereby provide evidence based care, contributing meaningfully to the goal of alleviating suffering and improving mental health and psychosocial wellbeing among people affected by conflict. The objectives include strengthening the implementation capacity of key humanitarian health actors to effectively use the mhGAP-HIG and associated tools within their programs in humanitarian emergencies.

SCOPE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The MHPSS Training Consultant will be responsible for the development of a training curriculum and supervision package, and the roll-out of a training for the mhGAP-HIG Capacity Building Project, which aims to strengthen the capacity of organizations to successfully implement mental health integration programs in humanitarian settings. This includes that all assessments, trainings, curriculums, and guidance that is provided is in line with global guidelines, and would be adapted to be culturally appropriate. International Medical Corps’ approach to mental health is heavily based on training and developing the capacity of partners; the successful candidate will therefore have experience in training, mentorship and in building referral links to other formal service providers and informal community supports.

GENERAL

1. Conduct an MHPSS training needs assessment to identify and prioritize training needs of participants; gather responses and analyze results.

2. Utilize results of the training needs assessment to develop key training strategies and topics for the curriculum development.

3. Complete desk review of available resources in order to develop curriculum for capacity building workshops. Resources include, but are not limited to: IASC Guidelines for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings, WHO mhGAP Operations Manual, mhGAP Humanitarian Intervention Guide and IMC Toolkit for Mental Health Integration into general health care in humanitarian settings.

4. Produce final training curriculum and associated resources, including supervision plans.

5. Conduct capacity building workshops for participants.

6. Participate in program meetings as needed.

7. Support the development of external communication materials and articles (e.g. website content, blogs, handouts) about this project in coordination with IMC TU MHPSS advisory team and Communications Department.

8. Implement the project in line with IMC and global MHPSS standards and guidelines (IMC MHPSS Minimum and Comprehensive Quality Standards), and coordinate closely with the IMC Technical Unit Senior Global Mental Health Officer and Advisor for development and review of training materials and reports.

REPORTING

1. The MHPSS Training Consultant reports directly to the Senior Global MHPSS Officer and receives technical support from global MHPSS advisory team.

2. Establish systematic data collection for reports.

3. Take a lead in writing MHPSS section of donor reports.

4. Submit data required for donor reports, and monthly reports.

MONITORING, EVALUATION & REPORTING

1. Develop and implement MHPSS Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) tools, including pre- and post-training assessments and training evaluation forms, in collaboration with partners and the IMC Global M&E and Mental Health Technical Advisors.

2. Collect and analyze program data from the Training Needs Assessment and Capacity Building Workshops to ensure successful implementation of the program and donor compliance.

COMPLIANCE & ETHICS

1. Promote and encourage a culture of integrity, compliance and ethics among program participants.

2. Maintain a clear understanding of International Medical Corps’ Code of Conduct and Security Protocols and adheres to those standards and protocols.

Code of Conduct It is our shared responsibility and obligation to prevent matters involving Sexual Exploitation & Abuse, Trafficking in Persons, Child Safeguarding and any suggested violation to our Code of Conduct, which may involve Conflicts of Interest, Fraud, Corruption or Harassment. If you see, hear or are made aware of any suggested activities then you have an obligation to report.

QUALIFICATIONS

• The qualified candidate will be a mental health specialist – psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, psychiatric nurse, or psychiatric social worker

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in mental health care, including experience supporting MHPSS programs in the international humanitarian context.
• Experienced trainer and supervisor of approaches for implementation of mental health integration in humanitarian settings, specifically WHO mhGAP Intervention Guide.
• Strong experience in curriculum development and capacity building in MHPSS required, specifically for mental health integration programs.
• Demonstrable technical expertise in the assessment of and design and delivery of responses to pre-existing and emergency induced MHPSS needs.
• Knowledgeable in and has used the IASC Guidelines for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings, WHO mhGAP Operations Manual, mhGAP Humanitarian Intervention Guide and IMC Toolkit for Mental Health Integration into general health care in humanitarian settings.

COMPETENCIES

• Strong organizational and supervisory skills needed to implement capacity building workshops.
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural competency

LANGUAGES

• English language proficiency is required.

International Medical Corps is a ‘first-responder’ both to natural and men-made disasters and has a mandate of working in remote locations. The organization has a comprehensive security management policy and plan in place and committed to do everything possible within its remit to ensure safety and security. Notwithstanding, the mandate and programming choices of International Medical Corps require staff with high degree of resilience, extremely decisive quality and ability to move fast.

International Medical Corps is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.

To apply, please follow this link http://careers.internationalmedicalcorps.org/careers.aspx?adata=EAo6s6ST6J3TzXRL5ERtiKM5q42ph3%2bS7h...