Consortium MPHSS Coordinator / Staff Counsellor at Global Village Healthcare Initiative for Africa (GHIV Africa) Full Time NEW

Job Title: Consortium MPHSS Coordinator / Staff Counsellor

Location: Borno
Reports To: Executive Director or Humanitarian Advisor
Duration: One year subject to renewal

Job Purpose

• The Consortium MHPSS Coordinator/Staff Counsellor is responsible for leading the mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programs for both beneficiaries and staff.
• The role combines responsibilities for coordinating and delivering MHPSS services to affected communities, while also providing mental health support, counseling, and wellness programs to consortium staff who may be experiencing stress or trauma due to the nature of their work.
• This dual role ensures a holistic approach to mental health and well-being for all involved in the program.

Key Responsibilities
MHPSS Program Coordination (Beneficiaries):

Program Development and Implementation:

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of MHPSS programs for beneficiaries, particularly focusing on children, families, and vulnerable populations affected by emergencies and crises.
• Ensure that MHPSS activities are in line with international standards (e.g., IASC MHPSS Guidelines) and are culturally appropriate for the target populations.
• Coordinate with other program sectors (e.g., education, child protection, gender) to integrate MHPSS services into broader humanitarian response efforts.

Capacity Building and Training:

• Provide training to consortium staff, local partners, and community members on MHPSS principles, interventions, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Develop and conduct workshops to enhance staff understanding of psychological first aid, stress management, and coping strategies for both program beneficiaries and staff.
• Mentor and supervise local counselors or community-based MHPSS workers to ensure effective service delivery and professional development.

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E):

• Develop MHPSS-specific M&E frameworks and tools to track the progress, effectiveness, and impact of MHPSS activities.
• Collect and analyze data on MHPSS interventions, using the information to adjust strategies and improve outcomes.
• Prepare detailed reports on MHPSS activities, program challenges, successes, and recommendations for improvement.

Crisis Response and Case Management:

• Provide immediate MHPSS intervention during emergencies or traumatic incidents affecting beneficiaries.
• Offer case management for individuals requiring intensive psychological support, including referrals to external mental health professionals where needed.

Stakeholder Coordination and Referral Systems:

• Collaborate with local health services, mental health institutions, and other organizations to create referral systems for beneficiaries requiring specialized mental health services.
• Engage with community leaders and stakeholders to raise awareness and reduce stigma related to mental health issues.
• Staff Counselling and Well-Being (Staff Support):

Staff Support and Counseling:

• Provide individual counseling and psychological support to consortium staff who may experience stress, burnout, vicarious trauma, or emotional difficulties related to their work.
• Create and maintain a confidential, supportive, and non-judgmental space for staff to express concerns and receive counseling.
• Implement stress reduction strategies, including coping mechanisms, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness for staff to enhance their mental well-being.

Well-Being Programs:

• Develop and implement well-being initiatives and activities that promote work-life balance, stress management, and resilience among staff.
• Organize group counseling or psychoeducation workshops on mental health topics such as stress management, preventing burnout, and maintaining mental health in challenging work environments.
• Design and oversee a peer-support network to enhance staff connection and create a supportive environment.

Crisis Support for Staff:

• Offer psychological first aid and provide ongoing emotional support for staff involved in high-stress situations or crises.
• Coordinate the immediate psychological response in the event of a critical incident (e.g., loss, injury, or trauma) involving staff.

Supervision and Capacity Building for MHPSS Staff:

• Provide supervision and support to field-based counselors, mental health workers, and community-based volunteers, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary tools and guidance.
• Foster an environment that prioritizes self-care and emotional support for MHPSS staff to prevent burnout and enhance job satisfaction.

Develop and Maintain Confidentiality and Ethical Guidelines:

• Uphold the highest ethical standards in providing mental health support, ensuring that all counseling and support services are confidential and align with professional standards.
• Ensure staff members are informed about the organization’s policies on confidentiality, consent, and ethical practices.

Requirements
Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s Degree in Psychology, Counseling, Clinical Social Work, or a related field. Additional certifications in mental health counseling or trauma care are preferred.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in MHPSS program coordination, counseling, or therapeutic support in humanitarian or emergency settings.
• Experience providing mental health support to staff and facilitating well-being programs for teams working in high-stress environments.
• Experience in training and building capacity in mental health support, trauma-informed care, and stress management.

Core Competencies:
Expertise in MHPSS:

• In-depth knowledge of MHPSS guidelines and best practices, including IASC MHPSS guidelines and WHO protocols.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing mental health and psychosocial support programs in emergency contexts.

Counseling and Clinical Skills:

• Strong skills in individual and group counseling, with experience in trauma-informed care and psychological first aid.
• Ability to manage complex mental health issues, including stress, burnout, anxiety, and trauma, both for beneficiaries and staff.

Crisis Management:

• Ability to manage crisis situations effectively, providing immediate support and coordinating responses for both staff and beneficiaries.
• Experience in case management, particularly for individuals requiring intensive psychological care.

Leadership and Capacity Building:

• Strong leadership skills to coordinate MHPSS activities across the consortium and lead a team of counselors and mental health staff.
• Excellent training and mentoring skills to build the capacity of both staff and local partners in MHPSS interventions.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences (staff, beneficiaries, community leaders, and external stakeholders) effectively.
• Empathy, patience, and active listening skills, especially in sensitive counseling contexts.

Confidentiality and Ethical Practice:

• High regard for confidentiality, ethical standards, and best practices in the mental health field.
• Ability to create a safe and supportive space for staff and beneficiaries to receive care without fear of stigma or judgment.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Experience in developing monitoring and evaluation frameworks for MHPSS programs.
• Strong reporting skills, with the ability to compile clear, concise reports and present data to internal and external stakeholders.

Personal Attributes

• Empathy and Compassion: Demonstrates a genuine concern for the well-being of vulnerable individuals.
• Integrity: Maintains the highest ethical standards in all professional activities.
• Resilience: Capable of working under challenging conditions and managing stress effectively.
• Problem Solving: Proactive in identifying issues and implementing solutions.

Application Closing Date
27th December, 2024.

Important Information

• GHIV African PSEA / GBV, and Child Safeguarding policies:  The successful candidate shall comply and promote the PSEA/GBV, and Child safeguarding Policies at all course and all levels.
• Women and Persons Living with Disability (PLWDs) are strongly advised to apply.