MHPSS Officer

About GOAL

GOAL’s mission is to work with the most vulnerable communities to help them respond to and recover from humanitarian crises, and to assist them to build transcendent solutions to mitigate poverty and vulnerability.

GOAL is a non-for profit organization that has been working in Ethiopia for over 30 years across all the region of the country towards ensuring the poorest and most vulnerable in our world and those affected by humanitarian crises have access to the fundamental rights of life, including but not limited to adequate shelter, food and livelihoods, water and sanitation, nutrition, healthcare and education. GOAL implements a range of multi-sectoral development, resilience, recovery and humanitarian responses Programmes by being sensitive to cross-cutting issues including gender, accountably, child protection, HIV/AIDS.

We envision a world where poverty no longer exist, where vulnerable communities are resilient, where barriers to wellbeing are removed and where everyone has equal rights and  opportunities. GOAL Ethiopia’s main donors are Irish Aid, USAID/OFDA, EHF, ECHO and other private donors.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ROLE:

Under the supervision of the Senior Health and Nutrition Officer, the MHPSS Officer will be responsible for leading the implementation and monitoring of Goal Ethiopia mental health and psychosocial support as a part of mobile health and nutrition team.

Key Areas of Accountability/Duties

·         Oversee the implementation of all mental health and psychosocial activities. Develop quality mental health and psychosocial support interventions embedded in public health programming through mobile health and nutrition approach as part of the team.

·         Conduct group meetings and brainstorming sessions with beneficiaries for MHPSS related activities.

·         Develop response strategies and action plans based on the Mental health and psychosocial support situation in the affected areas, in collaboration with partners and develop and implement strategies to improve capacity of Mental health staff at the zonal/woreda level.

·         Supervise and support community health workers in providing psychosocial support and psychological first aid.

·         Maintain effective working relationships with relevant partners including referral organizations community groups and other implementing partners.

·         Map referral services and pathways and develop templates and procedures for follow up and of referrals.

·         Support partners and relevant clusters in resource mobilization for MHPSS activities and represent Goal Ethiopia in the zonal/woreda interagency mental health, protection and contribute to the development and implementation of MHPSS TWG assessments and other MHPSS assessment tools.

·         Producing timely progress reports, including both quantitative and qualitative information, on MHPSS activities.

·         Ensure regular supervision and monitoring activities at the village, district, and governorate levels. Share findings and recommendations with the supervisor.

·         Collaborate and ensure with the rest of the team to exchange information that Goal Ethiopia programs are responding to the evolving needs of IDPs and the host community.

·         Provide Mental health & psycho - education sessions to the Goal Ethiopia clients and/or staff when needed.

·         Other duties as assigned by the supervisor to enable and develop Goal Ethiopia programs.

REMUNERATION and BENEFITS:

·         Skill: Excellent judgment and decision making, clear verbal communication, situational awareness, close monitoring, problem solving, critical thinking, active listening

·         Passionate, strongly dedicated and highly committed to work for the improvement of the poor community.

·         Resilience: Maintains focus and intensity and remains optimistic, persistent and professional even under adverse, stressful or difficult situations.

Commitments:

GOAL’s recruitment procedure is fair and transparent which is also in line with the organization’s commitment to its integrity, honesty and culture. GOAL is committed to ensure that, its performance complies with the terms and conditions of relevant agreements, applicable laws & regulations. Hence, pre-employment background checks will be conducted, and employees are required to read, understand, sign and implement different polices including safe guarding and child protection policy, Protection from Sexual Exploitation and abuse policy, sexual harassment policy, code of conducts and any other rules and regulation of the organization. GOAL is strongly committed not to harm the people under its care.

GOAL Ethiopia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety of people who involves in its work and demands all staff exhibit the highest commitment. GOAL Ethiopia will verify skills and commitment of the candidate in the assessment process and perform Background reference check.

Do you want to join an exciting organization that brings high level impact to the community and add value to your professional advancement?  Then join us if you have:                

·         First University degree in Psychiatry, Psychology, Social Work, Counselling, Pedagogy, or related field from an accredited academic institution.

·         Master’s degree in any of the fields listed above is desirable.

·         At least two years of relevant experience in the area MHPSS responses in conflict/humanitarian contexts and with an NGO, preferred.

·         Knowledge of Sphere and established mental health, international protection and GBV standards, methodology and tools, GBV and CP programming, coordination, and data management.

·         Demonstrated sensitivity in diverse, cross-cultural settings.

·         Attention to detail, anticipation and follow up are core values of the job function.

·         Possesses strong organizational and problem-solving skills, analytical and report writing skills.

·         Must be a self-starter and internally driven to success and hard work.

·         Proficient in making clinical decisions in the care of the patient population serving.

Desirable quality, skill and competence:                                         

·         Specific area local language is mandatory, and English is required.