Associate Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• The organization is dedicated to saving lives and protecting the rights of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members. Its mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily. UNHCR also works to ensure that refugees can access education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities, and advocates for their rights and protection.

Job Overview:
The Associate Mental Health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officer plays a crucial role within a multidisciplinary team, focusing on enhancing mental health and psychosocial support programs for forcibly displaced and stateless populations. This position is integral to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by reducing suffering and improving mental health and psychosocial well-being. The officer is responsible for providing technical and strategic guidance to UNHCR senior management and partners, ensuring that MHPSS interventions are effectively integrated into existing sectors such as health, education, and community protection. The role involves identifying challenges, proposing solutions, and developing comprehensive MHPSS strategies that align with the Global Public Health Strategy and the Global Compact on Refugees. The officer will also engage with various stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and the private sector, to mobilize resources and monitor the effectiveness of MHPSS responses.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate MHPSS Officer's duties include supporting the implementation of MHPSS programs in a coordinated manner with various stakeholders, developing quality interventions based on UNHCR’s operational guidance, promoting integration of MHPSS into public health programming, and ensuring compliance with international standards. The officer will facilitate multi-sectoral coordination, support capacity building through training and workshops, and monitor mental health programs against established indicators. Additionally, the officer will promote community participation in MHPSS design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design, ensure adherence to administrative instructions, and support the documentation of best practices. For positions in country operations, the officer will ensure alignment with national health policies and promote engagement with UN partners. In regional bureaux, the officer will coordinate MHPSS across operations and provide technical support. In headquarters, the officer will assist in developing organization-wide guidance and support knowledge management efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a relevant degree in fields such as Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, Clinical Social Work, or Psychiatric Nursing. Essential qualifications include experience in evidence-based mental health and psychosocial support programming, data collection and analysis, and capacity building through training. Desirable qualifications include experience in humanitarian settings, particularly with MHPSS in refugee contexts, and familiarity with health information systems and quality-assured medical supplies. Candidates should also demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an undergraduate degree in Clinical Psychology, Clinical Social Work, Psychiatric Nursing, or Psychiatry. A graduate degree or doctorate in a relevant field is preferred, with varying years of relevant experience required based on the level of education. For instance, candidates with an undergraduate degree need three years of relevant experience, while those with a graduate degree require two years, and those with a doctorate need one year of relevant experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience for candidates with an undergraduate degree, two years for those with a graduate degree, and one year for those with a doctorate. Experience should include evidence-based mental health and psychosocial support programming, capacity building, and familiarity with technical tools for mental health integration in primary health care. Desirable experience includes working in humanitarian or refugee settings and engaging with stakeholders to achieve public health goals.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also required. Proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication with diverse populations.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS IICA1 category and is not remote. The target start date for the position is September 16, 202

• The role is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of MHPSS programs. Women are strongly encouraged to apply to promote gender balance within UNHCR. Applicants may be subjected to assessments, including written or oral interviews, as part of the selection process.