Mental Health Psycho-Social Support Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, focusing on reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues. The organization aims to ensure that every individual has access to the necessary resources and support to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. UNFPA's mission is driven by the belief that every person has the right to make informed choices about their reproductive health and to live free from violence and discrimination. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly those related to health, gender equality, and human rights. UNFPA employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities around the world.

Job Overview:
The Mental Health Psycho-Social Support (MHPSS) Analyst plays a vital role within UNFPA, focusing on the integration and strengthening of mental health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support in gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programs. This position is crucial for promoting well-being and preventing mental health conditions among service users affected by crises and humanitarian emergencies in Eastern DRC. The MHPSS Analyst will work closely with the SRH Specialist and the GBV program team, including the GBV AoR Interagency Coordinator, to ensure that mental health support is effectively integrated into various interventions. The incumbent will be responsible for assessing current MHPSS interventions, providing technical guidance, and supporting the capacity building of implementing partners. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure that affected populations receive appropriate support and that services adhere to international guidelines and best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Mental Health Psycho-Social Support Analyst will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: assessing the current MHPSS interventions of UNFPA implementing partners within the scope of SRH and GBV; providing technical guidance and support for the design of MHPSS interventions; assessing the capacities of GBV and SRH outreach teams and integrating psychosocial skills into their work; contributing MHPSS perspectives in assessments, planning, and reporting; ensuring seamless referral to specialized mental health services for GBV survivors; supporting the organization of sustainable supervision and review mechanisms for MHPSS actors; adapting monitoring tools to align with international guidelines; assessing the capacities of UNFPA implementing partners to integrate psychosocial design and skills; developing and adapting specialist training materials; documenting good practice examples; engaging with MHPSS actors and working groups; and performing other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree with specialization in clinical psychology, clinical social work, or mental health. Training in global mental health or a Master’s in Public Health is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have at least 3 years of specialized experience in community-based psychosocial support interventions, particularly related to GBV, and experience in a humanitarian context. Demonstrated experience in counseling skills and clinical supervision of lay counselors is essential. Familiarity with UNFPA/UN country operations and procedures is an asset, as is experience in implementing GBV or SRH programs. Candidates should also have knowledge of cross-cutting issues related to populations, sexual reproductive health, and youth.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in clinical psychology, clinical social work, mental health, or a related field. Additional training in global mental health or a Master’s in Public Health is considered desirable. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of mental health and psychosocial support in the context of gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of progressively relevant experience in implementing minimum humanitarian standards for prevention and response to gender-based violence. Experience working with government institutions and donor organizations is also required. Familiarity with the geographical, social, and cultural environment of Eastern DRC is an asset, as is fluency in Swahili.

Languages:
Fluency in French is required for this position. Knowledge of Swahili and other official UN languages, preferably English, is desirable. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates.