Regional Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders. MSF is an international humanitarian organization that provides medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. Established in 1971, MSF operates in over 70 countries worldwide, with a mission to provide impartial medical care based on need, irrespective of race, religion, or political affiliation. The organization is composed of thousands of staff members, including medical professionals, logistical experts, and administrative personnel, who work together to deliver emergency medical aid and support to vulnerable populations. MSF is known for its commitment to humanitarian principles and its advocacy for the rights of those it serves, often speaking out against injustices and calling for improved access to healthcare.

Job Overview:
The position of Regional Mental Health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Advisor primarily focuses on West and Central Africa, where the need for mental health support is critical due to ongoing humanitarian crises. The advisor will be responsible for providing technical support and supervision to MHPSS staff across various MSF projects in the region. This role requires the ability to conduct rapid mental health assessments and develop effective strategies for integrating mental health services into broader health and humanitarian responses. The advisor will also play a key role in coaching and training project teams to ensure high-quality mental health care is delivered. The position demands a proactive approach to addressing mental health needs in emergency contexts, fostering collaboration among different sectors, and advocating for mental health priorities within regional platforms. The advisor will also be involved in monitoring and evaluating the impact of MHPSS interventions, ensuring that best practices are shared and implemented across projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Advisor include:

• Providing technical support and supervision to MHPSS staff in designated MSF projects in West and Central Africa.
• Conducting project visits for coaching, training, and quality assurance to enhance the skills of local teams.
• Collaborating with project teams to develop strategies that align with MSF standards, practices, and priorities.
• Supporting rapid mental health assessments in emergencies and contributing to response planning.
• Working closely with medical and operational teams to integrate MHPSS into broader health and humanitarian strategies.
• Contributing to advocacy and lobbying efforts to promote mental health priorities within regional platforms.
• Developing and disseminating context-specific tools, guidelines, best practice examples, and training materials.
• Facilitating knowledge transfer and good practices across different projects through virtual meet-ups, webinars, and online presentations.
• Monitoring and evaluating the impact and quality of MHPSS interventions to ensure effectiveness. 1
• Representing MHPSS in regional coordination forums and technical working groups. 1
• Collaborating in operational research as required to improve MHPSS practices. 1
• Supervising projects in the proper collection and handling of data, including the implementation of monitoring tools for MHPSS activities.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the position include:

• A Master’s degree in psychology or social work, or a Medical Doctor degree with specialization in psychiatry.
• Essential working experience of at least 2 years as a psychologist or in a similar profession.
• A minimum of 3 years of international experience with international NGOs as a Mental Health Activity Manager (MHAM) or in a similar role, including at least 1 year as MHAM with MSF.
• Experience in various health thematic areas such as HIV, Mpox, survivors of violence, Ebola, and emergency response is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of regional dynamics, including political, environmental, and cultural factors that affect mental health.

Educational Background:
The educational background needed for this position includes a Master’s degree in psychology or social work, or a Medical Doctor degree with specialization in psychiatry. This advanced education is crucial for understanding complex mental health issues and providing effective support in challenging environments. The candidate should have a solid foundation in mental health principles and practices, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge in diverse cultural contexts.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the position includes at least 2 years of essential working experience as a psychologist or in a similar profession. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of international experience with international NGOs, specifically as a Mental Health Activity Manager (MHAM) or in a similar role. This experience should include at least 1 year working with MSF, demonstrating familiarity with the organization's operations and standards. Experience in various health thematic areas, including HIV, Mpox, survivors of violence, Ebola, and emergency situations, is also required to effectively address the diverse mental health needs in the region.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and French, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication with project teams, stakeholders, and beneficiaries in the region. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the local context may be considered an asset, enhancing the advisor's ability to engage with diverse populations and facilitate better understanding of mental health issues.

Additional Notes:
The expected starting date for this position is as soon as possible, with the location being Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The role requires a significant amount of mobility, with approximately 70% of the time spent in MSF projects across the region. The contract type is a fixed-term contract, full-time, with a duration of 1 year, which may be extended based on performance and organizational needs. The contractual terms, conditions, and salary will be established according to the official residence of the selected candidate and in compliance with the standard MSF function and salary grids. Candidates are expected to adhere to MSF principles and managerial values, including respect, transparency, integrity, accountability, trust, and empowerment, as well as MSF behavioral commitments.