Area Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Supervisor (MHPSS)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by the UN General Assembly in 194

• Its mission is to provide assistance and protection to approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. UNRWA aims to help these refugees achieve their full potential in human development while awaiting a just resolution to their situation. The agency operates the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members and offering a range of services including education, healthcare, relief and social services, camp infrastructure improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is primarily funded through voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual donations. The organization is committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, and it actively encourages qualified candidates to apply for positions that align with their mission.

Job Overview:
The Area Mental Health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support Supervisor (MHPSS) is a pivotal role within UNRWA's health department, responsible for overseeing mental health and psychosocial support interventions. The incumbent will report directly to the Field Disease Control Officer and will supervise both professional and non-professional staff. This position requires a strong focus on providing guidance and support to health center staff in managing patients with psychosocial and mental health challenges. The supervisor will also be responsible for coordinating MHPSS activities across various health centers to ensure consistency in interventions and practices. The role includes preparing monthly reports on activities, achievements, and challenges, as well as contributing to the development of training materials in line with MHPSS programming. The supervisor will also play a critical role in crisis situations, implementing intervention plans in collaboration with health center heads and area health officers. This position is essential for enhancing the quality of mental health services provided to Palestine refugees and ensuring that the agency's health objectives are met effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide direct supervision and guidance on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) interventions, including individual and group counseling conducted by psychosocial counselors at health centers.
• Offer support to health center staff in managing patients with psychosocial and mental health difficulties.
• Conduct short-term interventions for complex or at-risk individual cases, including assessments and referrals as necessary.
• Coordinate area-level MHPSS activities with Heads of Health Centers and Area Health Officers to ensure uniformity in MHPSS interventions across health centers.
• Prepare monthly reports detailing activities, achievements, and challenges related to the assigned work portfolio, along with ad-hoc and special reports as required.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of training and educational materials in accordance with MHPSS programming and priorities.
• Facilitate the implementation of crisis intervention plans during emergencies in collaboration with Heads of Health Centers and the Area Health Officer.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor, which may include travel within the agency's operational area and working beyond regular hours or on shifts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in psychology, counseling, community mental health, or a related field. Additionally, applicants should have a minimum of three years of experience in counseling, with at least one year in administrative or supervisory roles. It is essential for candidates to demonstrate their current involvement in outside activities, which may include employment, freelance consulting, board memberships, public speaking, teaching, or voluntary work. A valid driving license may also be required for this position, along with the ability to travel within the agency's operational area.

Educational Background:
A university degree in psychology, counseling, community mental health, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of mental health issues and providing effective support to individuals in need.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of relevant experience in counseling, with a minimum of one year in a supervisory or administrative capacity. This experience is vital for ensuring that the incumbent can effectively lead and manage MHPSS interventions and support staff in their roles.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered a good-to-have language, but English proficiency is essential for effective communication within the UN framework.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Fixed Term Appointment for one year, including a one-year probation period, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The monthly basic salary for this position is USD 1,410.70, payable in Jordanian Dinar at the UN monthly exchange rate. Additional benefits include a monthly Provident Fund contribution, compulsory medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, and a dependency allowance if applicable. Employees are entitled to sick leave, maternity leave, and paternity leave as specified. This vacancy is open to internal candidates only, and preference will be given to registered Palestine refugees and candidates from underrepresented genders to promote gender parity within the agency. Candidates must reside in the West Bank or Jerusalem and have authorization to work in the duty station at the time of application.