Field MHPSS Technical Specialist

HI has been supporting the Afghan people since 1987, starting its operations in Pakistan. Since 1996, HI has been operating across Afghanistan in order to launch victim assistance interventions, working at different levels of the society and adopting a cross-sectoral approach. While present on the ground to directly support victims of the conflict through the provision of a range of services – from physical rehabilitation to mine risk education and inclusive livelihoods – HI has been continuously advocating to increase the rights of victims and other people with disabilities in the country. In particular, and in line with its global strategy and priorities, HI has been advocating to reduce the use of landmines and conventional weapons. Acknowledging the need to respond to the urgent emergency crises combined with longer term, chronic gaps in the provision of services, HI has steadily expanded its range of activities and services in order to support the most vulnerable people, enhancing their resilience while strengthening participation and inclusion of all individuals.

Job Purpose:

Under the responsibility of the Technical Head of Program (THoP) in Afghanistan, and the technical supervision of the Global MHPSS Specialist the Field MHPSS Technical Specialist contributes to the implementation of HI’s mandate and 10-year global strategy. He/she ensures optimal quality and impact of the livelihoods projects implemented in the country, through a delegation system with appropriate control mechanisms. He/she shares with all HI managers the responsibility of a sound management and successful functioning of the global organization, through paradigm changes. The Specialist will focus specifically on developing the capacity of MHPSS related programming and technical skills for HI Afghanistan.

The Duties and responsibilities may include but not limited to: 

Missions

1.     Expertise

1.1 Contributes to the development of national MHPSS strategies in line with the global strategies

a. Ensures relevant follow up of activities within the scope of MHPSS in line with HI’s global Technical Guidance and Strategy  

1.2 Ensures technical support to projects in line with the global technical frameworks and standards under the

sectorial scope of MHPSS

a. Provides adequate technical guidance and support to Program Managers when relevant (adapt

and develop standards to PM’s tools, develop SOPs, contribute to proposal writing, developing and adapting guidelines in line with proposed interventions, develop guidance notes, activity record tools, and reporting) in line with best standards on MHPSS strategies, standards and mandatory transversal approaches

b. Ensures adequate support to multi-sector responses within projects, in line with the other specialists

c. Ensures a local sectorial watch, best practices to adopt within MHPSS programming scope

d. Contributes to recruitment and briefing when relevant

e. Ensures mainstreaming of disability in MHPSS programming 

1.3 Ensures technical learning from MHPSS projects

a. Contribute to projects’ capitalization and ensure technical learning from projects within the

sectorial scope of MHPSS

1.4 Ensures the control & monitoring of the technical quality and the relevance of HI’s activities within MHPSS programming  

a. Provides technical supervision of Technical Officers and MHPSS field staff.

b. Ensure regular technical quality control of projects and programmes and issue warnings and

recommendations

c. Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations, if applicable

1.5 Contributes to the development of research and innovation projects relating to MHPSS in Afghanistan when relevant

a. Suggest and steer technical innovation projects

b. Identify the priorities of Research and Studies and steer R&S 

2       Influence

Contribute to the local external prestige and influence of HI’s expertise in MHPSS programming

a. Represent the technical expertise of HI throughout the local relevant networks

b. Contribute to advocacy on specific themes in line with the global advocacy priorities

c. Contribute to communication messages locally in line with the global communication priorities

3. Business development

Ensure the development of major opportunities or new projects in the region related to MHPSS programming 

a. Contributes to the context analysis for MHPSS programming

b. Contributes to the design and writing of new projects  

c. Identify & transform major opportunities in the country for inclusive MHPSS programming

e. Identify & develop local partnerships and/or consortium with NGOs, Institutions, Companies on

technical priorities or important topics in the region involving MHPSS programming

Skills and Experience:

• Minimum 4 years of experience in related role, ideally with INGOs
• Bachelor's degree in Psychology faculty.
• Skilled in project management
• Communicates in a clear, concise and responsible manner with respect for the interlocutor (adult or child)
• Identifies problems and activates solutions; knows how to raise problems
• Can accompany and motivate a person/group.
• Knows how to plan, organise and measure MHPSS activities
• Excellent analysis skills
• Able to plan activities by setting clear, specific and measurable objectives
• Extensive experience in developing new resources or adapting existing resources in order to improve them and/or adapt them to the context, if necessary (able to identify and respond to Nexus Emergency/Development issues)
• Solid experience in assessing the impact/effects of MHPSS related programming
• Fluent in English and Local Languages ( Pashto and Dari )

Attitude:

• Responsiveness
• Teamwork/networking, cooperation.
• Giving and receiving constructive feedback; exchanging in multidisciplinary teams, networking and collaborating.
• Have an empathetic attitude
• Resilience to stress and uncertainty
• Audacious (shows initiative/entrepreneurial)

Knowledge:

• Good understanding of disability and inclusion
• Knows the international frameworks and technical issues of MHPSS programming for both emergency and development contexts
• Previous experience in the design and implementation of MHPSS activities and programmes is mandatory
• Has a rigorous understanding of the technical issues within the MHPSS sector and its stakeholders and professionals
• Clinical experience is a big asset

Applicants can login to the online application system by copying and pasting the role link https://airtable.com/apppstTFh1nDqw6LN/shr1cxTuY5ZGCP24w  into their web browser to submit their details and upload their required documents prior to the deadline.

Important notes:

• Please note that only the applications received through the online platform will be considered for this position.

• It is important to note that applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Therefore, timely submission is crucial.

• After the review process, please be aware that only candidates who have been shortlisted will be contacted for the next stages of the recruitment process. If you do not hear from us within one week from the closing date, please consider that your application has not been shortlisted for further process 

HI has got strong stand on protection of beneficiaries.

The Project Manager will have to create and maintain an environment which prevents sexual exploitation and abuse and promotes the implementation of the code of conduct.

HI promotes and upholds the principles of equal opportunities and its policies (PSEAH, Child Protection etc.). HI has a zero-tolerance approach to any harm to, or exploitation of, a vulnerable adult or a child by any of our staff, representatives or partners. Recruitment to all jobs in HI includes, in particular, criminal
record checks and the collection of relevant references. Safeguarding our beneficiaries is our top priority in everything we do.

Individuals with disabilities and female candidates are especially encouraged to apply. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly value the unique perspectives and contributions that you can bring to our team.

 This job description can be updated during the duration of the contract.

 I, the undersigned, understand and accept the full range of duties and responsibilities contained in these Terms of References, and in accordance with my Contract of Employment, will undertake to fulfill them responsibly, honestly, diligently, and to the best of my abilities.