MHPSS Specialist_ Addis Ababa

JOB SUMMARY

The MHPSS Specialist is responsible to implementation, coordination, and technical oversight of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) interventions across assigned project areas. With a focus on integrating MHPSS into primary health care and humanitarian response programs, the Specialist will train and mentor field teams, ensure adherence to global standards, and deliver high-quality MHPSS services to vulnerable populations.

JOB RESPONSIBITIES

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Implementation

• Support the Health Advisor to design, implementation, and evaluation of MHPSS programs in line with global standards and WHO MH GAP guidelines.
• Oversee the integration of MHPSS services with other sectors, including GBV, health, and nutrition, ensuring holistic support to affected populations.
• Provide technical support for the development of culturally sensitive, community-based mental health interventions.
• Support the creation of referral pathways for specialized mental health services in collaboration with local and international partners.
• Frequent travel to the field site and provide regular follow and supervision.
• Deliver training to front line healthcare workers on the identification and non-pharmacological management of priority mental health conditions, aligned with WHO mhGAP Intervention Guidelines, in collaboration with the project MHPSS coordinator (psychiatrist).
• Involve trained staff and volunteers in ongoing mentoring and supervision through on-the-job engagement.
• Collaborate with GBV and Nutrition staff to provide mental health and psychosocial support services as needed.

Training and Capacity Building

• Train and mentor healthcare professionals, field teams, and community volunteers on PFA, MH GAP, and evidence-based psychosocial interventions.
• Conduct on-the-job coaching and supervision to enhance the skills of MHPSS teams, with a focus on task-shifting approaches.
• Develop and adapt training materials and manuals to address local needs while maintaining global standards.

Coordination and Advocacy

• Actively represent MTI in MHPSS coordination meetings, health clusters, and technical working groups.
• Advocate for the integration of MHPSS services in local health systems and broader humanitarian response plans.
• Collaborate with government and non-governmental organizations to strengthen MHPSS networks and build partnerships.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
• Develop monitoring tools to assess the impact of MHPSS interventions on beneficiaries.
• Analyze program data to ensure effective decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Prepare high-quality reports for internal and external stakeholders, including donors.

EDUCATION, LICENSES, & CERTFICATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychiatry Nursing or Master’s degree in Integrated Clinical and Community Mental Health.
• Certification in WHO MH GAP, PFA, IPT-G, and PM+ is highly desirable.

EXPERIENCE

• Over 8 years of progressive experience in MHPSS program management and implementation, including work in developmental and refuge settings in international non-governmental humanitarian organization
• Proven expertise in training and supervising multidisciplinary teams on MHPSS interventions.
• Extensive experience working in culturally diverse and resource-constrained environments

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong understanding of global MHPSS guidelines (IASC, WHO) and humanitarian principles.
• Familiarity with Ethiopia’s healthcare system and national mental health policies.
• Expertise in program design, implementation, and monitoring.
• Proficient in training methodologies, data analysis, and report writing.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for cross-cultural teamwork.
• Adaptable and resilient under pressure, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Proven ability to foster collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including government and NGOs.
• Knowledge of development & humanitarian issues and concepts
• Fluent spoken and written Amharic and English.

SKILLS:

• Humanitarian motivation
• Emotionally and spiritually mature
• Team player – practical, desire to support the field teams.
• Willingness to pitch in and get the job done
• Understanding and sensitivity to cross cultural issues
• Flexible and adaptable to ever changing environments.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Able to build new relationships and gain people’s trust quickly
• Integrity in representing Medical Teams Willing to travel to insecure environments

ABILITIES:

• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment
• Ability to prioritize tasks
• Ability to embrace and promote MTI’s mission and vision
• Ability to uphold and exemplify the organization’s core values
• Ability to represent the organization in a professional manner to donors, volunteers, and the public