Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Coordinator (MHPSS) – Kenya

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international Catholic organization with the mission to accompany, support and advocate for refugees and other forcibly displaced persons so that they can heal, learn and determine their own future. Founded in November 1980 as the work of the Society of JesusJRS was officially registered on 19 March 2000 in Vatican City as a basis.

JRS is present in over 56 countries worldwide, providing services to more than 811,884 people. The work is overseen by 10 regional offices with the support of the International Office in Rome. In Kenya, JRS runs two projects: an urban refugee project in Nairobi focusing on education and livelihoods, and a field project in Kakuma refugee camp focusing on education, integrated psychosocial education program in centers and safe shelters.

Operating context/role

The role of the MHPSS Coordinator includes oversight, reporting and coordination. He will work closely with the various sector teams, implement, monitor, track and report on all MHPSS programme activities including training, workshops, facilitation and data collection. The MHPSS Coordinator will report to the Project Manager and will be based in Nairobi. This is a fixed-term contract for five (5) months with possibility of extension.

Child protection and PSEA obligations

JRS does not tolerate any form of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse and takes all concerns and complaints about sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children and vulnerable adults by JRS staff seriously. JRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and has policies in place which outline the expected behaviour, code of conduct and responsibilities of all those acting on behalf of JRS (staff, consultants, volunteers, interns, pastoral team and other representatives). All staff working for JRS are expected to adhere to these policies and guidelines.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Manage the assigned MHPSS projects in Nairobi to achieve the JRS project objectives within budget and allocated timeframe, promptly reporting operational concerns to the Project Manager in Nairobi and the Country Project Manager (e.g. expected missed objectives, increased beneficiary needs, expected project over- or under-budget).

• Provide strong leadership of assigned MHPSS projects, ensuring both short-term and long-term positive impacts and outcomes for participants, local authorities (where applicable) and staff.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of an appropriate and effective MHPSS strategy, including coordinating on-site assessments in consultation with the Project Manager.

• In collaboration with the project manager, define clear objectives and indicators for MHPSS activities.

• Continuously monitor and oversee MHPSS activities, assess progress against outcomes and impacts using quantitative and qualitative data, involve the MHPSS team (interns and assistants) in the analysis and take appropriate actions as needed to ensure continued progress.

• Provide input on integrating beneficiary participation and accountability into all aspects of the project.

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of all MHPSS activities.

• Support outreach to national authorities, psychologists and community-based organizations (CBOs).

• Follow safety protocols and ensure they are followed by MHPSS personnel.

  Technology / Management

• Develop and manage a comprehensive activity plan that covers the timeframe of the project proposal.

• Ensure the quality and sustainability of project results.

• Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation assessments against project objectives.

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of activities (monthly, quarterly and final reports).

• Support the Project Manager and Country Programme Manager in developing new proposals.

• Support the MHPSS sector by improving and developing the technical sector using approved and appropriate MHPSS practices.

  Human resources management

• Lead MHPSS junior staff within assigned projects, including day-to-day management.

• Organize regular meetings to support the exchange of information among project staff, ensure that all staff are informed about project goals and current work plans, and provide opportunities for feedback.

• Provide coaching and technical supervision to staff to develop ownership of MHPSS activities among officers, assistants and social workers as needed.

• Assess the training needs of MHPSS staff and work with the Project Manager and Country Programs Manager to ensure that appropriate training is provided.

  Financial management

• Under the supervision of the Project Manager, manage MHPSS budgets for assigned projects, ensuring that all expenditure is on budget and complies with JRS standards for financial management, including accountability and good governance.

  Communication and coordination

• Develop and maintain appropriate, regular, transparent and supportive communication structures with the extended JRS programme team and other relevant stakeholders (e.g. participants, community leaders, local and national government officials, UN agencies and other NGOs) to ensure good collaboration and partnerships.

• Attend the Protection, MHPSS TWG and other coordination or working group meetings as needed and as directed by the Project Manager and Country Programme Manager and represent JRS in internal training sessions, providing feedback to the Project Manager on relevant topics.

  logistics

• Work with logistics and finance personnel as necessary to ensure items are properly procured, transported, stored, managed and accounted for.

  Quality management

• Ensure that MHPSS projects are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and in compliance with JRS, donor, country and international standards, i.e. Sphere, CHS and IASC guidelines.

• Promote and use JRS operating procedures and ensure that all standardized formats are used and guidelines are followed.

• Conduct regular site visits to assess the quality of activities and to meet and coordinate with local authorities and organizations.

  Requirements profile – basic requirements

  Qualifications and experience

• University degree in a related field, e.g. psychology, counseling or a related field

• The candidate must be a psychologist, social worker, psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse and have experience coordinating MHPSS programs.

• 4 years of relevant and progressive experience in the field of mental health, including at least 2 years of professional experience in coordinating MHPSS projects in humanitarian settings

• Experience in project management is an advantage

• Therapy, community development, child protection or a related field. Practical work experience, preferably in a children’s home or school, is an advantage.

• Experience working in the field of sexual and gender-based violence, women’s empowerment and child protection

• Proven experience and commitment in working with marginalized and vulnerable populations and the ability to work in an emergency response environment

• Strong and practical skills in peacebuilding and conflict resolution

• Good knowledge of MS Word/Office.

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in Swahili and English. Language skills are an advantage

• Ability to build effective partnerships and collaborate with other team members.

• Ability to work sensitively with vulnerable populations and refugees of different ethnic backgrounds

• A police clearance certificate is required