Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Expert
We are looking for a technical advisor with a strong track-record mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programmes to join our international team in Copenhagen at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support (PS Centre).
As our new technical advisor, you will play a key role in developing guidance for supervision that can be used across different humanitarian agencies. You will lead an ambitious project that aims to develop guidance for MHPSS and protection services through an ambitious and collaborative process. The project involves close collaboration with researchers and multiple stakeholders in the global MHPSS community.
The position is based in Copenhagen, Denmark but frequent travel (at least 40 days per year) is expected.
Responsibilities
- Lead an ambitious and participatory process to develop a manual for supervision in MHPSS and protection services that can be used across different humanitarian agencies
- Collaborate with researchers to identify key findings and lessons learnt on supervision in MHPSS and protection services
- Co-author a manual on supervision, including basic supervision tools and checklists
- Engage with multiple stakeholders from the global MHPSS community
Experience and skills
- Relevant educational background in mental health and/or psychology, preferably clinical psychology
- Minimum 8 (eight) years of relevant work experience in the field of mental health and psychosocial support and in different contexts such as humanitarian contexts, disaster management, recovery, public health and social welfare situations.
- Demonstrated experience in planning and implementing MHPSS programmes, with a strong understanding of protection issues linked to MHPSS programmes
- Strong supervision skills and knowledge about the broad spectrum of methodologies and approaches to supervision from different clinical and non-clinical settings, including supervision of volunteers and/or community health workers.
- Demonstrated experience with innovative and participatory design methods and research projects, preferably action research
- Practical experience in training and/or facilitation of groups and strong participatory facilitation skills.
- Excellent writing skills and demonstrated skills in developing training curriculums and manuals that are adapted to local contexts and target audiences.
- Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively, including the ability to advocate for and explain difficult psychosocial issues
- Advanced knowledge of written English is required; knowledge of spoken Arabic, French, Spanish, Danish, Russian and/or Chinese is an added advantage.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office package.
Personal profile
- A structured, independent and proactive approach to tasks
- Experience from working with people with different cultural backgrounds
- Prepared to contribute to a positive working environment.
- Positive approach to and ability to take on regular travels
- Excellent communication, coordination as well as networking and facilitation skills
- Ability to meet deadlines, multi-task, and work well in a fast-paced environment
- Strong team-player skills and ability to work independently
- Excellence writing skills and ability to communicate precisely and persuasively in writing
About the PS Centre
The IFRC Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support (PS Centre) works under the framework of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), and supports National Societies in promoting and enabling the psychosocial well-being of beneficiaries, staff and volunteers. The PS Centre is hosted by Danish Red Cross.
As a specialised Centre of Excellence, we support the global Red Cross Red Crescent Movement comprising 191 National Societies in promoting and enabling the psychosocial well-being of beneficiaries, staff and volunteers. We achieve this through 1) providing technical support, including trainings, assessments, support in disasters and other emergencies and long-term capacity building, 2) generating and sharing new knowledge, tools and approaches on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and 3) communication and advocacy efforts with relevant stakeholders.
In addition, the PS Centre collaborates with a number of external research institutions and stakeholders in the field of MHPSS. Since 2016, the PS Centre has been co-chairing the Interagency Standing Committee (IASC) Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings, which consists of more than 30 members, and fosters a unique collaboration between NGOs, UN and International Agencies and academics, promoting best practices in MHPSS in emergencies.
The PS Centre consists of a small, international team of 14 full time staff with complementary technical, strategic and managerial functions. Our day-to-day work is challenging and busy, but injected with humour and a positive spirit. We achieve most of our goals by working closely together and we value our collaborative working environment highly.
Employment conditions
Danish Red Cross is the legal employer and the duty station is Copenhagen. The position is a fixed term position for 12 months, with the possibility of extending the contract based on funding. The assignment is to commence 1 October 2019 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is classified between DKK 43.900 and 48.200 per month incl. pension, according to qualifications and experience, as per the Danish Red Cross collective agreement (AC overenskomst). The position includes frequent travel.
Deadline for submission of application: 15 august 2019, 23:59 CEST.
Please submit your CV and a motivated application in English to Danish Red Cross via the online application system
Interviews are planned for 20-21 August 2019.
For further information about the position please contact Head of Centre Nana Wiedemann nawie@rodekors.dk.