Near East Foundation (NEF) - Lebanon
Title: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officer (national position)
Unit: Protection, Near East Foundation in Lebanon
Reports to: Protection and MHPSS Team Leader
Location: The position is based in Beirut
Travel: Frequent travel between project sites within Lebanon
Start date: 02/10/2023 (pending final project approval from the donor)
The Near East Foundation (NEF) is seeking candidates for an MHPSS Officer to be based in its Lebanon office in Beirut. For 100 years, NEF has worked to build more sustainable, prosperous and inclusive communities in the Middle East and Africa through education, governance, and economic development initiatives. Working through a network of country offices and local partners, NEF currently operates in ten countries. Its programs are organized around three themes: Inclusive Economic Development; Climate Resilient Development; Stabilization and Peacebuilding.
Position Description:
The MHPSS Officer has the responsibility to ensure MHPSS mainstreaming in all activities under NEF Lebanon’s livelihoods projects, to coordinate the implementation of MHPSS-based activities and to ensure their implementation. Project activities aim to reduce household economic vulnerability and reliance on harmful coping strategies by increasing access to livelihoods combined with MHPSS services to help participants manage psychosocial distress and develop positive coping strategies.
The role will mainly require the postholder to: (a) Strengthen MHPSS mainstreaming throughout all the phases of the project; (b) Assist in enhancing the MHPSS capacity of partners through MHPSS training, mainstreaming and related activities ;(c) Contribute to development of the current referral tools and pathways, (d) Update the service mapping on a regular basis,(e) Support the Coordination of the implementation of the MHPSS services including PSS and Counseling services in coordination with the focal points in partners’ organisations, (e) Coordinate trainings to partners’ staff and (f) establish and train partners’ on reporting tools and design with M&E data entry and data management tools and requirements.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the supervision of the Protection and MHPSS Team Leader, the MHPSS Officer has the following specific responsibilities:
Implementation, Monitoring, and Oversight:
- Ensure MHPSS mainstreaming in all components and activities through regular field monitoring, collaboration with staff, assistance in capacity building of partners, etc. Maintain a robust and up-to-date referral system to receive and respond to MHPSS cases in field locations; Maintain an up-to-date mapping of services and foster linkages with service providers; while maintaining a complete record (using Rims) of all referred cases’ details and actions taken.
- Assist the proper implementation of the MHPSS activities through regular technical follow-up and coordination with the implementing partner staff.
- In coordination with Protection and MHPSS Team Leader, ensure smooth implementation of MHPSS-related activities against targets.
- Manage, track, and follow up on the referrals received from NEF field offices through the available referral platforms.
- Develop and implement analysis together with the MEAL team and field staff which contributes to a deepened understanding of protection and gender issues.
- Ensure that lessons learned from the MHPSS interventions are well disseminated and understood by all staff of NEF and integrated into current and planned programs.
- Identify and design MHPSS training content for the beneficiaries and partner staff to ensure quality programs.
Training/Guidance/Capacity Building:
- Deliver relevant MHPSS, on safe identification and referrals, and training to NEF staff and CBO teams;
- Provide team and individual guidance and technical capacity through training, operational planning, daily interaction, regular team meetings, and learning and reflection events to implement MHPSS services effectively and efficiently into project activities.
- Engage trained staff and volunteers in the job mentoring and supervision.
- Assist on providing technical support for the partners on MHPSS activities through Field Visits and coordination process.
Program Development & Strategic Planning:
- Ensure MHPSS strategies, SoPs, guidelines, and frameworks are updated, explained and in place to guide project implementation.
- Compile field-generated information and provide inputs to reports in a timely manner and in compliance with HQ and donor requirements.
- Identify and draft relevant impact and success stories related to MHPSS.
- Ensure proper documentation and data protection of vulnerable cases received and handled by the MHPSS focal points.
- Prepare, develop, and implement regular reports, analysis, and assessments related to protection.
- Develop internal and external monthly and quarterly protection reports.
- Propose improvements of the Protection Tools as needed.
- Support field assessments and research as required to identify new areas of intervention.
Reporting & Documentation:
- Provide relevant data to and cooperates with MEL team for reporting.
- Ensure proper documentation and data protection of vulnerable cases.
- Prepare, develop, and implement regular reports, analysis, and assessments related to protection.
Experience and skills:
- University degree in Psychology, or related field.
- Minimum 5 years of previous relevant job experience.
- Fluent in English and Arabic, both written and spoken.
- Experience in MHPSS, Counseling, Protection activities, humanitarian aid, Refugee context, reporting data, referring cases.
- Good understanding of MHPSS interventions, including case management and Focused PSS.
- Understanding of safe identification, referral, and response systems.
- Team player with strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong internal relationships and networks.
Position Criteria:
- Willingness and ability to frequently travel to field sites (Bekaa, Beirut, North and South of Lebanon).
- Ability to take initiative; highly self-motivated, with a strong capacity to work within a
- Ability to work independently, with strong work ethics and a high level of
- Capable of maintaining confidentiality and ensuring others do as
- Flexible, enthusiastic, and willing to learn from and support
- Excellent interpersonal and communication
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and cope with competing demands under tight
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with people from different
- Strong commitment to humanitarian.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible before Wednesday, September 13, 2023. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; NEF reserves the right of conducting interviews before the closing date and can close the advertisement earlier in case of finding a suitable candidate.
To apply:
Please apply by submitting the following documents:
- Cover letter outlining relevant experience and availability
- Curriculum Vitae
- List of three references
Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Near East Foundation by visiting the NEF website at www.neareast.org.
The Near East Foundation promotes Equal Employment Opportunities for all applicants seeking employment and NEF employees.
please note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted**.**