We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realize the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard. 

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

•             No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday

•             All children learn from a quality basic education and that,

•             Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children.  We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

SCI - Afghanistan

 Save the Children has been working in Afghanistan since 1976. Our way of working close to people and on their own terms has enabled us to deliver lasting change to tens of thousands of children in the country. The UN Convention of the Rights of the Child is the basis of our work.

We are helping children get a better education, we make it possible for more boys and girls to attend school, we help children protect themselves and influence their own conditions. We work with families, communities and health workers in homes, clinics and hospitals to promote basic health in order to save lives of children and mothers

Child Safeguarding:

Level 2 - the responsibilities of the post will require the post holder to have and direct regular contact with or access to children or young people.

ROLE PURPOSE: 

Under the supervision of H&N Coordinator and with the technical support of the MHPSS Specialist and MHPSS Technical Advisor, the MHPSS Officer will support integration of MHPSS dimensions in Afghanistan, in the Health and Nutrition programme delivery, building on an evidence-based, psychosocial, developmental and multi-leveled approach, in line with global and regional standards. The role will encompass direct support to staff implementing MHPSS interventions and services, alongside capacity building, coaching and supervision of Health and Nutrition staff at the provincial level. The MHPSS Officer will act as Focal Point for MHPSS in their respective provinces and will participate in relevant local coordination platforms.

SCOPE OF ROLE:

Reports to:  H&N Coordinator, with technical support and supervision by the MHPSS Technical Advisor

Staff directly reporting to this post: None

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

This position will be working closely with the Health and Nutrition teams with an aim to:

1. Quality Assurance: Oversee the implementation of mental health programs and services delivered by the Mobile Health Teams.
2. Conduct regular assessments and evaluations to ensure adherence to program standards and effectiveness.
3. Contribute to the overall formulation of work plans and ensure the systematic integration of MHPSS priorities and interventions in H&N programme delivery
4. Establish close relationships and patterns of collaborations with key stakeholders in the community around MHPSS priorities
5. Coordinate and support the implementation of MHPSS or multi-dimensional needs assessments; ensure ongoing assessment/analysis of local context, priorities and needs related to MHPSS
6. In collaboration with Health and Nutrition teams, contribute to the identification of the most relevant information needed for communities related to MHPSS awareness and knowledge and support the formulation and implementation of relevant community awareness and dialogues.
7. Conduct/update MHPSS service mappings, provide quality vetting of potential referral options, and establish/maintain referral pathways and mechanisms in collaboration with Health and Nutrition teams
8. Review and contextualize MHPSS intervention packages, tools, activity plans and key messages, ensuring context relevance and sensitivity
9. Contribute to developing additional resources and tools if and as required, in line with current evidence and with supervision and support by the MHPSS TA
10. Provide supportive supervision to PSS Officers, this includes weekly/bi-weekly individual supervision, monthly group supervision and monthly live/observation supervision. Following the global standards related to providing supportive supervision.
11. Contribute to developing monitoring plans for the MHPSS portfolio, and support relevant monitoring and reporting activities in the province.
12. Participate in local MHPSS coordination platforms, and other relevant coordination forums
13. Using evidence-based resources as advised by the MHPSS TA, train, coach and support Health& Nutrition teams in integrating key MHPSS dimensions in their practice – including Basic Helping Skills, PFA, safe identification and referral, paraprofessional counseling etc. in line with the CO and global SOP’s and standards of good practice.
14. Using evidence-based resources as advised by the MHPSS TA, design, plan, coordinate and contribute to implementing mental health promotion and wellbeing activities targeting health care providers
15. Advocate for the well-being of the Team members. Recognize the demands and challenges of their work and spearhead wellness practices within the team. Create a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritizes self-care, stress management, and work-life balance.
16. The PSS Technical Supervisor will not be responsible for providing any counselling or person-focused therapeutic support to staff, this remains the responsibility of HR

SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS (our Values in Practice)

Accountability:

• Holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values
• Holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities - giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved

Ambition:

• Sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves (and their team), takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages others to do the same
• Widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others
• Future orientated, thinks strategically

Collaboration:

• Builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, members and external partners and supporters
• Values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength
• Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to

Creativity:

• Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions
• Willing to take disciplined risks

Integrity:

• Honest, encourages openness and transparency

COMPETENCIES

Delivering results

Takes personal responsibility and holds others to account to deliver our ambitious goals for children, continually improving own performance or that of the team/ organisation. 

Applying technical and professional expertise

Applies the required technical and professional expertise to the highest standards; promotes and shares best practice within and outside the organisation.

Working effectively with others

Works collaboratively to achieve shared goals and thrives on diversity of people and perspectives; knows when to lead and when to follow and how to ensure effective cross-boundary working

Communicating with impact

Communicates clearly and confidently with others to engage and influence; promotes dialogue and ensures timely and appropriate messages, building confidence and trust with others.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• A university degree in psychology, social science, mental health nurse, mental health or relevant degrees, Medical Degree (MD).
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in mental health& psychosocial support (MHPSS) field in the humanitarian context, experience in working with IDP’s is an asset.
• Minimum of 1-year experience providing supportive supervision to MHPSS staff.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including team leading and influencing.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in Dari/Pashto depending on location, English is an asset.
• Proven capacity to train, supervise, and coach staff in MHPSS technical skills and coordination, based on evidence-based approaches and intervention packages
• Comfortable with high levels of ambiguity and able to take decisions independently in fluid context.
• Experience with refugee/marginalized communities desired.
• Sound knowledge of IASC MHPSS guidelines, human rights, and protection in humanitarian contexts.
• Commitment to Save the Children values and Child Safeguarding.

The duties and responsibilities listed are representative of the nature of work required and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Additional job responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities set out above are not exhaustive and the post holder may be required to carry out additional duties from time to time which are reasonable in relation to their level of skills and experience.

In the event of a significant humanitarian emergency, the post-holder will be expected to work outside their normal job description; vary their working hours; and occasionally work from a different location should the need arise.

Willingness to travel extensively within the province (approx. 70- 80%).

Equal Opportunities

The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the SCI Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies and procedures

Health &Safety and Security

The post holder is required to carry out their duties in accordance with SCI Health and Safety policies and procedures and our Global Security policy and procedures.

Compliance policies: Child Safeguarding and Code of Conduct; Anti-Bribery and Fraud

The post holder is required to comply with these key policies, and other organisational policies and procedures, at all times.

Qualified applicants are highly encouraged to apply for the position by filling in the online application form. In addition to the online application form, they can also attach their CV and cover letter in the online system. Please note that only the applications received through the online portal will be considered for this position.

Applicants can login to the online application system by copying and pasting the following link intro their web browser. Returning users will need to enter their username and password, first time users will need to create a user account.

It is recommended that you save your username and password for future job applications through the online system.

Save the Children International (SCI) is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion as core to our vision and values. We provide equitable employment opportunities and aim to increase the representation of women, people with disabilities, and individuals from minority groups to effectively meet the diverse needs of the children and communities we serve.

At SCI, we value the authentic selves of everyone, including you! If you have any access needs or require support due to a disability or other reasons, please let us know at the time of your application. We are here to assist you and ensure an accessible and inclusive recruitment experience.

Please note: SCI does not request any fees during any stage of the recruitment process.

We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.