MHPSS Technical Officer

HI has been supporting the Afghan people since 1987, starting its operations in Pakistan. Since 1996, HI has been operating across Afghanistan in order to launch victim assistance interventions, working at different levels of the society and adopting a cross-sectoral approach. While present on the ground to directly support victims of the conflict through the provision of a range of services – from comprehensive physical rehabilitation and MHPSS to mine risk education and inclusive livelihoods – HI has been continuously advocating to increase the rights of victims and other people with disabilities in the country. In particular, and in line with its global strategy and priorities, HI has been advocating to reduce the use of landmines and conventional weapons. Acknowledging the need to respond to the urgent emergency crises combined with longer term, chronic gaps in the provision of services, HI has steadily expanded its range of activities and services in order to support the most vulnerable people, enhancing their resilience while strengthening participation and inclusion of all individuals.

Job Purpose:

Under the responsibility of the MHPSS Specialist in Afghanistan Program and functional link with project managers of respective field locations, Expatriate MHPSS Technical Officer contributes to the implementation of Humanity & Inclusion's mandate strategy in his or her home country. He/she contributes to the implementation of MHPSS projects by providing technical expertise, ensuring the implementation of capacity building plan of MHPSS workers and ensuring that the quality and impact of the project(s) concerned is optimized. He/she works closely with the program’s sectorial technical team to ensure the quality implementation of all MHPSS related activities. Reporting to MHPSS specialist.  Based in Kandahar province with frequent travel to other provinces. The MHPSS TO will spend 75% of her /his time on the field in order to ensure efficient working with field technical teams. And he/she will be supporting 1 team of PSW (ideally, a maximum of 10 PSW).

The Duties and responsibilities may include but not limited to: 

1.       Provides guidance and technical support to projects in accordance with the overall technical frameworks and standards within MHPSS

a.       Provides technical guidance and support to project managers on MHPSS for implementation of MHPSS activities.

b.       Adapts project documentation as required in accordance with global technical norms and standards

c.       Coordinates and collaborates with relevant internal services, especially logistics and technical

d.       Resources to ensure quality and holistic approach in MHPSS activities.

e.       Contributes to regular technical verifications and any necessary corrections in the activity database

f.        Analysis of the technical data (quantities/qualitative) in conjunction with the project team and the MEAL team, and feedback for under performance.

2.       Develop and implementation of capacity building plan for HI and partner PSW

a.       Conduct individual skill assessment of HI PSW in the tools provided.

b.       Develop a capacity-building plan for the year based on skill assessment, your observations, feedback of PSWs.

c.       Identify the topics of training, make the training plan, and share it with the concerned department.

d.        Ensure the implementation of the planned capacity building activities including training, reporting and documentation.

e.       Support to other new evidences and research in field of MHPSS and share with PSWs.

f.        Support facilitation of internal, external, online trainings in the field of MHPSS.

3.       Maintain and improve the quality of MHPSS services delivery

a.       Ensure the implementation of technical activities/ technical tools related to MHPSS services, according to HI’s internal quality and technical standards, and proposes adjustments or improvements if necessary.

b.       Ensure all clinical procedures are following properly during service delivery.

c.       Conduct  live Weekly technical supervision meeting and facilitate to exchange of technical information and documentation among PSWs in your respective bases and also with the technical team

d.       Identify a need for various IEC materials and provide technical input for its development.

4.       Provides technical learning from projects

a.       Collects the elements necessary for capitalization or scientific documentation exercises, such as pre and posttests, from a field level

b.       Contributes to technical learning, based on good practice and evidences.

c.       Implements recommendations for improving the technical quality of MHPSS projects

5.        Contributes to the animation of the MHPSS sector in Afghanistan

a.       Contributes to recruitment processes of HI PSW of respective base and provides technical support to the partner in recruitment of partner PSW.

b.       Contributes to or leads the necessary technical training in the field of MHPSS.

c.       Contributes to the skills upgrading plan for professionals within HI Afghanistan working on MHPSS programming, potentially function as a third-party assessor

d.       Can contribute to the development of a local talent pool within the MHPSS sector (conducts technical interviews of candidates and makes recommendations, identifies training needs)

6.       Contributes to ensuring HI's technical influence in MHPSS in Afghanistan

a.       Contributes to the influence of HI's expertise: can represent HI's technical expertise in relevant local networks and with local partners in the sector.

b.       Participate in MHPSS TWG monthly meeting at their respective base/regional level

c.       Any other task assigned by the line manager, functional manager or management.

7.       Reporting:

a. Support the teams to produce regular reports on HI activities (newsletters, case studies, etc.)

b. Prepare and submit the weekly action plan & report on your activities to your line manager

and any other report upon request.

c. Provide a reports and minutes of meetings of the activities like (coordination meeting, workshop meeting, etc.)

d. Support donor reporting and participate in proposal writing under the supervision of your line

manage

Qualifications and Skills:

Knowledge required

Essential

·         Bachelors’ degree in Psychology

·         Minimum 4 years’ experience in the field of MHPSS in humanitarian context

·         Experience in emergency interventions and MHPSS sector

·         Desired experience in project implementation and/or management

·         Knows the international frameworks and technical issues of MHPSS

·         Knowledge of MHPS interventions in emergency response and multidisciplinary approaches

·         Solid understanding of the principles of disability and inclusion

·         General computer skills (use of MS Office package, Internet, Skype. Previous work experience with HI is an asset

Desirable

• Master’s Degree in relevant field

Skills required

Essential

·         Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills

·         Ability to work well under pressure, prioritizing tasks.

·         Excellent written and spoken English, Dari and Pashto

·         Capacity building and training skills

·         Team work and flexibility working in a multicultural environment

·         Planning skills

Desirable

• Problem solving
• Patience and resilience
• Adaptability
• Teamwork

Application Process:

Applicants can login to the online application system by copying and pasting the role link https://airtable.com/appDjjKGKV9lAYoCK/shrGVdhXKg3mB5M8n into their web browser to submit their details and upload their required documents prior to the deadline.

Important notes:

• Please note that only the applications received through the online platform will be considered for this position.

• It is important to note that applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Therefore, timely submission is crucial.

• After the review process, please be aware that only candidates who have been shortlisted will be contacted for the next stages of the recruitment process. If you do not hear from us within one week from the closing date, please consider that your application has not been shortlisted for further process 

- HI has got strong stand on protection of beneficiaries.

"The MHPSS Technical Officer will have to create and maintain an environment which prevents sexual exploitation and abuse and promotes the implementation of the code of conduct"

HI promotes and upholds the principles of equal opportunities and its policies (PSEAH, Child Protection etc). HI has a zero-tolerance approach to any harm to, or exploitation of, a vulnerable adult or a child by any of our staff, representatives or partners. Recruitment to all jobs in HI includes, in particular, criminal
record checks and the collection of relevant references. Safeguarding our beneficiaries is our top priority in everything we do.

Individuals with disabilities and female candidates are especially encouraged to apply. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly value the unique perspectives and contributions that you can bring to our team.