CON2023 67 Occupational Mental Health Consultant

Nature of the consultancy: Create a specialized Occupational Mental Health Strategy for Lebanese Armed Forces Navy (LAF Navy) personnel engaged in search and rescue (SAR) operations. Category B consultancy.

Project context and scope:

Lebanon is facing a challenging socio-economic, political, and security situation, resulting in one of the largest waves of outward migration in its history. This situation has put immense pressure on various sectors, including the Lebanese Armed Forces Navy (LAF Navy), which play a crucial role in maintaining stability and providing assistance during crises.

Amidst this challenging environment, LAF Navy personnel, particularly those involved in search and rescue (SAR) operations, are exposed to significant stressors. Their duties often require them to operate in dangerous and unpredictable conditions, work long hours, and respond to distressing situations, such as rescuing refugees and migrants in dire circumstances. Witnessing these disruptive events and moral injuries can have a lasting impact on their mental health and well-being.

Recognizing the importance of addressing the occupational mental health of its personnel, especially SAR teams, the LAF Navy sought assistance from IOM to develop a comprehensive Occupational Mental Health Strategy. This strategy is specifically tailored to the unique challenges faced by LAF Navy personnel engaged in SAR operations.

IOM's support in building the occupational mental health capacity of the LAF Navy follows a structured three-phased approach:

1. PFA Training: IOM, in partnership with the NGO Restart, organized a series of Psychological First Aid (PFA) training sessions. These sessions provided an opportunity to gather feedback from LAF Navy personnel and better understand their needs and challenges.
2. Consultation Workshop: Building on the lessons learned from the PFA training, a consultation workshop was conducted. This workshop brought together various stakeholders to discuss and plan the establishment of a sustainable, in-house occupational mental health capacity within the LAF Navy, tailored to SAR operations.
3. Finalizing and Implementing the Strategy: The next phase involves finalizing the Occupational Mental Health Strategy. This strategy will be developed through a dedicated component of a new IOM project funded by France. It aims to provide LAF Navy personnel with structures, that are promoting the wellbeing of staff and preventing and responding to mental health conditions in an adequate way. This phase includes reviewing current structures and practices, consulting relevant staff in leadership positions, and suggesting new strctures, practices and tools to cope with stress, build resilience, and help to effectively manage emotions. Additionally, it includes initiatives to foster team cohesion and solidarity by enhancing interpersonal skills, empathy, and communication among personnel.

Organizational department:

The consultant will operate under the oversight of the Immigration and Border Governance program, collaborating closely with various other IOM programs, including those focused on protection, data and research, and more.

The preselected candidates will be requested to furnish a sample of their work, which could include reports, studies, corporate strategies, or similar documents, as part of the selection process.

Outputs of the work assignment

a. First Deliverable (Inception Report):

• Submission of an inception report derived from consultations and a review of relevant documents
• Timeline: Within the first 3 weeks of the contract
• First Installment Payment: 20% of the overall contract value upon successful submission and acceptance of the inception report.

b. Second Deliverable (Preliminary Framework):

• Presentation of the preliminary framework for the Occupational Mental Health Strategy
• Timeline: Within 6 weeks of the contract
• Second Installment Payment: 20% of the overall contract value upon successful presentation of the preliminary framework.

c. Third Deliverable (Draft Strategy Document):

• Submission of the draft Occupational Mental Health Strategy document for review and feedback
• Timeline: Within 9 weeks of the contract
• Third Installment Payment: 20% of the overall contract value upon successful submission of the draft document for review.

d. Final Deliverable (Final Strategy Document):

• Presentation of the final strategy document, including recommendations for capacity-building initiatives
• Timeline: Within 12 weeks of the contract
• Final Installment Payment: 40% of the overall contract value upon successful presentation of the final strategy document and acceptance of all recommendations.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

Performance will be evaluated based on the quality and comprehensiveness of the delivered Occupational Mental Health Strategy, alignment with LAF Navy’s goals, and the consultant's ability to engage stakeholders effectively.

Education, experience and skills required

The ideal consultant should possess the following qualifications and experience:

a. Master's degree in psychology, MD (Psychiatry), master's degree in public health, or any related field.

b. Proven expertise in occupational mental health and experience in developing similar strategies for military or other organizations.

c. Familiarity with the unique challenges faced by armed forces personnel.

d. Strong research and analytical skills.

e. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

f. Fluent in English and Arabic (spoken and written).

Skills:

• Analytical skills
• Project management
• Cultural sensitivity
• Crisis management
• Research and data analysis
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Adaptability and flexibility

Travel required

Travel within Lebanon may be required as part of the consultancy, with all travel expenses covered by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Competencies

Competencies relevant to this consultancy include but are not limited to:

Values

• • • Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
    • Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
    • Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
    • Courage: demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
    • Empathy: shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• • • Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
    • Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
    • Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
    • Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
    • Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.