Researcher/interviewers

Program Title: Strengthening Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support in Palestinian camps and Gatherings for Children, Women and Families Affected by the Syrian Refugee Crisis – Phase II   Position: Researcher/Interviewers   1. Background MAP works for the health and dignity of Palestinians living under occupation and as refugees. In response to the current humanitarian refugee crisis in Lebanon, MAP is currently implementing the project “Strengthening Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support in Palestinian camps and Gatherings for Children, Women and Families Affected by the Syrian Refugee Crisis – Phase II”. The project is managed in partnership with four Palestinian NGOs, and it is co-funded by UNICEF; it aims to mitigate the impact of war and displacement and contribute to strengthening resilience and positive coping mechanisms among Palestinian refugee women and children from Syria, their families and the host Palestinian community. The project integrates a Gender Based Violence prevention and response component.   Within the framework of this intervention, MAP is currently recruiting a team of at least two Researchers/Interviewers (one male and one female) to assist with conducting a survey to evaluate project outcomes through administering a pre-set evaluation tool to children and caregivers who have been supported through the project. The interviewers will not be responsible for developing or validating the questionnaire, which in a standard tool widely tested for use in the region, nor for data entry or data analysis. A minimum of 280 children and caregivers will be interviewed; each respondent will be interviewed twice (before and after the intervention).   2. Objective of the position: To support MAP with evaluating the outcomes of the project “Strengthening Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support in Palestinian camps and Gatherings for Children, Women and Families Affected by the Syrian Refugee Crisis – Phase II”, by administering a standard evaluation tool (questionnaire) to children and caregivers assisted through the project.   3. Location, time-frame and duration The survey will cover 14 locations in the major Palestinian refugee camps and gatherings in Lebanon. The work will spread over 9 months, from August 2015 to April 2016, however it is expected that the distribution of the work will be uneven over this period (with some busier weeks and other less intense periods). It is expected that, in order to fulfill the task, the team of interviewers will need to commit between a minimum of 48 days and a maximum of 75 days (to be distributed among team members).     4. Key tasks and responsibilities: To contribute to ensuring that the survey is conducted in a safe and ethical manner, in line with the “do no harm” principle To explain survey objectives and procedures to the interviewees, including procedures that aim at ensuring the confidentiality of the information acquired, and to obtain interviewees’ informed consent To administer the questionnaire in accordance with MAP’s instructions, and to use the examples provided to clarify each question To record the answers provided by the interviewees, or, in the case of self-administration, to assist interviewees in filling out the questionnaire To review data obtained for completeness and accuracy To identify and report to MAP any problems in obtaining valid data – or other problems arising from the survey To promptly report to MAP any serious health or protection concerns about the children or caregivers interviewed that arise, or are disclosed, during the interviews   5. Person specifications Academic background in Psychology or related subjects; or equivalent extensive experience (more than 10 years) in conducting MHPSS interventions with refugee communities Previous experience in a similar position as researcher/interviewer in the field of MHPSS Previous experience of field work within the Palestinian refugee community in Lebanon Previous experience of work in the framework of UNICEF-funded projects Strong proficiency in spoken and written Arabic is an absolute must; proficiency in English highly desirable Knowledge/practice of ethical principles and guidelines for conducting MHPSS research Excellent communication skills, active listening skills and ability to create rapport with the interviewees Ability to identify and respond to participants’ distress, vulnerability and/or protection needs Driving license and ability to drive in Lebanon Candidatures by a team of at least two interviewers (male and female) are preferred; however each candidate should meet the specifications listed above.   6. Deadline for applications: Deadline for applications is 21st July 2015. Candidatures will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, therefore early applications are strongly encouraged. Due to time constraints, we regret only being able to contact shortlisted candidates.    9. Application process: All applicants should send a cover letter (maximum one page, inclusive of financial offer/daily fee expectations), and an updated CV (no longer than three pages, and including contact details of at least two professional referees), both in English to mahmoud.aladawi@map-uk.org and massimo.alone@map-uk.org .