Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Team Manager

Première Urgence - Aide Médicale Internationale (PU-AMI) is a non-profit, non-political and non religious humanitarian NGO. Its objective is to bring about a global response to the basic needs of populations suffering from acute humanitarian crisis and to allow them to recover their autonomy and dignity. In close respect to humanitarian principles, PU-AMI promotes humanitarian access and dialogue with all components of the civil society in Lebanon, and delivers assistance based on the needs, regardless of religion, politics, and ethnic matters. Today, PU-AMI is intervening in 21 countries in Africa, the Near East, Caucasus, Asia and the Caribbean to cover the needs of populations affected by conflict, natural disasters or economic crises. PU-AMI in Lebanon has been implementing emergency and recovery projects in Health, Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Shelter Rehabilitation and in Livelihood Recovery sectors.

Job Description:

1- BACKGROUND AND GENERAL OBJECTIVE

Under the overall supervision of the Field Coordinator, technical supervision of MHPSS and Protection Coordinators, and the direct supervision of the Deputy Field Coordinator, the incumbent will be responsible for the overall management and coordination of the MHPSS, and outreach activities conducted by the PU-AMI MHPSS Team members (including a psychiatrist, psychologist, and social workers) with PHCC’s staff and in PHCCs or other detected priority areas. The MHPSS Team manager will be handling work plans and materials that are needed for the relevant activities in close coordination with the MHPSS Coordinator. Also, s/he will assist in liaising with national authorities and humanitarian stakeholders, as well as local organizations and community members. In addition to that, s/he will represent PU-AMI in the scope of MHPSS Coordination meetings at the regional or national level.

2- RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE AND LINKED ACTIVITIES

ASSESSMENT, MONITORING, AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MHPSS ACTIVITIES

Monitor the implementation process at all the project stages and ensure field-level monitoring of the implemented activities based on the project objectives.

Together with PU-AMI MHPSS Team, and in close coordination with PHCC and PU-AMI Protection teams, make sure the referral mechanism is in place and remains functional based on the MoPH and NMHP suggested protocols.

Ensure that there are active, updated, and clear pathways for the internal and external referrals including all the relevant service providers; PHCC, PU-AMI MHPSS Team, PU-AMI Protection, and Health Team, and all other stakeholders.

Work together with the PU-AMI MHPSS Team and coordinate with the MHPSS Coordinator in the identification of topics for psychoeducation, based on the common needs and challenges among the referred cases with MHPSS complaints.

Establish close coordination with the field level of the MEAL department to have accountable and accessible feedback mechanisms and participate in lessons learned workshops on a regular basis to improve the quality of the services.

Plan and coordinate the main responsibilities of the MHPSS team in terms of timing and priorities in coordination with PHCCs.

Take the lead for the follow-up on the work plan for social workers and psychologists in the field providing assessment, identification, referrals, and focused and non-focused psychosocial interventions to reduce suffering and improve the well-being of the beneficiaries.

Coordinate and work closely with the Community Health Volunteers and community health team based on the needs and the objectives of the projects including MHPSS aspects.

Actively participate in the design and identification of Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials and Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) used to enhance awareness of the targeted community members during the awareness-raising, psychoeducation, and promotion sessions on MHPSS-related topics.

Participate in the design of the MH Social Worker’s tools and activities;

Support MH Social workers in identifying the needs of the people with special needs and in particular people with MNS conditions and ensure that a proper referral mechanism is in place.

Under the close guidance of MHPSS Specialist, assist in the alignment of that the MH-related services provided by the PU-AMI’s MHPSS Team in coordination with PHCC’s staff are aligned with the MoPH guidelines and in particular NMHP and LPSP (Long-term Primary Health Care Subsidization Plan).

TEAM MANAGEMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING

Ensure the adherence of his/her subordinates to all PU-AMI’s policies, rules and regulations;

Ensure the respect and implementation of HR procedures in accordance with PU-AMI’s Policies and Guidelines (i.e. daily management, disciplinary procedures, performance appraisals, leaves management, training and capacity building, etc.) in collaboration with the HR department and Deputy Field Coordinator.

Define and implement the required training(s) to subordinate(s) regarding task to be developed on the framework of the project;

Ensure good communication, coordination and information level of each member of the field teams during regular coordination meetings (or other when required);

Enhance a sense of belonging among the MHPSS team members to prevent any potentially discriminative discourse and behavior.

Manage the psychologist and Social Workers working in PHCCs and monitor their work by constantly visiting the areas of intervention;

Be responsible for the overall functioning of the MHPSS team and effective communication among the team members;

Work on daily basis with the psychologist and social workers to make sure the tracking system is working smoothly and cases are referred from the community to PHCCs or vice versa.

Together with the Information Management Officer, review the quality of data collected and discuss ways for improvements;

Provide feedback for the development of any MHPSS relevant training materials for the community intervention and any other requests;

Sensitization and capacity building among frontline health workers, migrants, refugees and host community members about MHPSS related topics.

Facilitate MHPSS Team meetings to provide a structured space to the team where challenges can be raised in a supportive and safe atmosphere. In case of technical challenges or questions, involve MHPSS Specialist to provide relevant support and guidance to the team

Proactively participate in the meetings for MHPSS TMs, organized by MHPSS Specialist or MHPSS Coordinator, in an effort to harmonize approaches to mental health and psychosocial support among PUI bases

Cooperate with MHPSS Specialist / MHPSS Coordinator, to ensure Case study meetings, animated by Technical colleagues, are regularly organized; MHPSS team is present and has a dedicate time in the planning for this regular and mandatory exercise

LOGISTIC & ADMINISTRATION

Define the needs in materials and tools regarding the program and the planning of interventions ;

Comply with all logistics’ rules, procedures and processes and ensure the timely supply of all logistics’ needs for the successful implementation of the program.

Under the supervision of MHPSS Coordinator, and Deputy Field Coordinator, ensuring the monthly forecast of MHPSS budget lines and their appropriate use by putting available funds for the MHPSS quality improvement

 REPORTING & DATA COLLECTION

Ensure that the most effective data collecting and reporting processes are in place, in accordance with the MoPH database and reporting system, and in accordance with the project activities.

Conduct initial review and validation of data and documents collected by psychologists, and social workers with the support of the IM Officer ;

Ensure the different frequency-based (monthly, bimonthly, semi-annually and annually) monitoring and reporting of the indicators (internal and external);

Directly report any difficulties or delays in the implementation of activities;

Participate in the writing of all required MHPSS-focused reports (for PU-AMI, donors, partners etc.);

Participate in the constant evaluation of the project (effectiveness, efficiency, impact, relevance);

Support the Deputy Field Coordinator in the regular planning of the activities;

Contribute to the security analysis situation in the area and inform the Deputy Field Coordinator on security incidents.

OUTREACH ACTIVITIES

Conduct outreach activities in close coordination with PU-AMI Protection, Health, and MHPSS Teams to conduct MHPSS-focused assessments at the field level;

Build a network with specialized and non-specialized MHPSS actors to refer the cases complex needs;

Under delegation from the Deputy Field Coordinator, coordinate PU-AMI MHPSS activities with other MHPSS stakeholders in the area;

Participate in the liaison with local authorities, NGOs and other stakeholders under delegation from the Deputy Field Coordinator.

The tasks and responsibilities defined in this job description are non-exhaustive and can evolve depending on the project’s needs.

3- Job Requirements:

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

➢ Language skills: Fluent in English and Arabic, (speaking/reading/writing).

➢ Education degree: BA in Clinical psychology or Medical Social Work is required and a qualification in medical science in particular in public health would be an asset.

➢ Work experience: At least 1 year of experience in managing a multidisciplinary team in the humanitarian field is required. Work experience in the scope of MHPSS, Protection and Health projects conducted by consortiums including Ministries, UN Agencies, INGO and NGOs would be an asset. Knowledge of the project cycle and logical framework; proven experience in team management.

➢ Knowledge and skills:

➢ - Overall understanding of multi-layered MHPSS interventions, human rights-based mental health service provision, and community-based MHPSS.

- Good knowledge of the primary health care system in Lebanon, , Psychological First Aid, ,

- Experience in Inclusion / working with Persons with disability

- Clear knowledge of Lebanon humanitarian context.

• Management skills

✓ Ability to develop a consistent and acceptable care plan with clear objectives.

✓ Excellence in organizing, planning and prioritizing task

✓ Skilled in at least one evidenced-based psychotherapy approaches

✓ Support the team, monitoring and evaluating the psychological progress of the client

➢ Computer skills: Excellent knowledge of the MS office software including Word, Excel, Outlook

➢ Other: − Good management skills − Good reporting skills − Valid driving license (1-year minimum)

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

• MA IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY WITH A CLEAR PRACTICUM PATH (AT LEAST 500 HOURS)

• Good knowledge of scalable MHPSS interventions, specialized MH interventions, mh GAP, mh GAP Community Toolkit, Psychosocial Skills Building

• ASSESSMENT SKILLS

✓ Ability to provide structured clinical assessments and clear case formulation

✓ Ability to recognize mental health priority conditions.

✓ Skill on using various assessment tools and scales in the scope MHPSS activities.

ASSETS

➢ Interests: Working in Humanitarian relief

➢ Transversals skills:

− Excellent communication, conflict solving and diplomacy skills to manage relationship in potentially tense situations

− Presentation and training skills.

− Strong motivation to support all vulnerable communities

− Ability to make decisions and to exercise authority when required

− Understanding of the political situation in the area

− Ability to analyze and suggest improvements of the activities

− Ability to adapt or change priorities according to the changing situation within a mission or the organization itself

− Well organized and hard worker

− Able to manage stress and pressure

− Able to check validity of information, logical thinking

− Neutrality

− Reliability

Requirements of Behavioral Competencies:

• Problem Solving
• Adaptability
• Result Orientation
• Independence
• Stress Resilience
• Teamwork
• Communication

PUI-AMI Employment Conditions and Benefits:

• Status: A Fixed-Term Contract 
• 40-hour work week from Monday to Friday.
• Monthly Gross Income:  2279 - 2370 USD based on PU-AMIs internal salary scale. PU-AMI deducts income tax and automatically registers employees to NSSF
• Seniority Allowance of +2% monthly increase of your basic salary after 1st year of employment. Seniority allowance is gradual and grows of +2% every year.  
• Insurance Medical Insurance class B for employee and spouse.
• Life Insurance
• Maternity leave of 100 days
• Paternity leave of 5 days
• Paid Leaves Policy: 24 days of paid leaves per year
• 3 paid Sick Child Leaves per year for employees with children

Other allowances that are extra?

• 1 day of remote work per week after agreement with the line manager
• Opportunities for career progression and transparent internal recruitment system
• Internal trainings and capacity development opportunities
• Staff wellbeing and inclusion activities
• Our Commitments

 PU-AMI sees diversity of nationalities, genders, beliefs, profiles and statuses among its employees as a major asset for its humanitarian action and therefore compels itself to the strict observance of the principle of non-discrimination throughout its recruitment process.  

PU-AMI applies a policy of zero tolerance towards exploitation, sexual abuse and mistreatment, in all its forms, of men, women, children and all vulnerable persons. It engages all its staff to promote, disseminate and respect the principles set out in its ethical framework.

How to Apply?

 Do you recognize yourself in this profile and you adhere to our commitments? Send us your CV on email: nor.hr.recruitment@premiere-urgence-lib.org until March 16th, 2025

Your CV must be in pdf.  and named: CV_LIB_01032025_MHPSS TM_Your first name.surname.pdf. Subject of your email: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Team Manager. Only candidates who submit their application correctly will be considered.

Kindly note that PU-AMI reserves the right to screen CVs on a rolling basis, therefore it is strongly recommended to apply as soon as possible. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Please note that PU-AMI does not in any case request a financial contribution for administrative costs related to recruitment. Any such information would be fraudulent, please report it to us.