JOB DESCRIPTION

Purpose of consultancy

Facilitate technical follow-up with all organizations participating in full-scale MHPSS simulation exercises to ensure integration of MHPSS operational readiness in organizations’ policies, and contribute to the orientation of field implementation sites for future implementation of simulation exercise activities.

Background  

Following the adoption of the Seventy-Seventh World Health Assembly Resolution on MHPSS and the inclusion of MHPSS preparedness as a core indicator in the WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan, the World Health Organization (WHO)—with support from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO)—is advancing innovative approaches to strengthen the integration of MHPSS in emergency operational readiness. WHO is seeking technical expertise to contribute to the integration of MHPSS preparedness by developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), implementing related activities across humanitarian organizations, and contributing to WHO’s full-scale multi-sectoral MHPSS simulation exercises.

Deliverables

All deliverables to be completed by the end of the 6 months consultancy period:

Develop and implement a technical mentorship plan to facilitate the integration of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) preparedness within organizations participating in WHO-led full-scale, multi-sectoral simulation exercises.
Conduct field visits and develop standardized orientation and readiness checklists for simulation implementation sites, ensuring alignment with WHO MHPSS preparedness objectives.
Prepare organization-specific case studies based on baseline situation analyses and activities conducted, assessing the integration of MHPSS preparedness into their operational plans.
Function as a simulation facilitator, playing a role in the delivery of full-scale MHPSS simulation exercises, including on-site facilitation at selected field locations as a team member.
Qualifications, experience, skills and languages
Educational Qualifications:   

Essential:

University degree in psychiatry, psychiatric nursing, psychology, social work or allied science from an accredited/recognized institute.

Desirable:

Post-graduate qualification or specialized training in (a) public health and/or (b) MHPSS in emergency and humanitarian crises.
Experience

Essential:

At least 5 years of relevant experience, at the national and international levels, in the assessment, development, and implementation of policies, strategies and action plans for MHPSS in the context of emergencies.
Experience in capacity building, developing, and promoting collaborative partnerships.

Desirable:

Experience in implementing MHPSS preparedness activities within humanitarian organizations.
Experience in using and/or teaching on the IASC Guidance, including the IASC MHPSS Minimum Services Package and the multi-sectoral assessment toolkit.
Relevant work experience in the Incident Management Support System within WHO, other UN agencies, or relevant non-governmental or humanitarian organizations.
Experience in working for or with a Government Ministry of Health or with an NGO in a low or middle-income country.
Experience in preparing normative operational guidance for MHPSS.

Skills/Knowledge

Essential:

International MHPSS Humanitarian policy frameworks, resolutions, guidance and tools: WHO, Sphere, and IASC.
Implementation tools (e.g., MSP, Assessment toolkit, psychological first aid field guide, scalable psychological interventions, map Humanitarian Intervention Guide, mental health component of Interagency Emergency Health Kit (IEHK), ‘Building Back Better’ casebook) for reduction of public health problems related to mental health and psychosocial support, before, after and in response to emergencies.

Desirable:

Provide expert advice on the development and implementation of MHPSS policies and programmes in emergency settings.
Plan and conduct capacity-building and assessment activities in MHPSS.
Work effectively in an emergency and humanitarian response context, under constraints and meet deadlines.
Work on MHPSS with government health authorities and non-governmental organizations.
Collaborate on MHPSS across sectors.

Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Expert)

Essential:

Expert knowledge of English

Desirable:

Minimum intermediate knowledge of at least another UN official language

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements