The Netherlands Refugee Foundation / Stichting Vluchteling (SV) is an emergency relief organization that supports partner organizations worldwide, to assist displaced populations. In case of acute need, the Netherlands Refugee Foundation provides funding to international and national partners in order to provide direct assistance, such as shelter, medical care, protection, cash, clean drinking water or sanitation. In the Netherlands, the Refugee Foundation provides information to the Dutch public about the situation of refugees and internally displaced as well as about emergency aid in general.
SV currently has a diverse and enthusiastic team with around 46 employees, working predominately from The Hague. The working atmosphere is informal yet decisive, which is necessary to be able to react fast in case of emergencies. Overall, SV works with both international and national implementing organizations but for the NCD/MH projects nearly exclusively with national partners.
SV is currently looking for a Mental Health Psycho Social Support (MHPSS) Advisor.
Our objective related to health:
SV aims to provide access to quality care for common chronic diseases[1] and MH conditions, including those needing psychosocial support. We aspire to demonstrate improvement in patient outcomes in humanitarian settings. This is done by the integration of cost-effective and comprehensive interventions into a primary health care package. SV plans to use the data from such projects to advocate for persons in similar humanitarian settings to have improved access to chronic disease and MH care. Currently, projects with a MHPSS component are implemented in Nigeria, Iraq, Lebanon, Ukraine and Syria and one will start in Bangladesh.
Our NCD/MHPSS projects are based on a comprehensive and flexible model that can be adapted to different settings. It includes screening of clients, treatment and follow-up of patients, facilitating self-care and a client-supportive environment. We are documenting its effectiveness in measuring positive treatment outcomes, in order to promote a similar approach in comparable settings.
Roles and Responsibilities of the MHPSSA:
The main objective of the role is
- To support the design and implementation of an integrated MHPSS component within a primary health care and humanitarian setting. The model should be context specific and provide specific attention for clients with Non-Communicable Disease.
- To improve the quality of MHPSS services through quality assurance strategies that focus on both improving technical competence of frontline MHPSS providers as well as ensuring measurable improvements in client wellbeing and functionality.
- To be part of the Medical Team and work alongside SVs field-based health advisor and medical coordinator(s) to support the implementation of the core components of MHPSS.
Place in the organization
The MHPSSA is part of the medical team that consists of a Medical Team Lead, an NCD advisor and this MHPSSA position. Additionally, SV has a health advisor for Turkey/ NW Syria and a medical coordinator for Ukraine mission[2].
Based in The Hague, liaises functionally with the MHPSS staff of the implementing partners and hierarchically to the Medical Team Lead.
Main responsibilities
MHPSS Program Development and Implementation:
- Provide input on the MHPSS component of the NCD-MH strategy.
- Review/ Develop MHPSS guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and tools, aligned to the context and existing national protocols.
- Monitor the progress of the MHPSS component, including integration of MHPSS into Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) management.
Implementing Partner: Identification and Capacity Strengthening (online/ field):
- Participates in Needs Assessment and Partner’s MHPSS Capacity Assessment.
- Training lay staff in Psychoeducation and/or Psychological First Aid.
- Training, coaching and supervision of staff in PM+ and/or Training of Trainers (ToT).
- Support training and supervision of GPs in MH Gap.
- Ensuring MH screening among patients, including those with NCDs.
Knowledge Management, Evidence Building, Research & Innovation:
- Stay informed of national guidelines and protocols for MHPSS, as well as global developments in MHPSS programming for humanitarian settings.
- Ensure that implementing partners collect and analyze quality MHPSS data, and consolidate data for reporting purposes.
- Support development, implementation and documentation of operational MHPSS research projects.
- Identify, pilot and document innovative approaches in MHPSS.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Support the technical aspects of MHPSS advocacy and fundraising activities.
- Upon request, participate in other MHPSS-related activities such as evaluations and project reviews.
Candidate Profile (Essential)
- Clinical psychologist or psychiatrist with at least five years post graduate experience.
- Candidates with strong experience in MHPSS interventions in humanitarian setting, including implementation of PM+ and familiarity with MH Gap.
- Experience in designing and managing or coordinating MHPSS projects for a minimum of 2 years.
- Experience in training, coaching and supervision both direct and online.
- Proven experience of working independently under minimal supervision.
- Demonstrable experience of working and constructively participating as part of a multi-cultural team.
- Fluency in written and oral English is required. Other languages (such as Arabic or French in particular) are desirable.
- Ability and willingness to travel and work overseas. The MHPSSA will spend approximately 1/3 of the time in the field and 2/3 in headquarters.
- Demonstrable organizational and communication skills, including attention to detail and accuracy.
- Previous experience with humanitarian organization and commitment to the aims and values of humanitarian work.
- EU citizenship, or being in the possession of an EU work permit, is required.
What do we offer you?
- A dynamic position in an enthusiastic organization of about 46 employees.
- The position will be preferably based in The Netherlands.
- A function with room for own initiative and new ideas.
- An employment contract for initially one year with the prospect of renewal.
- Salary and working conditions appropriate for a non-profit organization, depending on education, experience and age.
Stichting Vluchteling has a Code of Conduct, containing the values and principles of the Refugee Foundation, including with regard to integrity & reliability and the prevention of any form of discrimination and / or abuse of power. Every employee must endorse these and act accordingly at all times. Taking references and requesting a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) are part of the application procedure.
How to apply
Something for you? Then respond as soon as possible.
Send an e-mail before 20 August 2024 with your motivation and your CV to Loan Liem, via solliciteren@vluchteling.nl stating ” Mental Health Psycho Social Support Advisor “. Applicants will be notified before the end of August.
For any request for additional information, you can e-mail loanliem@vluchteling.nl