Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Technical Specialist

ROLE TYPE: 1 year FTC

LOCATION: (Remote) Preferred in Amman, Jordan/ London, UK

REPORTING TO: Chief of Party

CLOSING DATE: 13th October 2024

ABOUT ARK

ARK is a social enterprise, empowering local communities through the provision of agile and sustainable interventions to create greater stability, opportunity and hope for the future. 

We believe that strong, resilient communities are the foundation of local, national, regional and international development and stability – and ultimately a safer, peaceful and more prosperous world. At ARK, we have delivered research and programmatic interventions validating this approach in over twenty countries since 2008. As a social enterprise we work in partnership with communities, our donors, and other implementers to build local capacities, generate opportunity and bring about sustainable change. 

Learn more about our impact here:  https://www.ark.international/impact

About the Role

The MHPSS Technical Specialist will support the YCRA programme team to successfully deliver the MHPSS component of YCRA, working across both the objective areas of prevention and reintegration.

The MHPSS Technical Specialist will be responsible for defining and designing the MHPSS component and will support and oversee the YCRA programme team to successfully deliver, with and through sub-grantees, the prevention and reintegration of MHPSS activities at the community level. To ensure programme quality, the MHPSS Technical Specialist will provide technical guidance and advice to ARK staff, sub-grantees, and community-based organisations (CBOs), ensuring that MHPSS and reintegration support provided to affected children and families is safe, effective, and delivered according to internal guidelines and in line with international standards and principles, donor requirements and community needs. The MHPSS Technical Specialist will take a leading role in the recruitment of MHPSS and protection expertise as needed (local and international consultants and full-time staff), coordinating with ARK senior management and the finance department to ensure appropriate budgeting of existing and future MHPSS and protection colleagues.

The MHPSS Technical Specialist will work closely with other ARK YCRA project personnel to ensure MHPSS activities are coherent and rigorous across ARK’s YCRA programme. The MHPSS Technical Specialist will work closely with the YCRA MEAL Team to ensure performance and benefits of MHPSS activities can be measured and reported, and with the YCRA GESI team to ensure effective coordination on SGBV and CASI cases. The MHPSS Technical Specialist will work closely with ARK’s Management Information System (MIS) Team to ensure that data relating to MHPSS cases and case management processes is captured accurately and stored safely. The MHPSS Technical Specialist will also coordinate with ARK’s business development and research teams in the design of bids/new programme proposals for MHPSS and Protection projects globally and build relationships with a range of partners and institutions. They will also support the development of ARK’s global MHPSS strategy.

What you'll be doing

Technical support to project implementation

• Lead on the operationalisation and implementation of the MHPSS components within the YCRA programme, including management of the YCRA MHPSS work plan.
• Lead the identification and capacity strengthening of MHPSS sub-grantees.
• Lead on capacity development of MHPSS sub-grantees, support capacity assessments, and lead on the development of capacity building and technical supervision systems and plans.
• Guide the development of training materials for MHPSS sub-grantees and CBOs.

• Support the development of MHPSS referral pathways with partners and external service providers to strengthen links to available MHPSS and other protection-related services.
• Monitor progress on individual cases documented by ARK and partner staff, maintaining strict protocols for confidentiality and consent.

• In collaboration with sub-grantees and other partners in Yemen, engage community leaders, CBOs, and other service providers in supporting children and families to access MHPSS services.
• Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of MHPSS programming, providing technical input into data collection tools and analysis of data.
• Attend regular programme review meetings, assess progress, and provide recommendations for improving MHPSS activities.
• Ensure safeguarding is mainstreamed into all MHPSS activities.

People management

• Recruit and line manage YCRA MHPSS Officer.
• Identify training needs and provide capacity building to MHPSS Officer and other project staff and interns when required.
• Contribute toward wellbeing initiatives for ARK and partner staff, including mechanisms for stress management and psychological support.

Coordination and representation

• Act as a focal point on MHPSS-related activities and represent ARK in relevant groups and fora, including technical working group and relevant donor meetings as required.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with relevant stakeholders, including local communities, NGOs, governmental bodies, and academic institutions.
• Build effective relationships with the project leadership, project management, and project subject matter experts (SMEs) to provide support as required to ensure MHPSS activities and goals are understood and supported.

Program Development

• Contribute to ARK funding proposals for MHPSS and/or Protection programmes globally.

Requirements

Essential:

• Master’s degree in a relevant subject e.g. Social Work, Psychology, etc.
• Extensive experience working with conflict-affected communities, including in-person and remote management settings.
• Extensive experience providing direct support to Mental Health Service Users as a mental health practitioner (Mental Health Social Work, Psychiatric Nursing, Psychologist etc).
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of key MHPSS and protection concerns and needs for children and families in conflict-affected communities, including trauma-informed care, and other related areas.
• Experience in MHPSS and Child Protection Case Management and safeguarding.
• Experience providing technical support and management for MHPSS and/or protection programs.
• Experience managing teams and working in a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary environment.
• Strong experience in project management in complex settings, including conflict zones.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in team situations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Advanced computer literacy/skills.
• Full professional fluency in English.
• Willingness to conduct fieldwork in Yemen.
• Positive attitude, willingness to work hard to achieve the best outcomes for children and families.

Desirable:

• Higher level qualification in Child Protection, International Child Studies, or other relevant topics.
• Experience working on Yemen programmes.
• Experience working in SGBV programmes.
• Experience working on projects funded by the US Government (USAID, BHA etc.).

Competencies:

• Communication – Good listening, writing, and speaking skills, setting out logical arguments clearly and adapting language and forms of communication to meet the needs of different people/audiences.
• Commitment and Interest in the Topic – The openness to new ideas and the desire to continuously learn and develop new skills.
• Attention to Detail – Closely observing and managing small aspects of tasks, ensuring accuracy and precision in work. It entails identifying errors, maintaining thoroughness, and adhering to guidelines for optimal outcomes.
• Adaptability – The willingness to accept changes and ability to maintain effectiveness in a changing environment.
• Planning and Organisation –  The ability to develop clear, efficient and logical approaches to work.
• Influencing – Possesses exceptional persuasive skills and can influence outcomes even in challenging or resistant environments.
• Teamwork – The ability to work effectively as part of a team, including the ability to collaborate, build relationships, and contribute to a positive team dynamic.

Benefits

Why join ARK?  

• Impactful Work: Your expertise will directly impact the lives of those in need.  
• Global Reach: Collaborate with international experts and local stakeholders.  
• Innovation: Engage in pioneering solutions for sustainable change.  
• Career Growth: Expand your horizons with varied projects and challenges.  

Our People  

Our team covers a diverse range of professional backgrounds, from diplomacy, humanitarian, development and the military, to the UN, civil society groups, multilateral organizations, journalism and the private sector.  

Smart: We think deeply about things. We’re proud of our institutional knowledge and our grounding in rigorous research, which we use to make informed decisions.   

Humble: Our work leaves little room for pride or arrogance. Our operating environment is constantly evolving, and we recognize out limitations. We believe in and rely on the education and experiences of others while remaining quick to read, invite feedback, and ask sensible questions.   

Accountable: Each of us want ARK, its partners, and beneficiaries to succeed. This means taking initiative, assuming ownership when necessary and never giving up on our beneficiaries. We are committed and accountable, to both our donors and the communities we serve.   

Collegiate: We know we are stronger together and that every contribution counts. We trust each other and always support each other.   

Outspoken: We tackle diverse challenges, and we always want to find the best solution to a problem. We aren’t afraid to share our opinions, and we want to hear those of others too.   

ARK Group is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. ARK Group does not discriminate on the basis of ability, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. We welcome all kinds of diversity. ARK Group places human dignity at the center of its development and stabilization work and is this committed to the protection from sexual exploitation and abuse of children and adults. All ARK Group employees and related personnel are expected to share this commitment and only those who also uphold these values will be recruited as part of our team. This vacancy is therefore subject to a range of due diligence checks.