Mental Health Specialist (MHPSS)

About the role

The IRC began operations in Chad in 2004 to respond to the influx of Darfur refugees into eastern Chad, and now works in health, nutrition and protection/GBV across several provinces. Based in Hadjer Hadid and reporting to the Senior Health Coordinator, the Mental Health Specialist manages and implements a high-quality mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) program, especially in refugee camps, and coordinates with the Ministry of Public Health, UNHCR, HIAS and the mental health working group.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate mental health needs assessments and organize regular MHPSS meetings with health program managers and the MHPSS team
• Integrate MHPSS into primary health care, sexual and reproductive health, nutrition and environmental health, and into WPE and ERD programs
• Supervise health workers in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental, neurological and substance use disorders using WHO/UNHCR mhGAP guidelines, and train new providers on mhGAP
• Develop standard operating procedures for psychological and psychiatric care and psychosocial support through group psychoeducation and community programs
• Conduct formative supervision and refresher training, and provide specialized consultations, including for survivors of gender-based violence
• Support community-based services and ensure essential medicines and psychotropic drugs are available and properly prescribed
• With the MEAL Coordinator, analyze mental health data monthly, document lessons learned and help improve donor and program reports
• Represent IRC at mental health working group meetings and advise the Ministry of Public Health on national policies and guidelines

Required profile

• Advanced degree in clinical mental health, preferably a medical degree with a psychiatry specialty and neurology experience
• Three years of experience developing and managing MHPSS programs, preferably in emergencies or refugee camps
• An additional degree in public health is preferred
• Fluency in French is required; English is a plus

Required skills

• Knowledge of and experience with IASC MHPSS guidelines
• Experience with assessment, program design, training and supervision using WHO mhGAP
• Strong analytical, organizational and supervisory skills, and ability to work independently and lead teams