There is a growing global evidence-base that supports the integration of MHPSS into livelihood programming, especially when engaging people who have faced severe adversity, including displacement, loss and protracted violence.

Particularly in contexts like Somalia, economic and psychosocial resilience are bi-directional. Not having work is a key stressor for many, but at the same time if individuals are emotionally distressed, have low self-esteem and self-worth, are mistrustful of others, have poor relationships, then success in their economic pursuits can be limited. And so, working on both outcomes at the same time – economic and mental health – can have better and more sustained impacts in both areas.

Our client, in partnership with Concern Worldwide, have conducted two pilot projects looking at the integration of MHPSS and livelihoods, with strong support for positive outcomes in both areas.

A recent award from the JPAL Humanitarian Protection Initiative (HPI) will now allow for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test this synergistic relationship more systematically. All activities will be conducted in Baidoa.

Under the supervision of the Regional MHPSS Specialist, the successful candidates will be responsible for adapting, delivering and evaluating the benefits of a specially designed MHPSS curriculum to Self Help groups as part of the RCT.

• Receive training in a 10-session MHPSS curriculum

• Support the final contextualization and translation of a 10-session MHPSS curriculum

• Facilitate 10 weekly MHPSS sessions to five different Self Help Groups

• Identify and refer individuals from the SHGs who need additional specialized support

• Provide direct one to one counselling for those needing focused support and refer if longer-term support is needed

• Provide regular updates to the research team and engage in weekly supervision with the clinical lead

• Inputs into project reports, as requested

• The role is Under the supervision of the Regional MHPSS Specialist

Required Competencies

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.

• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.

• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.

• Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action-oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.

• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.

• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.

• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

• As per  the TOR

Experience

• Minimum of 4 years implementing MHPSS-related individual and group level activities in Somalia

• Experience in assessment or research using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, preferably taking a participatory approach

• Experience in facilitation and capacity building with vulnerable groups

• Demonstrated knowledge of IOM, IASC, WHO Guidelines on MHPSS in emergency and development settings.

• Somali speaker, with Mai desirable

Skills

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills

• Strong facilitation skills

• Strong organizational skills

• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a team of colleagues of varied cultural and professional backgrounds

• Proven ability to produce quality work accurately and concisely according to set deadlines

• Ability to navigate through differing ideas or perspectives to reach to an independent judgment

• Travel required

• Travel to programme locations is required for the implementation of the abovementioned MHPSS training curriculum.