Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Coordinator – Kenya

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international Catholic organization whose mission is to accompany, serve, and advocate for refugees and other forcibly displaced people so that they can heal, learn, and determine their own futures. JRS was founded in November 1980 as a work of the Society of Jesus and was officially registered as a foundation in Vatican City on March 19, 2000.

JRS is present in over 56 countries worldwide and serves over 811,884 people. The work is overseen by 10 regional offices with support from the International Office in Rome. In Kenya, JRS has two projects: an urban refugee project in Nairobi focused on education and livelihoods and a field project in Kakuma Refugee Camp focused on education, integrated psychosocial inclusive education program in centers and safe shelters.

Operational context/role

The role of the MHPSS Coordinator includes supervision, reporting and coordination. They work closely with the various sector teams, implement, monitor, follow up and report on all MHPSS programme activities including trainings, workshops, facilitation and data collection. The MHPSS Coordinator reports to the Project Director and is based in Nairobi. This is a fixed term contract type for five (5) months with the possibility of extension.

Child Protection and PSEA Commitments

JRS has a zero tolerance policy towards all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse and takes all concerns and complaints about sexual exploitation and abuse of children and vulnerable adults by JRS staff seriously. JRS is committed to protecting children and vulnerable adults and has a policy that outlines the expected behaviour, code of conduct and responsibilities of all individuals acting on behalf of JRS (staff, consultants, volunteers, interns, pastoral team and other representatives). All employees working for JRS are expected to adhere to this policy and guidance.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Manage the assigned MHPSS projects in Nairobi to achieve the JRS project objectives within budget and time allocated, and report operational concerns promptly to the Nairobi Project Director and Country Projects Manager (e.g. expected unmet objectives; increased beneficiary needs; expected over- or under-spending of the project budget).

• Ensure strong leadership of the assigned MHPSS projects and ensure that there are positive impacts and outcomes for participants, local authorities (where applicable) and staff in both the short and long term.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of an appropriate and effective MHPSS strategy, including coordinating assessments at field sites in consultation with the Project Director.

• In collaboration with the Project Director, establish clear objectives and indicators for MHPSS activities.

• Ensure continuous monitoring and supervision of MHPSS activities, evaluate progress against outputs and impacts using both quantitative and qualitative data. Involve the MHPSS team (interns and assistants) in the analysis and take appropriate action as needed to ensure continued progress.

• Provide input for the integration of beneficiary participation and accountability into all aspects of the project.

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of all MHPSS activities.

• Support in maintaining contacts with national authorities, mental health professionals and civil society organisations (CBOs).

• Follow safety protocols and ensure they are adhered to by MHPSS staff.

  Technical / Management

• Develop and manage a comprehensive activity plan that covers the time frame of the project proposal.

• Ensure the quality and sustainability of project results.

• Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation assessments against project objectives.

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of activities (monthly, quarterly and final reports).

• Support the Project Director and Country Program Manager in developing new proposals.

• Support the MHPSS sector by improving and further shaping the technical sector based on approved and appropriate MHPSS practices.

  Personnel management

• Provide leadership to junior MHPSS staff within assigned projects, including day-to-day management.

• Hold regular meetings to promote information sharing among project staff, ensure all staff are aware of project objectives and current work plans, and provide opportunities for feedback.

• Provide coaching and technical supervision to staff to develop ownership of MHPSS activities among officers, assistants, and community workers as needed.

• Assess training needs of MHPSS staff and work with the Project Director and Country Programs Manager to ensure appropriate training is provided.

  Financial Management

• Under the supervision of the Project Director, you will manage the MHPSS budgets for the assigned projects and ensure that all expenditure is within budget and meets JRS standards regarding financial management, including accountability and good governance.

  Communication and coordination

• Develop and maintain appropriate, regular, transparent and supportive communication structures with the broader JRS programme team and other relevant stakeholders (e.g. participants, community leaders, local and national government officials, UN agencies and other NGOs) to ensure good collaboration and partnerships.

• Participate in Protection, MHPSS TWG and other coordination or working group meetings as appropriate and as assigned by the Project Director and Country Programs Manager, as well as internal JRS trainings where you represent JRS and provide feedback to the Project Director on relevant issues.

  Logistics

• Liaise with logistics and finance staff as necessary to ensure items are purchased, transported, stored, managed and accounted for correctly.

  Quality management

• Ensure that MHPSS projects are implemented in accordance with donor proposals and requirements and in accordance with JRS, donor, national and international standards, such as Sphere, CHS and IASC guidelines.

• Promote and use the JRS work procedures and ensure that all standardized formats are used and guidelines are adhered to.

• Conduct regular field visits to assess the quality of activities and to meet and coordinate with local authorities and organizations.

  Personal specification – Essential requirements

  Qualification and experience

• Degree in a related field, such as psychology, counseling, or a related field

• The candidate is a mental health professional (psychologist, clinical social worker, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse) with experience in MHPSS program coordination.

• 4 years of relevant and progressive experience working in the mental health field, including at least 2 years of professional experience in coordinating MHPSS projects in humanitarian settings

• Experience in project management is a plus

• Therapy community development, child protection or related field. Practical work experience, preferably in safe houses or schools, is an advantage.

• Experience working in the areas of sexual and gender-based violence, women’s empowerment and child protection

• Demonstrable experience and commitment in working with marginalized and vulnerable communities and the ability to work in an emergency response environment

• Strong and practical peacebuilding and conflict mediation skills

• Good knowledge of MS Word/Office.

• Able to communicate orally and in writing in Swahili and English. Knowledge of the language is an added advantage

• Ability to build effective partnerships and collaborate with other team members.

• Ability to interact sensitively with vulnerable and refugee groups from different ethnic backgrounds

• A Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) is required