KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Project Manager, the Psychosocial Support Specialist will lead on providing backstopping and hands-on technical supervision and support for the implementation of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) activities that will provide project beneficiaries (an estimated 916) with support following IASC guidelines. The ultimate goal of which is to foster the resilience of MHPSS recipients and their families so that they will be able to better integrate into their communities. The MHPSS will include psychoeducation, group and individual sessions based on the severity of the trauma, as well as training on life and emotional skills.

Responsibilities will include:

• Lead the implementation of the Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support Services activities, which include;
• psychoeducation, group counselling, and individual counselling sessions or more specialised care depending on individual needs.
• 8 sessions, depending on the individual needs (once a week), while focusing on women and GBV cases. At least 60 additional individual sessions will be counted, as well, for the severe cases that will require additional psychosocial support. All MHPSS sessions should be delivered on Saturdays. 
• Support the design and implementation of a clear referral pathway accessible to the beneficiaries and service providers to further provide MHPSS for those who need it
• Map MHPSS in the targeted areas and identify the most qualified and reliable MHPSS service providers in coordination with the relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and World Health Organization (WHO).
• Where necessary mobilize clinical MHPSS groups to support individuals showing symptoms of PTSD in clinical groups for treatment of trauma, where international treatment protocols will be used.
• Travel between project implementation locations in Anbar, Ninewa, Kirkuk, and Salah al-Din Governorates ensuring smooth project delivery.
• Provide follow up and reporting on progress.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Bachelor’s degree in psychosocial-related studies is a must.
• At least 3 years of experience in providing technical supervision and support for the implementation of MHPSS interventions (please mention in your CV or cover letter: titles, objectives, description, and duration of at least 2 similar projects that you were responsible for).
• Experience in conflict resolution and problem solving is an asset.
• Writing and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English.
• Right to live and work in Iraq, with the ability to travel within and outside KRI region.
• Willing to start work on short notice.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send the following in English to: recruitment-iq@hrf.co.uk

• CV.
• Covering Letter indicating earliest date of availability.
• Details of 2 references.

Please put ‘Psychosocial Support Specialist’ in the email subject line. Note that due to the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please apply as soon as possible, CVs will be reviewed on a rolling basis.