Consultant for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for Emergency Preparedness (Re-advertisement)

BACKGROUND

Based on identified Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in emergency priorities of the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office, a consultant for MHPSS for emergency preparedness is necessary to augment capacity in implementing planned activities in 2019.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The Western Pacific Region, existing of 37 diverse countries and areas, is known to be one of the world’s most prone areas to be affected by disasters. Seven of the top ten countries most at risk of a natural disaster are in the Western Pacific Region, according to the 2016 World Risk Report. The mental health impact of disasters can be significant; disasters can result in tremendous loss of life and damage to health systems and infrastructure impacting the physical and psychosocial well-being of those affected. The IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings recommend key actions for emergency preparedness, including specific actions for the health system. Taking these actions should enable rapid implementation of minimum responses during an emergency situation.

The incumbent will provide technical guidance and support in terms of programme design, implementation and evaluation in line with the Unit's deliverables according to the: 1) Regional agenda for implementing the mental health action plan 2013-2020 in the Western Pacific and 2) The Western Pacific Regional Framework for Action for Disaster Risk Management for Health.

The incumbent will work under the technical guidance of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse  (MHS)Technical Lead, in collaboration with the Emergency Operations (EMO) Programme Area Manager.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Under the Mental Health and Substance Abuse (MHS) Unit; Division of NCD and Health through the Life-Course, in collaboration with the Emergency Operations (EMO) Unit, WHO Health Emergencies (WHE) Programme, the incumbent will strengthen the national capacity of health systems in selected countries in the Western Pacific Region for providing MHPSS in emergencies (emergency preparedness). Specific activities are as follows:

• Review national policies and plans for MHPSS emergency response.
• Develop and provide orientation seminars to disseminate and implement the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) guidelines on MHPSS in emergency settings in selected countries in the Western Pacific Region.
• Provide training and technical support to the Ministry of Health and other national entities/ institutions in building capacity on MHPSS response at national level in selected countries in the Western Pacific Region:
  • Orient health care professionals and other personals in psychological first aid.
  • Train staff in clinical management of mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) conditions in humanitarian emergencies, using the Mental Health Gap Action Programme – Humanitarian Intervention Guide
    (mhGAP-HIG).
• Support other technical units with work linked to MHPSS and other tasks as assigned.

   

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

The consultant will review relevant policy documents, existing global and regional goods, and training materials. The consultant will provide in-country support as well as coordinate with focal points in respective Ministries of Health, the Mental Health and Substance Abuse (MHS) Unit, WHO Health Emergencies (WHE) Programme and coordinators/technical leads on mental health and emergency programmes in respective WHO country offices. The consultant will also convene and/or participate in tele-/videoconferences.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:  

Advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) in psychiatry, clinical psychology, social work or allied sciences from an accredited/recognized institute.

Desirable:

Post-graduate qualification or specialized training in public health, clinical psychology or psychiatry and/or MHPSS in emergency and humanitarian crises.

EXPERIENCE

Essential:

At least five years of relevant experience, at the national and international levels, in the assessment, development and implementation of policies, strategies and action plans for MHPSS in the context of emergencies. Experience in capacity building, developing and promoting collaborative partnerships.

Desirable:

Experience of managing national mental health programme(s) including experience with implementing WHO’s mental health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP); Training in delivering bio-psychosocial interventions for Mental, Neurological and Substance use disorders; Relevant work experience in WHO, other UN agencies, relevant nongovernmental, health cluster partners or recognized humanitarian organizations.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

Expert knowledge of International policy frameworks (WHO, Sphere, IASC) for reduction of public health challenges related to mental health in emergency settings; Implementation tools (e.g.,  psychological first aid field guide, mhGAP – HIG, mental health component of Inter-agency Emergency Health Kit (IEHK), “Building Back Better” casebook for reduction of public health problems related to mental health in (post-) emergency settings. Demonstrated ability to plan and conduct capacity-building activities in MHPSS; collaborate on MHPSS across different sectors.

LANGUAGES

Written and spoken fluency in English is essential. Working knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

COMPETENCIES

a. Communication:  Expresses oneself clearly in conversation and interaction with others, actively listens. Produce effective written communication and ensure that information is shared.
b. Producing results:  Produces and delivers quality results. Is action oriented and committed to achieving the outcomes.
c. Moving forward in a changing environment: Is open to, and proposes, new approaches and ideas. Adapts and responds positively to change.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Must be willing and able to travel to selected countries in the Western Pacific Region.

STARTING DATE: 15 FEBRUARY 2019

DURATION OF CONTRACT: 6 months

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > no later than 11 January 2019.

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. WPRO/2018-12/EMO & MHS/TN82118/mnc as subject to all submission. 

Only successful candidates will be contacted.