MHPSS Project Manager – Cameroun

INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.

Terms of reference

Job Title: MHPSS Project Manager

Code: 48-6046

Duty station: Buea

Starting date: 04/04/2023

Contract duration: 8,5 Months

Reporting to: Programme Coordinator

Supervision of: 7

Dependents: non-family duty station

General context of the project

The present rise of violence in the Regions of the North West and the South West have affected many, be they victims or witnesses of violence. Many, despite the healing of their wounds are left with deep psychological trauma requiring immediate attention.

Victims of violence report suffering from psychological distress, sometimes severe.

If the severity of the symptoms is not recognized by the person affected or their family and not treated in time, psychological disorders might develop, such as chronic anxiety, depression, mood disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis and, in the case of children, development disorder. To tackle this situation, the The project goal is to support communities in accurately identifying the psychological needs of victims and putting in place the appropriate supportive intervention and/or therapy, requiring mental health professionals (psychiatrists and psychologists) and trained, PSS facilitators with appropriate skills, knowledge and experience relevant to supporting victims of violence and people affected by conflict presenting distress and mental health issues.​

General purpose of the position

The MHPSS Project Manager will:

• Supervise the implementation and the development of the mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) activities in the project
• Supervise, support and train the mental health/PSS staff (Both INTERSOS and Local Partner)
• Coordinate the mental health activities with Local Partner
• Guarantee the relevancy and the quality of the mental health/psychosocial activities carried out
• Participate in assessment or emergency interventions in case of needs​

Main responsibilities and tasks

Project Management

• Plan, coordinate, monitor and evaluate the implementation of the project, ensuring timely and quality service delivery in accordance with the approved project proposal;
• Ensure, in accordance with INTERSOS internal rules and regulations, donor regulations and international humanitarian standards (such as SPHERE), the management of the project;
• Conduct regular field visits to assess program quality and progress towards objectives, facilitate collective problem solving with staff and other stakeholders to address challenges;
• Liaise with local project partners, ensuring regular meetings, structured supervision and feedback mechanisms are in place.
• Plan and allocate tasks and workload among teams, guiding their understanding of Project and Mission issues through regular working meetings and feedback, to ensure effective deployment of resources and achievement of expected objectives;
• To inform the field team of the instructions given by the Coordination Office by promoting a smooth and fluid written and oral communication and information flow and by guaranteeing confidentiality and full compliance with safety rules, protection principles and medical ethics;
• Ensure appropriate and correct logistical management of the project, in accordance with INTERSOS regulations and IMP operations, including maintenance and management of project assets.
• Ensure appropriate and correct budgetary management, in accordance with INTERSOS regulations and the functioning of PMI ;
• Monitor risks and threats around the project(s), document the situation and analyze the consequences of policy decisions or ongoing negotiations;

Monitoring

• Ensure that standard INTERSOS and PSS protocols and individual support tools are adapted to the specificities of the cultural context and implemented on the project.
• Ensure the quality and relevance of mental health/PSS activities
• Facilitate regular meetings, trainings and supervision within the mental health team
• Organize and lead other mental community activities at the project level: radio shows, community visits, Ministry of Health trainings, etc.
• Participate in meetings with INTERSOS protection staff to ensure harmonization of PSS activities and tools and effective referral of clinical cases to the project team and PSS cases to other INTERSOS protection teams in the region as needed.

Network Activities

• Liaise with relevant government and local sector authorities, non-state actors, UN agencies, NGOs and donors at the field site level, in coordination with the program coordinator and HoM
• Data collection and analysis of activities
• Ensure the establishment of patient files and data collection tools and their regular update (according to the template agreed upon with the SV MH Advisor)
• Ensure the establishment of a database on MHPSS activities in line with the logical framework indicators and update it regularly
• Prepare the monthly activity report (narrative & statistics)

Required profile and experience

Education

Licensed qualified clinical psychologist

Professional Experience

• Essential field experience of at least two years as psychologist/ in clinical setting
• Compulsory working experience in developing countries
• Compulsory working experience with INTERSOS or other NGOs
• Compulsory experience in managing staff

Professional Requirements

• Essential computer literacy (Word, Excel and Internet)
• Mandatory Training on Mh_Gap
• Familiar with international guidelines (IASC – WHO)
• Familiar with PM+ intervention (mandatory trained in PM+)

Languages

• English and French mandatory

Personal Requirements

• solution oriented
• capable of managing staff proactively and resolve conflict
• skilled in budget and grant management