Regional Mental Health & Psychosocial Support Officer (MHPSS) @NOC

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT AND SCOPE

The government of Ethiopia declared mandatory quarantine for all arrivals into the country from March 23^rd, 2020. This is aimed at curtailing the spread of the COVID-19 infection. The restrictions imposed because of the COVID-19 outbreak, have caused significant disruption to individuals, families, and communities. For many people, daily life is changed dramatically, and the “normal” ways of life as we know them are suspended indefinitely.

Imposed quarantine or isolation is an unfamiliar and unpleasant experience that involves separation from friends and family, and a departure from usual, everyday routines. Isolation is known to cause psychosocial problems, especially for those recognized as vulnerable. While all humans are at risk of psychological harm when kept in isolation, the most vulnerable in these situations are children and adolescents, older adults, minority groups, those from lower socio-economic groups, females, and people with preexisting mental health conditions.

Social isolation associated with quarantine can be the catalyst for many mental health sequelae; even in people who were previously well. These can include acute stress disorders, irritability, insomnia, emotional distress, mood disorders, including depressive symptoms, fear and panic, anxiety and stress because of financial concerns, frustration and boredom, loneliness, lack of supplies and poor communication.

The longer a person is confined to quarantine, the poorer the mental health outcomes; specifically, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), avoidance behavior and anger may be seen. Longer times in quarantine are particularly associated with increasing symptoms of PTSD, which may indicate that quarantine itself can be perceived and experienced as a traumatic event. Currently, returnees face double trauma as many have suffered physical violence and torture, sexual exploitation, abuse and violence en-route, in transit and in destination countries. Upon return to the country, they are confined in mandatory quarantine. These result in feelings of hopelessness, and if not dealt with, could lead to PTSD. Other stressors associated with quarantine include irregular or less supply of usual supplies, such as food items and medication, and restriction of routine daily activities.

More recently, the government has instituted Home based and Isolation Care for patients with mild symptoms. This increases the need for Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in the communities. It is for these reasons that Mental Health and Psychosocial Support is required in the regions for those in treatment centers, quarantine centers, isolation at home and in hospitals, as well as for frontline workers and the general public. Under the guidance of the National MHPSS TWG Coordinator, the incumbent shall perform the following tasks:

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Inventorize and contact relevant MHPSS actors at regional level and establish a regional MHPSS TWG; agree upon shared leadership structure, ToRs, meeting structures.

2. Convene regular (at least monthly) regional MHPSS meetings and keep records of the same.

3. Coordinate the activities of the MHPSS Working Group members and thematic working groups at regional level for COVID-19 response as well as for development programs and other emergencies

4. Work with other response pillars within WHO to provide MHPSS training and other interventions when needed

5. Together with the RHB/regional PHEOC, assist with the formulation of strategies and work plans for the support of partners to the ongoing emergencies (COVID-19, flooding, deportees, IDPs, returnees)

6. Represent the MHPSS partners in the regional PHEOC and other relevant regional coordination fora.

7. Develop training plans for MHPSS, organize and act as a regional resource person in workshops and trainings on HBIC both in-service and on the job (coaching).

8. With the support of the National MHPSS TWG Coordinator, support partners in resource mobilization for MHPSS activities.

9. Set clear objectives and indicators for MHPSS activities in collaboration with partners

10. Perform such other duties as may be assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

QUALIFICATIONS

• Essential: First University Degree in degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counselling, or a related field from an accredited academic institution.

• Desirable: Master’s Degree in any of the above disciplines or related field

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 5 years relevant professional experience

• Experience in MHPSS responses in humanitarian/development contexts;
• Experience working in conflict/humanitarian contexts;
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of and the IASC Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings guidelines and associated products (e.g., IASC Assessment toolkit, the 4Ws mapping tool, M&E framework, and the Health, Protection and CCCM booklets);
• Networking capacities for constructive relationships with all MHPSS actors

Ability to work independently

LANGUAGES

Required: For this position, fluency in English as well as local language of the region is mandatory.

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