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Employee Contract Type:

Local - Fixed Term Employee (Fixed Term)

Job Description:

JOB PURPOSE

The MHPSS Specialist will be responsible for designing, coordinating, and delivering culturally sensitive mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services under the “Advancing Peace and Stability in Sinjar” project in Qahtaniyah, Ninewa Governorate. The role focuses on supporting trauma recovery and psychosocial resilience among conflict-affected populations, including returnees, youth, women, persons with disabilities, and survivors of violence.

The Specialist will lead the implementation of psychoeducation, individual and group counseling sessions, and referral mechanisms in collaboration with local professionals and service providers. The role includes conducting MHPSS needs assessments, developing tailored support packages, and ensuring quality assurance and ethical standards in service delivery.

The MHPSS Specialist will also contribute to capacity building of local actors, coordinate with health directorates and NGOs, and ensure integration of MHPSS into broader peacebuilding and recovery efforts. This position plays a critical role in fostering emotional healing, social cohesion, and inclusive reintegration in a post-conflict context.

Key Responsibilities

Design and Delivery of MHPSS Services

Provide technical and programmatic support in the development and implementation of MHPSS activities.Develop culturally appropriate MHPSS packages including psychoeducation, individual and group counseling.Coordinate with local professionals and service providers to deliver sessions.Ensure services are trauma-informed, inclusive, and aligned with project goals.  

Assessment and Referral Mechanisms

Conduct MHPSS needs assessments and screenings.Identify individuals requiring specialized support and refer to appropriate services.Establish and maintain clear referral pathways in coordination with health directorates and NGOs.

Capacity Building and Technical Support

Train local staff and community facilitators on basic psychosocial support and referral protocols.Provide ongoing technical guidance and supervision to MHPSS service providers.Promote community understanding and acceptance of MHPSS.    

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

Conduct pre- and post-assessments to measure impact of MHPSS interventions.Document lessons learned, success stories, and challenges.Contribute to monthly and quarterly reports with accurate data and analysis.

Coordination and Compliance

Liaise with government stakeholders and other actors to ensure alignment and quality assurance.Ensure compliance with ethical standards and donor requirements.Support integration of MHPSS into broader project components

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND EXPERIENCE

Required Education, training, license, registration, and/or Certification

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Mental Health, Public Health, or a related field.A master’s degree or clinical certification in psychosocial support, counseling, or trauma care is an asset.Training in MHPSS standards, trauma-informed care, or GBV response is highly desirable.At least 3 years of relevant professional experience.Experience in monitoring, reporting activities simultaneously.Good computer skills (MS-Word, Excel, PowerPoint)Fluency in Arabic and English (written and spoken).

Required Professional Experience

Minimum of 3 years of experience in designing and implementing MHPSS programs in humanitarian or development contexts.Proven experience in delivering psychosocial support services, including individual and group counseling.Experience working with vulnerable populations, including survivors of trauma, women, youth, and persons with disabilities.Familiarity with referral systems, ethical standards, and coordination with health and protection actors.Experience with UNDP or other UN agency projects and donor-funded programming.

Required Language(s)

Fluency in Arabic (spoken and written).Proficiency in English (spoken and written).

Required travel and/or work environment accommodations

The position is based in Mosul.Willingness to travel frequently within Ninewa Governorate and Sinjar District, including rural and field locations.Ability to work in a multicultural and occasionally high-pressure environment.Flexibility to adapt to changing project needs and field conditions.

Position’s physical requirements

Ability to conduct field visits in rural/agricultural settings, which may involve walking on uneven terrain and exposure to outdoor conditions.No specific physical limitations, but reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Preferred Experience,  Knowledge and/or other Qualifications

Demonstrated expertise in trauma-informed care and psychosocial support in post-conflict or humanitarian settings.Experience working with survivors of violence, GBV, and displacement, including youth, women, and persons with disabilities.Familiarity with national mental health systems, referral pathways, and coordination with health directorates and NGOs.Strong understanding of cultural sensitivities and community-based approaches to mental health.Experience in designing and delivering MHPSS training for local staff and facilitators.Knowledge of ethical standards in psychosocial support, including confidentiality and informed consent.Proficiency in developing MHPSS indicators and integrating psychosocial dimensions into broader M&E frameworks.Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills.Ability to work independently and collaboratively in diverse and high-pressure environments.Commitment to humanitarian principles, mental health advocacy, and inclusive recovery.

Applicant Types Accepted: