Plan International is a rights-based development and humanitarian organization working for better lives for all children. We are independent of government and have no political or religious affiliation. Our purpose is to strive for a just world that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We have been building powerful partnerships for children for more than 80 years, and are now active in more than 70 countries.

Our global strategy has a specific focus on girls, as they are often the most marginalized and most often left behind. We have committed ourselves to the ambitious target of reaching 100 million girls over 5 years, to ensure they can learn, lead, decide and thrive. This is our contribution to reaching the sustainable development goals, and in particular the goals on gender equality. Our organization is transforming itself to meet this enormous challenge everywhere we work. We need bold, forward-thinking and innovative individuals to lead our country operations, driving change and delivering results that will allow us to reach our target of 100 million girls.  

In Ethiopia, Plan has more than 25 years of experience in implementing its program. Currently PIE mainly operates in seven geographical areas; Amhara, Oromia, SNNPR, Gambella, Benshangule Gumuz, Afar, and Addis Ababa City Administration on different projects funded by different donors including sponsorship. 

The mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) specialist will be responsible for implementing and managing a comprehensive MHPSS project. The project aims to integrate mental health into primary health care service delivery in line with the WHO MH GAP Intervention Guidelines. On top of this the project aims to include MHPSS as one of the lifesaving primary health care service which is provided Plan Int`l Ethiopia (PIE) MHNT. PIEs’ approach to mental health is heavily based on training and developing the capacity of local partners and PIE MHNT staffs; the successful candidate should therefore have experience in training, on the job supervision and mentoring, coordination and in building referral links to other formal service providers and informal community supports. The mental health specialist will train, supervise, coordinate, and oversee the project MHNT of MHPSS officers and surge team support staffs. And make follow-up and basic mental health and psychosocial support. The MHPSS specialist will closely work and coordinate with the emergency response coordinator for managerial and MHPSS specialist at the country office for all technical matters.

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND MAIN WORK ACTIVITIES

• Enhance the capacities of field base MHNT and local health system including provision and oversight of MHPSS Services across all PIE operational woredas (30%)
• Strategic Program/project management/assessment, proposal development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation (30%)
• Resources mobilizations and donor relationship management (20%)
• Coordination and representation (20%)

Job Requirements

Qualifications/ experience essential:

• BSc or MSc. in Psychiatric Nursing, or related medical/health field related PSS fields with a minimum of 5 years relevant works experience in INGO humanitarian context; MPH holders preferable 
• Strong analysis and writing skills
• Experience in working with government counterparts and other partners at various levels federal to district
• Demonstrable management experience, including budget holding responsibility
• Experience in conducting assessments and an understanding of nutritional data and information systems;
• Proven capacity to supervise, train and coach staff
• Willingness and capacity to be flexible and accommodating when faced with difficult and frustrating working conditions
• Prepared to live and work in an uncertain security environment
• Ability and willingness to frequently travel and stay at the field

Qualifications/ experience desirable:

• Excellent understanding of the relevant thematic sectors in Ethiopia at both field and policy levels; including the national health programs and how it fits with the HEP. Such as, the health sector development program, and other relevant guidelines and strategy documents.
• Proven experience in designing emergency health projects including MHPSS-E and developing successful proposals.
• Familiarity with health donors, partners, and INGO as well as LNGO
• Practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities in realizing children’s rights in Ethiopia, in relation to thematic area
• Minimum five (5) years clinical experience in a hospital and / or community based mental health facility, preferably in humanitarian/low resource settings
• Experience training and capacity building of health professionals, particularly with experience in WHO’s MH GAP Intervention Guide.

How to Apply

The closing date for the application is 25 July 2021. Qualified candidates should submit the application using the provided link

This position is only open to Ethiopian Nationals, who must be eligible to live and work in Ethiopia.  

More information about Plan International can be found on the website

References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all persons meeting the skills and experience required.

As an international child centered community development organization, Plan International is fully committed to promoting the realization of children's rights including their right to protection from violence and abuse. That means we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we as an organization, do everything we can to keep children safe. We must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.

Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.