Organization Background: JSI is a US-based public health nonprofit organization committed to delivering high-quality technical and managerial assistance programs worldwide. With over 25 years of experience in Ethiopia, JSI has implemented over 60 projects, focusing on improving health outcomes, quality, and equity in access to reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) services. JSI has actively contributed to various areas, including primary health care, community health programs, digital health, health information systems (HIS), supply chain management, public health emergency responses, and social and behavior change.

Activity Overview:

The USAID Quality Healthcare Activity (QHA) aims to enhance health outcomes by improving the readiness of health facilities to deliver quality RMNCAH services, enhancing management and accountability for quality service delivery, and restoring services in conflict-affected areas. QHA's strategies will assist the government of Ethiopia in building responsive, resilient, and sustainable public and private health care systems. The five-year project, funded by USAID, will be implemented by JSI in collaboration with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), MSI Reproductive Choices (MSI), Project HOPE, and the Network of Ethiopian Women's Associations (NEWA) (May 01, 2023 - April 30, 2028).

Job Summary

We are actively seeking an experienced Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Advisor to take a lead role in providing essential technical and programmatic support. This involves spearheading the design and implementation of groundbreaking initiatives aimed at significantly enhancing mental and psychosocial services in health facilities and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) within intervention woredas. Your expertise is invaluable, especially in post-conflict settings, as you focus on developing interventions to fortify mental health and psychosocial services at supported health facilities. This entails pioneering innovative approaches to address/strengthen RMNCAH related mental health services including one-stop centers and referral services for survivors of gender-based violence (SGBV) and obstetric fistula treatment services.

Key Responsibilities

• Take the lead in conceptualizing and designing forward-thinking initiatives, utilizing cutting-edge strategies to elevate RMNCAH related mental and psychosocial services in health facilities and IDPs within intervention woredas including post conflict settings.

• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments to identify gaps and challenges, laying the groundwork for tailor-made intervention designs.

• Drive efforts to enhance mental health and psychosocial services e.g., maternal mental health, adolescent and youth mental health, including in post-conflict settings, through the development and implementation of targeted interventions.

• Lead the development of innovative approaches to strengthen MHPSS as it relates to women, children, adolescents and youth, including one-stop centers and referral services for survivors of gender-based violence (SGBV) and obstetric fistula treatment services., ensuring they are tailor-made to meet the specific needs

• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including health care providers and community leaders, to identify and address the unique challenges associated with mental health and psychosocial support in RMNCAH including post conflict settings.

• Collaborate with healthcare professionals, survivors, and support organizations to create survivor-centered models for comprehensive care.

• Facilitate collaborative workshops and planning sessions to ensure a cohesive and impactful approach to the design and implementation of psychosocial services in post-conflict settings.

• Provide expert technical and programmatic support to ensure the effective implementation of designed initiatives.

• Develop and conduct training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of technical staff and individuals providing MHPSS.

• Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including international organizations, to align initiatives with global best practices and standards

• Actively participate in and contribute to relevant research initiatives in the field of MHPSS

• Lead efforts to document and share best practices, innovative interventions, and lessons learned to contribute to the broader knowledge base.

• Work closely with Cluster Coordination platforms, Ministry of Health (MOH), Regional Health Bureaus (RHBs), federal and regional Public Health Institutions (EPHI), implementing partners, other USAID IPs, and various stakeholders.

• Execute additional activities as assigned by the supervisor, which may include participating in research, contributing to policy development, or taking a lead role in specific Mental Health and Psychosocial -related projects.

Job Requirements

• Advanced Degree in Psychology, Mental Health, Social Work or a related field

• A minimum of 7 years of progressively increasing technical leadership in MHPSS, including direct supervision of professional staff, preferably within a program of an equivalent size and scope.

• A proven track record in designing and implementing innovative initiatives for MHPSS services is highly desired.

• In-depth understanding of post-conflict settings and the associated challenges and commitment to advancing MHPSS for vulnerable populations.

• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders at regional, and national.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

How to Apply

Interested applicants who met the minimum requirements should send and apply at THIS LINK  please submit your application letter with your CV in English detailing your experience and skills that are relevant to the post.

Please do not attach copies of your transcripts, academic degrees or recommendation letters with the application. You will provide them upon request.

JSI/WEI is a child-safe organization, and the safety and well-being of children is a priority of our organization. We have robust recruitment procedures to ensure that all staff are suited to work with the children served by our programs.

JSI/WEI is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer committed to workplace diversity. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual preference, genetic information, political affiliation, or protected veteran status in any employment decisions. M/F/V/D