The MHPSS Specialist is responsible to implementation, coordination, and technical oversight of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) interventions across assigned project areas. With a focus on integrating MHPSS into primary health care and humanitarian response programs, the Specialist will train and mentor field teams, ensure adherence to global standards, and deliver high-quality MHPSS services to vulnerable populations.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities

 Program Implementation

• Support the Health Advisor to design, implementation, and evaluation of MHPSS programs in line with global standards and WHO MH GAP guidelines.

• Oversee the integration of MHPSS services with other sectors, including GBV, health, and nutrition, ensuring holistic support to affected populations.

• Provide technical support for the development of culturally sensitive, community-based mental health interventions.

• Support the creation of referral pathways for specialized mental health services in collaboration with local and international partners.

• Frequent travel to the field site and provide regular follow and supervision.

• Deliver training to front line healthcare workers on the identification and non-pharmacological management of priority mental health conditions, aligned with WHO mhGAP Intervention Guidelines, in collaboration with the project MHPSS coordinator (psychiatrist).

• Involve trained staff and volunteers in ongoing mentoring and supervision through on-the-job engagement.

• Collaborate with GBV and Nutrition staff to provide mental health and psychosocial support services as needed.

Training and Capacity Building

• Train and mentor healthcare professionals, field teams, and community volunteers on PFA, MH GAP, and evidence-based psychosocial interventions.

• Conduct on-the-job coaching and supervision to enhance the skills of MHPSS teams, with a focus on task-shifting approaches.

• Develop and adapt training materials and manuals to address local needs while maintaining global standards.

Coordination and Advocacy

• Actively represent MTI in MHPSS coordination meetings, health clusters, and technical working groups.

• Advocate for the integration of MHPSS services in local health systems and broader humanitarian response plans.

• Collaborate with government and non-governmental organizations to strengthen MHPSS networks and build partnerships.

• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Develop monitoring tools to assess the impact of MHPSS interventions on beneficiaries.

• Analyze program data to ensure effective decision-making and continuous improvement.

• Prepare high-quality reports for internal and external stakeholders, including donors.

NOTE:  The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by staff assigned to this job.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of staff in this position.  Duties, responsibilities, and skills are also subject to change based on the changing needs of the job, department, or organization. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned; The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by Medical Teams International as the requirements of the job change

Department: Health  

Team:Program Teams 

Reports to (position):Health Advisor

Location(s):Addis Ababa

Work Days & Hours:Monday-Saturday, 40-48 hours/week, occasional weekends and public holidays

Travel:Regular travel to field sites

Job Requirements

Education, Licenses, & Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychiatry Nursing or Master’s degree in Integrated Clinical and Community Mental Health.

• Certification in WHO MH GAP, PFA, IPT-G, and PM+ is highly desirable.

Experience

• Over 8 years of progressive experience in MHPSS program management and implementation, including work in developmental and refuge settings in international non-governmental humanitarian organization 

• Proven expertise in training and supervising multidisciplinary teams on MHPSS interventions.

• Extensive experience working in culturally diverse and resource-constrained environments

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of global MHPSS guidelines (IASC, WHO) and humanitarian principles.

• Familiarity with Ethiopia’s healthcare system and national mental health policies.

• Expertise in program design, implementation, and monitoring.

• Proficient in training methodologies, data analysis, and report writing.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for cross-cultural teamwork.

• Adaptable and resilient under pressure, with the ability to manage competing priorities.

• Proven ability to foster collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including government and NGOs.

• Knowledge of development & humanitarian issues and concepts 

• Fluent spoken and written Amharic and English.

SKILLS:

• Humanitarian motivation

• Emotionally and spiritually mature 

• Team player – practical, desire to support the field teams.   

• Willingness to pitch in and get the job done 

• Understanding and sensitivity to cross cultural issues

• Flexible and adaptable to ever changing environments. 

• Ability to remain calm under pressure. 

• Able to build new relationships and gain people’s trust quickly

• Integrity in representing Medical Teams Willing to travel to insecure environments

ABILITIES:

• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment

• Ability to prioritize tasks

• Ability to embrace and promote MTI’s mission and vision

• Ability to uphold and exemplify the organization’s core values

• Ability to represent the organization in a professional manner to donors, volunteers, and the public

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS                                                                                                                                                                

This position requires frequent travel to health facilities located in remote areas with very basic living conditions.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified applicants should apply through THIS LINK