MHPSS Coordinator/ Expert of the mental health social support program in Save the Children

Save the Children International is a humanitarian organization with more than 100 years of history. Save the Children was founded in May 1919 in London.  SCI has been working in Ukraine since 2014. It started its work in the territory of Donetsk region. Currently, SCI is expanding its activities to eight cities of Ukraine. We work in the areas of education, child protection, overcoming child poverty, health care, and also conduct advocacy activities related to the protection of children's rights. 

GOAL ROLES: 

As part of the project "Building the future of Mykolaiv - strengthening the capacity of communities, families and civil society for reconstruction and recovery", financed by the Danish Agency for International Development (DANIDA). SCI in Ukraine is working to strengthen the groups providing services for PPESP to ensure broad participation in the planning and implementation of response and recovery activities. Since international coordination structures are complex and difficult to understand, the participants try to explain all coordination mechanisms at different levels. The SC continues its activities as the lead organization of the civil society cluster and a key international actor in the humanitarian response to promote the role of civil society at the national and local levels in the coordination process. This will help work at all levels, ensuring that civil society actors are supported in sharing lessons learned during the humanitarian response phase to inform recovery and reconstruction processes. At the national level, SC is already an active member of the National Technical Working Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (NTHP). In addition, SC is the co-chair of two sub-national technical working groups (TWGs) from the PZPSP - the Chernivtsi TWG and the Kyiv Hub TWG. Coordination fully complies with standard recommendations on how best to support well-coordinated and cross-sectoral mental health interventions that are defined, accountable, fair, efficient and effective, according to the IPC manual "Coordination of mental health care" and the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program. In Mykolaiv, SCI is an active member of the regional working group of the Southern Regional Hub and is exploring the possibility of playing a more active role in strengthening networks serving local, national and international organizations focused on PZPSP. As Co-Chair of the regional working groups on PZPSP, the SC supports the coordination of efforts between different actors to ensure improvements in the mental health and psychosocial well-being of war-affected children and their families. The SC actively participates in the activities of the Coordinating Council on Mental Health, interacts with stakeholders (government institutions, civil society organizations, professional communities) and engages local authorities to ensure the sustainability of the PZPSP at the community level.

The PPSSP Coordinator will support the coordination of two or moreof regional technical working groups (TRGs) from PZPSP, focusing, first of all, on the regional TRG of the Southern region. This includes ensuring effective coordination, communication and cooperation between participants. Under the technical guidance of the Technical Advisor on PZPSP, the PZPSP Coordinator will organize meetings of the WG, facilitate discussions and facilitate the completion of the tasks set before the group. He/she will be responsible for preparing meeting agendas, maintaining meeting minutes and maintaining effective coordination and collaboration with regional office teams, with a primary focus on the Southern Regional Office. 

The Child Protection and Child Protection Coordinator will work closely with the SC South Regional Office Child Protection and Child Protection Team, as well as other regional offices: Regional Office Directors, Program Managers, Child Protection and Child Protection and Child Protection Project Managers, Child Protection and Child Protection Coordinators, child protection coordinators and HCSPs to coordinate representation and engagement at the local level as needed. The candidate for this position is expected to represent Save the Children's leadership role in the field of child-focused ECEC in Mykolaiv (southern Ukraine) and to spread it throughout Ukraine, support the exchange of experiences between members of working groups, document gaps in existing services and implement innovative approaches to strengthening the PZPSP system in Ukraine, ensuring its stability and resilience to emergencies situations.

MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Coordination and facilitation

• Provide support to assistants with the PZPSP, the team of the Southern regional office with PZPSP and the PZPSP teams of other regional offices in the organization/facilitation of regional meetings, seminars and other activities of the TRG with
• Ensure effective communication and exchange of information between Save the children and members of the WG on OPS.
• Provide support to OPS assistants, the Southern Regional Office team and OPS teams of other regional offices in cooperation with regional coordinators (All-Ukrainian Coordinating Council for Mental Health Protection under the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine).
• Development and maintenance of order day meetings of TRG, minutes of meetings and action plans.

Strategic planning

• Assist in the development and implementation of the strategic plan of activity "Save the Children" within the framework of working groups on ECEC, focusing, first of all, on the regional ECEC working group of the southern regions.
• Monitoring progress in achieving the goals and objectives of "Save the Children" in coordination with the working groups on PZPSP issues, focusing, first of all, on the regional working groups of the southern regions.
• Identification and elimination of problems or obstacles on the way to the implementation of the strategic plan of activity " Save the Children" within the framework of working groups on child protection, focusing, first of all, on the regional working group of the southern hub regions.

Involvement of interested parties

• Support of the PZPSP team in building and maintaining relationships with keystakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs and other relevant organizations.
• Provide support to SCI technical assistance assistants, the South Regional Office team and the SCI teams of other regional offices in representing the interests of SCI at SCI WG meetings and external meetings/events.
• Provide support to technical assistance assistants from PZPSP, the team of the Southern Regional Representation and others PZPSP teams of other regional offices in establishing cooperation with other working groups and stakeholders.

Research and analysis

• Conducting analysis available assessments and reports to support the activities of the TRG on PZPSP and decision-making processes.
•  Preparation of reports, briefs and other documents as needed.
• Keep abreast of relevant events and trends in the area of ​​PPE.

Administrative support

• Ensure that activities organized by SCI are in accordance with SCI organizational policies and procedures.< /li>
• Provide administrative support to the PSAP assistants, the Southern Regional Office PSAP team and the PSAP teams of other regional offices in the coordination activities of the PSAP TRG, including meeting planning and management correspondence.

Security, safety and risks

• Follow and promote the implementation of security policies, standards, plans and procedures, safety and risks.
• Immediately report any incidents that may affect the well-being of staff to the HR/Safety Coordinator (SCO).  

EXPERIENCEANDSKILLS< /p>

• Higher education in a relevant field, preferably in a psychology-related subject (e.g. public health (including mental health), social sciences, international development, development and/or protection children), or other relevant academic education.
• 2- 3 years of experience in coordinating activities in an international organization / professional organization / academic institution / NGO.
• Practical experience in the field of financial management and administration.
• Availability of working skills in a culturally diverse and complex environment, including in emergency situations. 
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and team management skills including leadership and influencing.
• Proficient user of MS Excel, MS Word, Outlook.
• Demonstrated commitment to staff and partner development.
• Ability to focus on long-term goals and results while solving day-to-day administrative issues.
• Deep understanding of current mental health issues. I, which concern children both in the conditions of development and in the conditions of emergency situations in Ukraine; commitment to working with and for children and families.
• Politically and culturally aware, with the qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy.
• Creative problem solving and analytical skills with the ability to work effectively in conditions of limited resources and with minimal supervision.
• Free volfluency in spoken and written English.
• Competence in local language(s), culture and context.
• Awareness of staff welfare and self-help principles.
• Commitment and understanding of children's rights, Save the Children values ​​and child protection.

Additionalpositions requirements'ties

Obligations and responsibilities set forth above are not exhaustive, and from the employee may be required to perform additional duties within his or her level of qualifications and experience.

We offer:

• Official employment
• International working conditions
• Working day from 9 am to 5 pm
• Medical and life insurance from the first working day
• Foreign language courses
• Office in the center
• li>
• Coffee and goodies in the office

Child Protection Policy:

We have to ensure the safety of children, so our selection process involves thorough background checks and reflects our commitment to protecting children from abuse.

Health and Safety:

All employees are expected to comply with our global anti-harassment policy.

If you are interested in the vacancy, we are waiting for your feedback. A resume in English will be an advantage during consideration. Also , we will be grateful if you indicate the expected salary level and the level of English language proficiency.

Save the Children International is the humanitarian organization with more than 100 years of history. Save the Children was founded in May 1919 in London.

SCI has been working in Ukraine since 2014. The Organization started its work in the territory of the Donetsk region. Currently, SCI is expanding its activities to eight cities of Ukraine.

We work in the directions of education, child protection, overcoming child poverty, health care, and also we have advocacy activities related to the protection of children's rights.

ROLE PURPOSE: 

Under the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) funded Enhancing Mykolaiv's Future- Empowering Resilient Communities, Families, and Civil Society for Reconstruction and Recovery. SCI in Ukraineworks on ensuring MHPSS responders’ groups are strengthened to ensure inclusive engagement in response and recovery planning and delivery. As International coordination structures are complex and difficult to understand, actors struggle to explain all the coordination mechanisms on different levels. SC continues to use its role as a civil society cluster lead agency and key international actor in the humanitarian response to promote the role of national and local civil society in coordination. This will help work across the nexus; ensuring civil society actors are supported to share learning from the humanitarian phase of the response to inform recovery and reconstruction processes. At the national level, SC is already an active member of the National Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Technical Working Group. Moreover, SC co-chairs two sub-national MHPSS technical working groups (TWGs) – the Chernivtsi TWG and the Kyiv Hub TWG. Coordination is fully aligned with the standard guidance on how to best to support well-coordinated and multisectoral MHPSS responses that are predictable, accountable, equitable, efficient and effective as per the IASC handbook of MHPSS Coordination and the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program. In Mykolaiv SC is an active member in South oblasts hub regional working group and is exploring the possibility to play a more active role in strengthening networks that serve MHPSS-focused local, national and international organizations. As co-chair of regional MHPSS TWGs, SC supports coordination efforts between different actors to ensure improvement of the mental health and psychosocial well-being of children and their families affected by the war. SC actively participates in Mental Health Coordination Council activities, interacts with stakeholders (government agencies, civil society organizations, professional communities), and engages with local authorities to ensure the sustainability of community-based MHPSS.

The MHPSS Coordinator will support coordination of two or more Regional MHPSS Technical Working Groups (TWGs) focusing primarily on South oblasts hub regional TWG. This includes ensuring effective coordination, communication, and collaboration among members. Under technical line management from MHPSS Technical Advisor (TA), the MHPSS Coordinator will organize TWG meetings, facilitate discussions, and drive the implementation of the group’s objectives. S/he will be responsible for preparing meeting agendas, write meeting minutes and support effective coordination and collaboration with area office teams with a primary focus on South Area Office.

The MHPSS Coordinator will work closely with the leadership and MHPSS team of SC’s South Area Office in addition to other area offices: Area office Directors, Heads of Programs, Child Protection (CP) & MHPSS Project Managers, MHPSS Coordinators, CP/MHPSS Coordinators to coordinate local representation and coordination as needed. The post holder is expected to represent Save the Children’s leadership in child focused MHPSS in Mykolaiv (South of Ukraine) and expanding this leadership all over Ukraine,support sharing experience between members of the TWGs, document gaps in existing services and innovate ways to strengthen the Ukraine MHPSS systems, sustainability, and shock resilience.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY: 

Coordination and Facilitation

• Support MHPSS TAs, MHPSS South Area Office Team and other Area Offices’ MHPSS teams in organizing/facilitating Regional MHPSS TWG meetings, workshops, and other events.
• Ensure effective communication and information sharing between Save the children and among MHPSS TWG members.
• Support MHPSS TAs, MHPSS South Area Office Team and other Area Offices’ MHPSS teams in cooperation with Regional Coordinators (All-Ukrainian Mental Health Coordination Council, under Cabinet of Ministries of Ukraine).
• Develop and maintain TWG meeting agendas, meeting minutes, and action plans.

Strategic Planning

• Assist in the development and implementation of the strategic plan of Save the Children’s contribution within MHPSS TWGs, focusing primarily on South oblasts hub regional TWG.
• Monitor progress towards achieving Save the Children’s objectives and goals in coordination withing MHPSS TWGs, focusing primarily on South oblasts hub regional TWG.
• Identify and address challenges or barriers to progress of the strategic plan of Save the Children’s contribution within MHPSS TWGs, focusing primarily on South oblasts hub regional TWG.
  
  Stakeholder Engagement
• Support MHPSS team in building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and other relevant organizations.
• Support MHPSS TAs, MHPSS South Area Office Team and other Area Offices’ MHPSS teams in representation of SCI in MHPSS TWG meetings and external meetings/events.
• Support MHPSS TAs, MHPSS South Area Office Team and other Area Offices’ MHPSS teams in facilitating of collaboration with other working groups and stakeholders.
  
  Research and Analysis
• Conduct analysis of available assessments and reports to support MHPSS TWGs’ activities and decision-making processes.
• Prepare reports, briefs, and other documents as required.
• Stay informed about relevant developments and trends in the MHPSS field.
  
  Administrative Support
• Ensure that activities organized by SCI are compliant with SCI organizational policies and procedures.
• Provide administrative support to MHPSS TAs, MHPSS South Area Office Team and other Area Offices’ MHPSS teams in MHPSS TWG coordination activities, including scheduling meetings and managing correspondence.
  
  Safety, Security and Risks 
• Adhere to, and promotes Safety, Security & Risk Policies, standards, plans & procedures.
• Report any incidents which could affect staff wellbeing immediately to CD/Security Focal Point (SFP).
  
  EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• A university degree in a relevant field preferably in a subject related to psychology (e.g., public health (including mental health), social sciences, international development, child development and/or protection) or other relevant academic background. 
• 2-3 years of experience in coordination activities within an international organization/Professional Organization/Academic Institution/NGO.
• Proven experience in financial management and administration.
• Proven ability to work in culturally diverse and challenging environments including emergencies response. 
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and team management skills, including team leading and influencing.
• Proficient in MS Excel, MS Word, Outlook.
• Demonstrated commitment to development of staff and partners.
• Ability to maintain focus on long-term objectives and deliverables while addressing day to day administrative issues.
• An in-depth understanding of relevant Mental Health issues pertaining to children both in development and emergencies settings in Ukraine; commitment to work with and for children and families.
• Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact, and diplomacy.
• Creative problem-solving and analytical skills with ability to work effectively in resource constrained environment and with minimal supervision.
• Fluency in English written and oral communication.
• Competent in local language(s), culture and context.
• Awareness of staff-wellbeing and self-care principles.
• Commitment to and understanding of child right, Save the Children values and Child Safeguarding.

Additional job responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.

 WE OFFER:

• Employment in accordance with Ukrainian legislation 
• Working hours from 09.00 till 17.00    
• Medical and Life insurance starting the first working day    
• English courses paid by organization    
• Office in the central part of the city    
• Coffee and cookies in the office  

Equal Opportunities: 

The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the SCI Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies and procedures.   

Child Safeguarding:  

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse. 

Health and Safety:

The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with SCI Health and Safety policies and procedures. 

If you are interested in the vacancy, we are looking forward for your application. AСV in English will be an advantage. Also, we will be grateful if you indicate the expected salary level and the level of English language proficiency.