Protection and Psychosocial Support (PSS) Project Manager in Medair Ukraine

Overall Purpose: Working as an important member of a diverse team who are committed to serve the world’s most vulnerable with practical and compassionate care, the Protection & MHPSS Project Manager develops, leads, monitors and evaluates the assigned MHPSS and protection aspects of projects in the East. This involves effectively managing and reporting on the projects in line with the objectives, timeframe and budget. Other important aspects of the role include managing and training staff to meet international quality standards in protection and mental health and psychosocial support delivery, encouraging beneficiary participation, liaising with other stakeholders and anticipating, planning, and contributing to report and proposal writing for integrated MHPSS components in overall programming with a special focus on protection. 

 Project Overview: Medair is providing MHPSS, Health, NFI, Shelter, and WASH emergency assistance across Ukraine. Current Protection & MHPSS programming includes mental health awareness, peer support groups, MHPSS trainings, case management through local partners, cash for protection, and referrals. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Project Management

• Manage assigned MHPSS projects to meet objectives within budget and time constraints, promptly reporting operational concerns to Project Coordinator (PC) and advisor. 
• Provide strong leadership of the assigned MHPSS projects ensuring both short and long-term positive impacts and outcomes for the beneficiaries, local authorities (where applicable) and local staff 
• Contribute to development and implementation of a comprehensiveand effective Protection & MHPSS strategy, including proactive planning for responsible exit in consultation with PC, field managers and sector advisors (Health, WASH, Shelter, Protection/MHPSS). 
• Set clear objectives and indicators for MHPSS activities in collaboration with the PC and MHPSS advisor.
• Continuously monitor and supervise MHPSS activities, evaluating progress through outputs and impacts using both quantitative and qualitative data, involving the MHPSS team in analysis and taking appropriate action as needed to ensure continued progress. 
• Ensure integration of beneficiary participation and accountability in all aspects of the project. 
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of all MHPSS activities according to Medair, donor, and the relevant clusters’ criteria. 
• Develop new proposals, in line with the assessed needs and gaps and the Medair country strategy.
• Develop and establish mechanisms to integrate MHPSS and protection into Medair programs.
• Develop a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework for MHPSS programs, analysing data trends and best practices to inform MHPSS strategy and programming.
• Support development and implementation of an integrated referral mechanism. 
• Coordinate with protection external partners to address the MHPSS and protection needs of beneficiaries.
• Develop materials tailored to different demographics (e.g., materials for children, elderly, persons with disabilities, etc.) 
• Develop SOPs for project implementation (e.g., cash for protection SOP, how to conduct referrals, etc.).

 Staff Management

• Line-manage the MHPSS Manager and support the MHPSS team (Officers and Assistants, line managed by the Manager) with their assigned projects, including day-to-day management, development and training, 
• Ensure regular performance evaluations for the MHPSS Manager and assist them in conducting performance evaluations with their direct reports as well.Facilitate regular meetings to assist information sharing between project staff, to ensure all staff members are aware of project objectives, current work plans, and to provide the opportunity for feedback.
• Provide coaching and technical supervision and support to staff and local partners.
• Assess the training needs of MHPSS staff and local partners and ensure that appropriate training is conducted.
• Work in collaboration with other Medair MHPSS PM(s) in other regions of Ukraine. 

 Financial Management

• Manage the assigned budgets and ensure all expenses are according to budget and assure the MHPSS projects meet the Medair standards with regard to financial management, including accountability and good governance.

 Communication and Coordination

• Develop and maintain appropriate, regular, transparent and supportive communication structures with the assigned Case Work team, Medair Ukraine team and GSO advisors
• Establish and nurture relationships with local government, relevant stakeholders, and other organizations operating in the region (e.g. beneficiaries, community leaders, local and national government officials, UN agencies and other NGOs), with the objective of ensuring good cooperation and partnerships.
• Participate in Protection cluster/sub-cluster, MHPSS TWG, and GBV meetings as appropriate, as well as in Medair internal trainings, and other working groups or meetings as required.Representing Medair and feed back pertinent information and updates to the broader team on relevant issues.

 Logistics

• Liaise, as necessary, with the logistics and finance staff to ensure items are procured, transported, stored, managed and accounted for correctly. 
• Develop clear procurement plans to ensure timely and efficient procurement. 

 Quality Management

• Use, and promote use of, the tools, procedures and guidelines provided on Medair intranet, ensuring that all standardised formats are used, and guidelines are followed. 
• Ensure Protection & MHPSS projects are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and in accordance with Medair, donor, country and international standards (i.e. Sphere, CHS and IASC guidelines).
• Conduct field visits to monitor implementation.
• Review, identify, and develop materials ensuring technical quality.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualification / Experience

Vocational qualification: Degree in psychology, psychiatric nursing, or social work.  Desirable Trained in PFA and mhGAP-HIG, Clinical degree or diploma (nurse, midwife or doctor)

Work experience: 2 years’ post-qualification professional experience, at least 1 year management experience, at least 1 year’s experience managing mental health/ psychosocial/ protection projects, at least 1 year experience in proposal and report writing.  /  Desirable  Experience working in humanitarian emergency context

Experience working in the health or protection sector

 Languages

English (spoken and written), fluent Ukrainian

 IT

Familiar with Microsoft Office programs, in particular Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. / Desirable Familiar with SPSS or STATA

COMPETENCIES

Motivation

Passionate about helping others, Self-motivated / Desirable Desire to learn

Team-building

Team-player with good inter-personal skills, Willingness to support others and to share workload, Aptitude for community mobilisation and capacity-building, Experience in training / mentoring / coaching staff .Desirable Experience working in a multicultural team

Adaptability

Capacity to work under pressure and manage personal stress levels, Creative, open-minded, flexible, self-learner, Willingness to comply with security protocols in living conditions

Desirable Willingness to be stretched professionally and personally

Technical expertise

Ability and willingness to manage project implementation; Good numerical, report writing and administration skills; Problem solving ability; Knowledge of humanitarian principles, Sphere and CHS as well as IASC guidelines and policies for MHPSS in emergencies; Experience in the design, monitoring of implementation and evaluation of psychosocial programs

Desirable Advanced planning, assessment, and analytical skills; Good report and proposal writing skills; Experience in providing direct mental health support

Management and leadership

Knowledge and experience of Protection and MHPSS principles, management and mainstreaming; 

Able to prioritise clearly and oversee multiple tasks; Able to take initiative in project decisions; Able to enforce procedures; Able to set clear objectives for staff and to delegate; Committed to consultative and servant minded leadership; Good understanding of humanitarian work

Desirable Knowledge and experience of (primary) mental health care principles and management

Experience participating in cluster and coordination meetings

Areas of expertise

Protection

Psychosocial support

Mental health

Project Management

Public health

Work conditions: This is a field-based position and will require traveling to project location, with possible overnight trips. Field sites may include areas close to the frontline or border regions. Candidate should have strong time management capacity and be comfortable traveling frequently to support projects in-person and must commit to following security procedures.

 Job Commitment:

Planned start date:  ASAP

BRANCH OF MEDAIR IN UKRAINE  strives to create diverse and inclusive workplaces and is an equal employment opportunity employer. For more detailed information, please contact us.

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Загальна мета : Працюючи як важливий член різноманітної команди, яка прагне служити найбільш уразливим верствам світу практичним і милосердним чином, Керівник проектів і програм із надання психосоціальної допомоги та захисту розробляє, керує, контролює та оцінює призначені MHPSS та аспекти захисту проектів у східному регіоні. Це передбачає ефективне управління та звітування про проекти відповідно до цілей, часових рамок і бюджету. Інші важливі аспекти ролі включають управління та навчання персоналу для відповідності міжнародним стандартам якості захисту психічного здоров’я та надання психосоціальної підтримки, заохочення участі бенефіціарів, зв’язок з іншими зацікавленими сторонами та передбачення, планування та внесок у написання звітів і пропозицій для інтегрованих компонентів MHPSS у загальному програмуванні з особливим акцентом на захист. 

 Огляд проекту: Medair надає екстрену допомогу MHPSS, Health, NFI, Shelter та WASH по всій Україні. Поточні програми захисту та MHPSS включають обізнаність про психічне здоров’я, групи підтримки рівних, тренінги MHPSS, ведення справ через місцевих партнерів, готівкову допомогу для захисту та направлення.

Основні обов'язки та відповідальність

Управління проектами

• Керувати призначеними проектами MHPSS для досягнення цілей у межах бюджету та часових обмежень , негайно повідомляючи про операційні проблеми координатору проекту (PC) і раднику.
• Provide strong leadership for assigned MHPSS projects, ensuring both short-term and long-term positive impacts and outcomes for beneficiaries, local authorities (where applicable) and local staff
• Contribute to the development and implementation of a comprehensive and effective protection and MHPSS strategy, including proactive planning for responsible exit in consultation with PCs, field leaders and sector advisors (health, WASH, housing, protection/MHPSS).< /li>
• Establishing clear goals and performance indicators of MHPSS in cooperation with the MHPSS coordinator and advisor.
• Constantly monitor and supervise by MHPSS activities, assessing progress against outcomes and impacts, using both quantitative and qualitative data, involving the MHPSS team in analysis and taking appropriate action as necessary to ensure continued progress.
• Ensuring the integration of beneficiary participation and accountability in all aspects of the project.
• Adherence to Medair, donor and relevant cluster criteria.
• Development of new proposals in accordance with the assessed needs and gaps, as well as the strategy of the all-Ukrainian Medair program.
• Development and installation of mechanisms for the integration of MHPSS and protection into Medair programs .
• Developing a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework for MHPSS programs, analyzing data trends and best practices to inform MHPSS strategy and programming.
• Support the development and implementation of an integrated referral mechanism.
• Coordinate with external protection partners to meet beneficiaries' psychosocial support and protection needs health.
• Develop materials tailored to different demographics (eg materials for children, seniors, people with disabilities, etc.)
< li style="font-weight: 400">Development of procedural instructions for the implementation of the project (for example, providing cash for protection, how to conduct referrals, etc.).

 Personnel management

• Line management of the MHPSS Manager and support of the MHPSS team (officers and assistants, line under manager) with the assistance of assigned projects, including day-to-day management, development and training,
• Provide regular performance appraisals for the MHPSS Manager and assist him in performance appraisals as well as his subordinates Facilitate regular meetings to support information sharing between project staff to ensure , that all employees are aware of project goals, current work plans and provide opportunities for feedback.
• Provide training and technicalsupervision and support of staff and local partners.
• Evaluation of the training needs of MHPSS staff and local partners and provision of appropriate training.
• Cooperate with other PM Medair MHPSS in other regions of Ukraine.

Financial management

• Management of assigned budgets and ensuring compliance of all expenditures with budget and compliance of MHPSS projects with Medair standards for financial management, including accountability and sound management.

 Communication and coordination

• Develop and maintain appropriate, regular, transparent and supportive communication structures with assigned case management team, Medair Ukraine team and GSO advisors
• Establish and develop relationships with local authorities , relevant stakeholders and other organizations operating in the region (eg beneficiaries, community leaders, local and national government officials, UN agencies and other NGOs) in order to ensure good cooperation and partnership.
• Participate in Protection Cluster/Sub-Cluster meetings, MHPSS TWG and GBV meetings, as well as Medair internal trainings and other working groups or meetings as required. Representing Medair and providing feedback and updates to the wider team on relevant issues.

Logistics

• Communication, if necessary with logistics and finance staff to ensure that goods are procured, transported, stored, managed and accounted for properly.
• Developing clear procurement plans to ensure timeliness and procurement efficiency.

Quality management

• Using and facilitating the use of tools, procedures and guidance provided on the Medair intranet, ensuring that all standardized formats and adherence to guidelines.
• Monitor that protection projects and MHPSS are implemented in accordance with donor proposals and requirements, as well as in accordance with Medair, donor, country and international standards (ie Sphere, CHS and IASC guidelines).
• Site visits to monitor implementation.
• Overview , definition and development of materials that ensure technical quality.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CANDIDATE

Qualification / Experience

Professional Qualifications -Degree in Psychology, Psychiatric Care or Social Work, PFA and mhGAP-HIG training certificate, medical degree or diploma preferred (nurse, midwife or doctor)

Work experience2 years of post-qualification work experience, At least 1 year of managerial experience, At least 1 year of mental health project management experience/ psychosocial/protection, At least 1 year experience writing proposals and reports

Experience in rapid humanitarian response programs, experience in health care or defense preferred

Languages

English (spoken and written), fluent in Ukrainian

IT

Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint; knowledge of SPSS or STATA preferred

Competencies

Motivation        Enthusiastic about helping others, Self-motivated, Willing to learn

Team building

Team player with good communication skills

Willingness to support others and share the load

Ability to mobilize the community and build capacity

Teaching / mentoring / coaching experience

Experience working in a multicultural team is desirable

Responsibility

Ability to work under pressure and manage personal stress levels

Creative, open, flexible, capable of self-learning

Willingness to follow safety protocols in residential settings

Willingness to work professionally and personally

Technical expertise

Skill and desire to manage project implementation

Good accounting, report writing and administration skills

Ability to solve problems

Knowledge of humanitarian principles, Sphere and CHS, and IASC guidelines and policy on MHPSS in emergencies

Experience in the development, implementation and evaluation of psychosocial programs

DesirableAdvanced planning, evaluation and analytical skills

Good report and proposal writing skills

Experience of providing direct mental health support

Management and Leadership

Knowledge and experience of protection and MHPSS principles, management and implementation

Able to clearly prioritize and manage multiple tasks

Able to take the initiative in making project decisions

Able to enforce procedures

Able to set clear goals for staff and delegate

The pursuit of consultative and service-oriented leadership

Understands humanitarian work well

Desired Knowledge and experience of (primary) psychiatric care principles and management

Experience of participation in cluster and coordination meetings

 Fields of knowledge

Protection

Psychosocial support

Mental Health

Project Management

Public Health

Job Conditions: This is a field position and you will be required to travel to the project site with possible overnight travel. Field sites may include areas, located near frontline or border regions.Candidate must have strong time management skills and be available to travel frequently to support projects in person and must adhere to security procedures.

 Scheduled start date: ASAP

 MEDAIR UKRAINE BRANCH strives to create diverse and inclusive workplaces and is an equal employment opportunity employer. For more detailed information, please contact us.