Mental Health Advisor at Project Hope

POSITION SUMMARY:

Project HOPE is seeking to engage a Mental Health Advisor to support USAID THRIVE project in Nigeria.

• The purpose of the USAID THRIVE- South project is to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS on orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). The project will ensure that OVC are cared for and protected by their households, communities, local and state governments, while engaging with both government and private sector stakeholders for visibility of the project.
• The Mental Health Advisor reports to the Country Director and will be responsible for providing technical leadership to the USAID THRIVE South project with emphasis on Client Mental Health

The Mental Health Advisor will:

• Ensure the provision of effective mental health assessment for clients proffer immediate interventions and support and follow up on referral of more severe, complex and enduring difficulties
• H/She will design a protocol for routine assessment of THRIVE South Beneficiaries and care givers and institute periodic self-care interventions.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and deliver activities in support and promotion of mental wellbeing – including those designed to tackle stigma, and by delivering new evidenced-based psychoeducational group work program
• Identify existing Mental support systems and develop partnership for service provisons
• Co-ordinate, together with project stakeholders, the safeguarding structure and support the service by advising colleagues on associated safeguarding matters.  
• Design and deliver activities in support and promotion of mental wellbeing – including those designed to tackle stigma, and by delivering new evidenced-based psychoeducational group work program and/or appropriate therapeutic based interventions.
• Integrate mental health services in management of survivors of violence and trauma 
• Work with government and implementing partner stakeholders to develop and strengthen existing mental health-related service protocols and guidance and assist in the development of mental health related strategies.  
• Contribute to the development and delivery of policies, procedures and practices to improve services for clients 
• Contribute to the promotion of client mental wellbeing and the awareness of mental health issues on the project, including through staff training
• Support the development of self-management skills
• Develop a framework for the sustainable integration of MHPSS while strengthening existing strtuctures
• Integrate mental health and psychosocial support into gender mainstreaming.

MINIMUM REQUIRED SKILLS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• A professional qualification in a related field such as clinical psychology, mental health nursing, social work, counselling psychology or mental health occupational therapy
• Significant post qualification experience in delivering one on one mental health support to individuals, including experience of conducting an in-depth assessment of clients presenting with complex needs, risk and crisis. 
• Experience of providing mental health advice and health promotion. 
• Experience of working in a clinical team setting. 
• Experience of advising on safeguarding matters. 
• Experience in delivering successful group programs such as psychoeducational workshops and/or therapeutic group work
• Demonstrated computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook and advanced skills in the use of analytical tool
• Fluency in English.

OTHER ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS  

Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse  

• Actively promote PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) standards within Project HOPE and among beneficiaries served by Project HOPE  

Compliance & Ethics  

• Promote and encourage a culture of compliance and ethics throughout Project HOPE.  
• As applicable to the position, maintain a clear understanding of Project HOPE' and donor compliance and ethics standards and adhere to those standards.  
• Conduct work with the highest level of integrity  

Competency  

• Strong writing and presentation skills  
• Proven capabilities in leadership  
• Strong negotiation, interpersonal and organization skills  
• Ability to read, writes, analyze and interpret, technical and non-technical in the English language  
• Ability to effectively present information and respond appropriately to questions from senior managers in the field and HQ, counterparts, senior government and rebel leaders and other related regional players