MHPSS Health Program Intern

Job Description

Background/IRC Summary: The International Rescue Committee serves refugees and communities affected by oppression or violent conflict worldwide. Founded in 1933, the IRC is committed to freedom, human dignity, and self-reliance. This commitment is expressed in emergency relief, protection of human rights, post conflict development, resettlement assistance, and advocacy. The IRC supports primary and reproductive health care programs across more than 20 countries, spanning the arc of conflict, and in countries with diverse epidemiological profiles. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) is integrated within our health programs and has been an integral component of our IRC COVID-19 strategic response consisting of 3 priorities: staff safety, program business continuity and COVID program response.

Job Overview/Summary: The MHPSS Health Program Intern will provide support with the documentation of best practices and innovative solutions related to MHPSS services that sit within the health system. Under the supervision of the Mental Health Technical Advisor, the MHPSS Health Program Intern will collaborate with the MH PHC team, Health MHPSS staff within country programs, and technical advisors from other technical units to develop IRC MHPSS Needs Assessment Package, review of country level suicide and self-harm data, support various ongoing initiatives of the MH PHC team.

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Major Responsibilities:

· Supporting the dissemination of IRC MHPSS framework

· Develop the MHPSS M&E guidance note

· Prepare the guidance note document on MHPSS in emergency response

· Support work on the MHPSS community of practice

· Support guidance note/case study development on maternal mental health as part of Birth Collaborative work

Learning outcomes:

By the end of the period, the intern will have:

· Improved understanding of IRC’s approach to MHPSS within health programs

· Improved understanding of MHPSS background literature in relation to specific topics as assigned and agreed upon (e.g. MHPSS measures, background, program approaches).

· Strong understand of MHPSS within health monitoring and evaluation practices and tools

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to:

Esubalew Haile Wondimu, Mental Health Technical Advisor

Working relationships:

Mental Health Technical Advisors, Primary Health Care Technical Advisors, MHPSS leads within health programs

Job Requirements:

Education: Masters or doctoral degree (completed or ongoing) in Global Mental Health, Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Clinical Social Work or related field.

Work Experience: Some work experience in global mental health preferred.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

· Interest in emergency & development programs

· Interest or experience in working on global mental health and psychosocial projects

· Desire to pursue a career in the field of global MHPSS

· Very good knowledge of mental health and psychosocial subject areas and best practices in humanitarian and development settings (e.g. IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings)

· Excellent organizational skills

· Very good analytical and conceptual skills

· Very good interpersonal and team working skills

· Excellent computer, writing and communication skills

· Motivation to learn

· Ability to work independently

Language Skills: English fluency required.

Certificates or Licenses: N/A

Working Environment:

Remote work and supervision

Approximately 10 hours per week, unpaid position.

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The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Qualifications