Protection Programme Advisor - MHPSS

Description

About CST

CST Ethiopia represents the overseas development and humanitarian agencies of the Catholic Church from England and Wales (CAFOD), Scotland (SCIAF), and Ireland (Trócaire) in Ethiopia. The three agencies have over 40 years’ of experience in international development and humanitarian response and are each members of worldwide networks, including Caritas Internationalis. Currently, the three agencies jointly operate a single, integrated country programme in Ethiopia through the legal entity CST Ethiopia. CST Ethiopia works in partnership with local church and non-church organisations, supporting communities in Addis Ababa, Afar, Oromia, SNNPR and Tigray regions.

CST Ethiopia is implementing a country strategic plan focused on two programme focus areas – Women’s Empowerment and Resilient Communities, which integrates sustainable livelihoods, humanitarian and other (e.g. peacebuilding) programming. CST implements specialised GBV in emergencies programming in Tigray and these programmes are funded by a range of institutional donors, including the European Commission, Irish Aid and other donors. The MHPSS protection advisor role is for providing overall technical support and direction to the implementing partners with special emphasis on MHPSS component of the protection program- GBV, Peace building and resilience programms within Tigray. Recently the issue of women’s participation in protection, PSS , and GBV has become a focus of intervention within the protection programs of CST.

For the candidate with the required experience and passion for the role, CST Ethiopia offers a competitive package of salary and benefits.

Scope of Role

The MHPSS Protection Programme Advisor reports to the protection Manager. The MHPSS Protection Programme Advisor works closely with the program team in Mekelle, Addis Ababa, Regional Humanitarian Coordinator, HQ colleagues, implementing partners and other stakeholders to:

1. Provides technical support on MHPSS to Protection, GBV response, peace building and resilence interventions of CST Ethiopia partners in Tigray
2. Facilitate capacity development of local partners in the Protection sector (GBV response, PSS)
3. Facilitate capacity development of local partners in the MHPSS component of their intervention
4. Support partners to implement protection interventions, with a particular focus on MHPSS GBV response and monitor its imlemtnation in line with best practces and GBV minimal standard, MHPSS Minimal service package
5. Monitor MHPSS Protection works of Partners and ensure that they are in line with the contractual agreements and legal requirements
6. Prepare and support the development of concept notes and proposals in collaboration with Partners and relevant CST EthiopiaTeam.
7. Represent CST Ethiopia in the Protection cluster, CP/GBV sub-cluster, and other relevant working groups and meetings.

Key Responsibilities

Project Design and Management

• Provide technical oversight of project activities and capacity building support to the partners’ MHPSS/Protection/GBV prevention and response interventions.
• Lead on technical aspects of the MHPSS works of CST Ethiopia in Tigray Region, including technical design of project activities and proposals in line with donor requirements and global standards.
• Support the development of standard procedures and guidance for the MHPSS/Protection/GBV prevention and response programme in close coordination and cooperation with local partner organisations and CST Ethiopia Programme, in line with national and international standards including the Inter-Agency Minimum Standards for GBV in Emergencies Programming, 2019, Inter-Agency GBV Case Management Guidelines, 2017, WHO Clinical Management of Rape and IPV Survivors Guidance, 2014, 2019, MHPSS Minimal service package.
• Support partners to implement CST standards relating to Safeguarding, Protection Mainstreaming and Accountability to Affected Populations.
• Ensure that the GBV programme approaches are consistent, technically sound and effective, drawing on both evidence-based strategies and innovative approaches that consider the context and the capacities of implementing partners.
• With support from the MEAL Advisor, support CST Ethiopia Programme staff and partners in conducting assessments and base-/end line surveys as needed, ensuring compliance with safety and ethical standards.
• In close coordination with Protection Manager , Business Development Manager , and Finance & Compliance Manager ensure that reporting complies with CST Ethiopia and donor requirements within agreed timeframes.
• In collaboration with Protection Manager and other relevant CST Teams, responsible for the design MHPSS/Protection/GBV related project concept notes and proposals
• Ensures protection of IDPs and returnees by developing and maintaining close working relations with governments, legislators, NGOs and other interesed entities
• Ensure dissemination of clear and reliable information on service provision of MHPSS
• Uphold CST’s principles by adhering to CST’s partnership standards and promoting and ensuring partners’ compliance with agreed-upon accountability, gender, child safeguarding, localization, protection, supply chain management/procurement best practices, and other emerging standards.
• Contribute to advocacy and information-sharing initiatives, in coordination with partners, to bolster their efforts and engage with relevant stakeholders at local ,National and global levels. Stay abreast of developments and trends in Women Empowerment, including within Ethiopia and the broader sector.
• Ensure partners fully comprehend the importance of gender equality within their organizations and incorporate principles of women empowerment and protection into their projects.

Build Capacity of Partners and Key Stakeholders

• In collaboration with Protection Manager, conduct capacity gap assessment of Partners on MHPSS component of Protection & GBV and design an action plan to address the gap.
• Design and facilitate capacity building (training, mentoring, accompaniment) with partner staff on MHPSS, Women’s and Girls’ Safe Spaces, facilitation skills, and other relevant trainings to Partner staff and other stakeholders and monitor its effectiveness.
• In close coordination with the regional MHPSS Techinical Working Group, produce, publish and distribute relevant ICT materials to all stakeholders working on Protection and GBV interventions.
• Ensure adherence of partners delivering case management services to the GBV in humanitarian settings Inter-Agency Minimum Standards for GBV in Emergencies Programmingand Inter-Agency Case Management Guidelines.
• In close coordination with the regional Protection cluster, organize experience sharing forums and capture the learnings.
• Develop lessons learnt documents and tools to actively share best practices across CST Ethiopia Partners and CAFOD/SCIAF/Trócaire, and to ensure that lessons learnt feed into future programme design.

Partnership and Localization

• Assist partners in creating their processes and tools for consistent organizational capacity enhancement, including self-assessment and action plan development.
• Regularly evaluate the capacity enhancement plans formulated by partners, offering tailored support as required.
• Support Women-centric Organizations in identifying local women's groups, aiding their meaningful engagement for voice and leadership.
• Coordinate the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with strategic partners as necessary.
• Enhance the visibility of partners across all communication platforms.
• Facilitate organization of annual meetings for review and reflection with partners.
• Ensure a feedback and complaint mechanism is established and consistently documented by CST partners.

Financial Management

• Prepares and monitors project budgets relating to both CST Ethiopia and partner-led expenditure in collaboration with the Women Empowerment Programme Manager
• Ensures the partner budgets are correct and supports the project objectives with support from Programme Accountant.
• Provides feedback to partners on budgets and financial reports with support from Programme Accountant.
• Delivers institutionally funded projects within agreed budgets.

Represent CST Ethiopia

• Consolidate and strengthen relationships with CST Ethiopia partners and other key stakeholders working on Protection/ GBV in Mekelle, Tigray Region

• Participate in relevant coordination forum and cluster meetings of MHPSS TWG, Protection, GBV, and other relevant meetings and actively contribute to sector analysis.

• In close coordination with the Protection cluster, participate in drafting advocacy notes.

Other

• Undertake any and all other duties as may be assigned by the Protection Manager or Head of Programs that are consistent with the nature of the job, its level of responsibility and requirements of the CST country programme

Requirements

Essential Requirements

Qualifications

• Minimum first degree in Psychiatry, Mental health, Psychology or other relevant field of study humanitarian related fields and development studies

Experience

• At least 3 years of project management experience with at least 2 years of MHPSS Protection/GBV project management experience in humanitarian settings

• Experience providing MHPSS/ psychosocial support to at-risk women, girls, in particular GBV survivors.

• Excellent management, project planning, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Experience working with capacity building of local NGOs on MHPSS, Psychosocial first aid, Protection mainstreaming or other related topics.
• Academic and/or practical experience in designing and implementing trainings for adults.
• Demonstrated experience of mainstreaming including gender, Safeguarding, Protection and accountability
• Experience working in a partnership led NGO.
• Practical experience of monitoring and managing budgets
• Project Management Qualification

Skills

• Must be able to work independently while being a strong team player.

• Ability to transfer skills and knowledge through, training, mentorship and accompaniment.

• Familiarity with standards and guidelines on Protection, MHPSS and GBV interventions and coordination.
• Practicing gender & cultural diversity
• Familiarity with international humanitarian operations, coordination structures, and the mandates of donors, UN agencies, and NGOs
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, to remain flexible to a changing environment, and to make decisions independently.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written
• Fluency in English & Tigrigna ( Amharic language optional)
• Strong computer skills: must be competent in the use of Windows, MS office programs (Word, Excel)

Qualities

• Strong commitment to principles of partnership, solidarity, social justice and localisation

• Excellent networking skills with the ability to establish good relationships, confident in engaging with colleagues, partners and stakeholders

• Constructively critical and analytical
• Entrepreneurial, affinity to creativity and innovations
• Open-minded and flexible in approach
• Effective communication
• Readiness to work outside of the framed job description

Other

• Availability to work outside regular hours to meet deadlines and travel within Ethiopia when necessary and sometimes on short notice.
• As this role involves providing technical accompaniment within GBV services and women only spaces, qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Safeguarding Programme Participants-Children & Adults

Trócaire is committed to safeguarding people within our programmes from exploitation and abuse and has specific policies on this commitment (including a Global Code of Conduct) which outlines the expected behaviour and the responsibility of all staff, consultants and other organisational representatives. More information on Trócaire’s safeguarding policies available here.

Diversity and inclusion

We welcome diverse applicants to join our inclusive workforce.

Trócaire is an equal opportunities employer. We are an organisation that embraces diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds to bring their experiences and perspectives to Trócaire.

Diversity and Inclusion statement available here.