Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support (MHPSS) Specialist at Bincike International

Bincike International is a private sector humanitarian and development partner dedicated to promoting sustainable development and community empowerment in Nigeria. We work with local communities to address various social, economic, and humanitarian challenges through innovative programs and initiatives using the technology.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support (MHPSS) Specialist

Location: Jimeta, Adamawa
Employment Type: Contract
Program Duration: 3 months
Reports To: Program Coordinator

Job Description

• Bincike International with funding from World Bank multi-crisis recovery project is seeking for Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support Specialist will be responsible for implementing and overseeing mental health initiatives within a stigma reduction project aimed at supporting individuals affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.
• This role focuses on providing psychological support, enhancing community resilience, and promoting awareness to combat stigma related to mental health issues.

Key Responsibilities
Assessment & Planning:

• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments to identify the mental health challenges faced by individuals affected by Boko Haram.
• Develop tailored MHPSS strategies that address specific community needs regarding trauma and stigmatization.

Program Implementation:

• Implement psycho-social support programs including individual counseling, group therapy sessions, and community workshops focused on resilience building.
• Facilitate art therapy, drama therapy, or other creative therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing stigma around mental health.

Capacity Building & Training:

• Train local staff, volunteers, and community leaders in basic MHPSS concepts to ensure they can provide effective peer support.
• Develop training materials that focus on understanding trauma-informed care practices relevant to the socio-cultural context of the target communities.

Community Engagement & Awareness Raising:

• Organize awareness campaigns that educate communities about mental health issues associated with conflict-related experiences.
• Foster dialogue between different groups (women’s organizations, youth groups) addressing misconceptions around mental health conditions stemming from stigmatization.

Monitoring & Evaluation:

• Establish indicators for measuring program effectiveness in reducing stigma related to mental illness within affected populations.
• Collect qualitative data through interviews/focus group discussions to assess changes in attitudes towards individuals impacted by Boko Haram violence over time.

Collaboration with Stakeholders:

• Work alongside local healthcare providers and NGOs to integrate MHPSS services into existing healthcare infrastructure.
• Collaborate with legal advisors within the project ensuring holistic support for clients experiencing both legal challenges as well as psychological distress due to stigmatization.

Reporting & Documentation:

• Prepare regular reports documenting progress made toward achieving program objectives concerning MHPSS activities while highlighting case studies demonstrating impact on stigma reduction efforts.
• Maintain accurate records of psycho-social interventions delivered along with participant feedback for continuous improvement purposes.

Qualifications & Skills Required

• Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work or a related field; clinical experience is preferred but not mandatory.
• Minimum 3 years of experience working in the field of mental health or psycho-social support particularly focusing on vulnerable populations impacted by crises/violence.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed approaches addressing psychological distress among individuals exposed to conflict situations; familiarity with Nigeria's socio-cultural landscape is an asset.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal/written), fluency in English required; proficiency in local languages is an advantage but not essential
• Strong organizational skills coupled with adaptability when dealing with complex situations involving sensitive topics such as trauma recovery while reducing societal stigma surrounding these issues

Application Closing Date
13th December, 2024.