International Consultant -MHPSS specialist

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1. Area of expertise: International Consultant - MHPSS specialist

2.Purpose of consultancy:

The primary objective of this consultancy is to continue supporting the WHO MH program in implementing capacity-building for Mental health professionals and health workers for Gaza and the West Bank and to provide technical inputs on MHPSS coordination and emergency response through the support for the MHPSS TWG co-chairs. Provide Training of trainers for UNRWA health workers in Gaza. This consultancy will focus on ensuring the sustainability and quality assurance of previously initiated activities, particularly the supervision of trained trainers and the institutionalization of helping the helper guidelines.

3.Background :

Since 7th of October 2023 and the severe aggression on Gaza Palestine, which have included continuous bombardments and sieges disrupting essential supplies like food, water, and fuel. This relentless conflict has led to substantial destruction of civilian infrastructure, including health facilities, propelling a mental health crisis of an unprecedented scale.This situation not only underscore the escalating mental health crisis but also highlight the persistent efforts and resilience of the Palestinian health system in addressing and managing these complex challenges amidst ongoing conflict and resource constraints.

In response to these severe challenges, the enhancement of mental health services in Palestine has become an urgent necessity. To align with this necessity, WHO in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt) is managing a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) project. Thus, this consultancy plays a vital role in successfully implementing the capacity-building aspects for MOH, partners and UNRWA of the project and supporting the coordination mechanism the MHPSSTWG in Gaza to coordinate the emergency MHPSS response, set standards for implementation and map the facilities and services.

The mental health crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory continues to require urgent and sustained intervention. The initial consultancy period (June -December 2026) established critical training programs and coordination frameworks. However, to ensure the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of these interventions, continued technical support is required to supervise the rollout of training programs, strengthen the 'Helping the Helpers' initiative, and maintain the coordination momentum of the MHPSS Technical Working Groups.

This consultancy will build upon the foundational work completed to date, focusing on quality assurance, supervision, and the institutionalization of best practices within local MHPSS structures.

4. Deliverables

Output 1.

[Supervise the rollout and cascading of training programs and provide advanced training sessions] Provide remote supervision and quality assurance for trainers who completed ToT sessions, and conduct additional ToT sessions for remaining curricula.

Deliverable 1.1: Provide ongoing supervision and mentorship to trainers implementing mhGAP-HIG, PM+, SH+, and Thinking Healthy curricula during their rollout activities

Deliverable 1.2: Conduct remaining online ToT training sessions for SH+ and Thinking Healthy and mhGAP HIG for UNRWA health workers in Gaza.

Deliverable 1.3: Monitor and evaluate the quality of cascade trainings being conducted by supervised trainers.

Output 2.

[Strengthen MHPSS coordination mechanisms and ensure quality service delivery and roll out staff care ( newly established helping the helper guideline]

Provide advanced technical support to MHPSS TWG co-chairs in Gaza and the West Bank to enhance coordination, implement quality assurance mechanisms, and institutionalize the 'Helping the Helpers' program

Deliverable 2.1: Continue providing technical support to Gaza TWG Co-chairs and WHO new coordinator through weekly coordination meetings, focusing on strategic planning and advanced situation analysis.

Deliverable 2.2: Support the MHPSS TWG in Gaza inin implementing quality assurance mechanisms for MHPSS activities, including need assessments, and provision of technical review of training materials.

Deliverable 2.3: Finalize and institutionalize the 'Helping the Helpers' program and roll out the guidelines and toolbox to selected organisations through structured training workshops.

Deliverable 2.4: Provide post training follow up support and monitoring to ensure effective implementation, including technical guidance sessions

Deliverable 2.5: Provide advanced supervision training for PM+ supervisors in West Bank and monitor the implementation of evidence-based MHPSS interventions. Conduct monthly group supervision sessions to support fidelity, quality and sustainability of PM+ delivery

5. Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: Advanced university degree master’s level in mental health, psychology, MHPSS and counseling

Desirable: degree in psychiatry

Experience

Essential: 10 years of relevant experience in MHPSS in emergencies context, preparedness, response and coordination.

Desirable: Expertise in development of guidelines for helping the helpers and conducting training of trainers on MHPSS guidelines

Skills/Knowledge:

• Ability to facilitate remote training workshops and sessions.
• Advanced skills and knowledge in MHPSS in emergency contexts.
• Expertise in MHPSS coordination.
• Training of trainers skills and knowledge in WHO scalable psychological intervention like PM+ and MHP HIG
• Advanced skills in planning and managing the various activities.
• Advanced knowledge of IASC MHPSS RG guidelines.

Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Expert):

• Proficient in both spoken and written Arabic and English

6.Location

Off site: Remotely home base

7.Remuneration and budget:

• Band level C: USD 500-625 daily rate
• Living expenses N/A in this case he is a remotely consultant
• Expected duration of contract 3months (with possibility with another 6months extension) :45 working days over a total duration of 3 months

8. Additional Information

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