Company Description

Amref Health Africa was founded in 1957 and has since grown to become the largest African-based international health development organisation; currently implementing more than 180 programs, reaching more than 40 million people across 35 African countries; and a staff complement of over 2,000. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Amref Health Africa has offices in ten countries in Africa – Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Guinea (Conakry), Kenya, Malawi, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. An additional eleven advocacy and fundraising offices are located in Europe and North America. 

Amref Health Africa is driven by its vision of ‘Lasting health change in Africa’ and its mission ‘To catalyze and drive community-led and people-centred health systems while addressing social determinants of health’. We believe that the power to transform Africa's health lies within its communities, and therefore strive to ensure that health systems are not only functional but that communities are empowered to hold these systems accountable for the delivery of quality and affordable health care.

Job Description

Job Summary:

This position provides technical support to teams providing mental health counseling, psychosocial support, and case management services to individuals and communities, with a particular focus on those impacted by crisis and displacement. In accordance with the project proposal, the incumbent will be responsible for capacity building of technical expertise in developing and implementing culturally appropriate MHPSS activities, coordinating with relevant stakeholders, and ensuring the integration of MHPSS services with other sectors. Seconded by AMREF to Oxfam, the position holder will contribute to specialized expertise and support in mental health and psychosocial care in Shire, Tigray.

The officer’s responsibilities generally include the following technical functions:

Key Responsibilities:

Assessment and Monitoring:

Conduct mental health and psychosocial needs assessments to identify the challenges and requirements of affected populations.Monitor and evaluate the implementation of MHPSS programs, identify gaps and provide technical support to ensure they are effective and responsive to the needs of the community.

Capacity Building:

Provide training and technical support to local staff, service providers, teachers, volunteers, and community leaders to strengthen the MHPSS response.Assess gaps and provide technical support to local staff and service providers to offer culturally sensitive counseling to individuals with mental health conditions or psychosocial challengesFacilitate workshops and support groups aimed at enhancing skills and knowledge on mental health and psychosocial support.Closely work with the team and other stakeholders in offering support to individuals and communities to promote resilience, coping mechanisms, and well-being. 

Program Design, Implementation and Reporting:

Develop or adapt MHPSS programs and interventions tailored to the context and needs of the population served.Collaborate with other sectors (e.g., health, education, protection) to integrate MHPSS services into broader program frameworks.Compile and prepare reports on MHPSS program progress and outcomes. 

Coordination and Collaboration:       

Act as a liaison between Amref and Oxfam for Shire sire and in the mental health and psychosocial support sectors.Participate in coordination meetings and contribute to the development of a coherent and collaborative MHPSS strategy to ensure effective service delivery.

Research and Evidence Generation:

Contribute to research initiatives to gather data on mental health and psychosocial needs, outcomes, and program effectiveness.Help disseminate findings to inform future MHPSS strategies and interventions.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Psychology, Psychiatry, Social Work, or a related field.Advanced training or certification in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS).Proven experience in implementing the WHO mhGAP (Mental Health Gap Action Programme).Previous experience of 5 years in mental health roles, particularly in humanitarian settings or with vulnerable populations.Ability to work in diverse cultural environments, respecting local customs and practices while providing support.Strong communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teamsLanguage: Speaks Tigrigna and Amharic Language

Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

Your application should include a cover letter detailing why you are the best fit for this position and your CV with relevant skills and experience. Closing date will be on Tuesday, 20 May 2025. 

Amref Health Africa does not require applicants to pay any money at whatever stage of the recruitment and selection process and has not retained any agent in connection with recruitment. Although Amref may use different job boards from time to time to further spread its reach for applicants, all open vacancies are published on our website under the Vacancies page and on our official social media pages. Kindly also note that official emails from Amref Health Africa will arrive from an @amref.org address.

Amref Health Africa is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Amref Health Africa is is dedicated to diversity and is an equal-opportunity employer with a non-smoking environment policy.