READVERTISEMENT: PS Delegate for Danish Red Cross in Burkina Faso

Would you like to support the strengthening of sustainable structures and development of capacity to design, review and implement basic and focused Psychosocial Support interventions in Burkina Faso?

Danish Red Cross (DRC) is looking for an experienced English and French speaking MHPSS Delegate to support implementation of basic and focused Psychosocial Support intervention in collaboration with Burkina Faso Red Cross (BFRC). The mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) delegate will be responsible for providing technical assistance to the set-up and quality of MHPSS activities within the programme and provide institutional support to the BFRC on the establishment of MHPSS structures/systems and strategic development of MHPSS plans.

Burkina Faso is facing a complex crisis due to the growing activities of armed groups, inter-communal tensions, food insecurity, effects of climate change and an unprecedented increase of internally displaced people. To address these humanitarian challenges, DRC’s engagement embeds a Triple Nexus approach capable of adapting to a changing context and needs.

DRC has signed a partnership agreement with Belgian Red Cross with the aim of improving the living conditions of the internally displaced persons affected by conflicts in the Sahel and Centre-Nord regions of Burkina Faso and developing the BFRC capacities on MHPSS and analyse further linkages between DRC and BFRC strategies to increase the collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop MHPSS activities and build sustainable capacity within the BFRC to implement quality MHPSS activities.
• Develop/adapt tools and material to be used in the implementation of MHPSS activities.
• Design, plan and supervise adequate trainings for staff and volunteers.
• Support BFRC in assessing needs, planning, development, implementation, monitoring and reviews of psychosocial interventions.
• Explore opportunities and develop funding proposals/concept notes to pilot MHPSS interventions in Burkina Faso.

Experience and qualifications
We are looking for a candidate with international experience and relevant educational background, with a master’s degree in psychology, public health, anthropology, social work or similar and a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in MHPSS programmes and activities after qualifying.

Field experience in a conflict or natural disaster-generated emergency context and practical experience in the field of protection is necessary. Experience in coaching and supervising programme staff is essential as is experience with facilitation of trainings. Experience on MHPSS coordination and system strengthening is an asset.

We expect that the candidate understands the Red Cros Movement approach on MHPSS and has good command on tools, has proven skills in developing MHPSS training curriculums and Information, Education and Communication (IEC), and training materials. The candidate is also expected to have knowledge on Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), good understanding of protection, gender and inclusion (PGI), as well as of social or human vulnerability issues. Interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity. Professional fluency in English and French is required. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications, and as self-supporting in computers as possible.

We would like to see that you are self-motivated, with good judgment and initiative. You understand the process and ownership as key to achieve results in culturally and politically sensitive environments. Excellent communication, coordination, negotiation, networking and facilitation skills.

Strong capacity to handle complex tasks independently, multitask and prioritize, and meet multiple deadlines on time. Excellent verbal and written communication skills required. Extremely strong time management and organizational skills with very close attention to detail. Able to work in a stressful environment with sometimes limited access to basic facilities.

Employment Conditions
The duty station is Ouagadougou. The MHPSS Delegate will be seconded to Belgian Red Cross (BRC) and will be directly line managed by the BRC Country Representative in Burkina Faso. The MHPSS delegate will be technically supported by the MHPSS Lead/Coordinator in the DRC HQ. The contract will be handled by Danish Red Cross but the MHPSS delegate is member of the BRC country team that jointly supports BFRC in implementing the projects and strengthen its organisational capacity.

The ideal starting date is 15th of February 2023 the length of the contract is 24 months with the possibility of extension. The salary including all allowances and pension payment will be between DKK 40.000 and 42.000 per month, depending on qualifications and experience. The position is a non-family duty station.