Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Pool of Volunteer

Project Context

Lebanon is in crisis, with economic instability, conflict, and political uncertainty, further strained by the Beirut port blast and regional tensions. Hosting many refugees, the country faces growing mental health needs, especially among vulnerable groups. Humanitarian emergencies disrupt community and family support, but access to coping strategies and support from services and networks can help individuals manage distress.

Humanity & Inclusion (HI) has been actively working in Lebanon to address these challenges. As part of its commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, HI is developing an Emergency Preparedness and Response Program. This program aims to enhance the organization's capacity to rapidly and effectively respond to crises, with a particular focus on providing mental health and psychosocial support to affected communities. As part of this initiative, HI is seeking to identify and train a dedicated group of MHPSS volunteers. These volunteers will play a crucial role in HI's ability to provide timely and effective support to communities affected by crises.

Handicap International is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from woman and persons with disabilities.

Volunteering Roles and Responsibilities

During Emergency Preparedness:

• Participate in comprehensive MHPSS trainings conducted by HI, covering topics such as psychological first aid, community-based MHPSS approaches, and cultural sensitivity in emergency contexts.
• Assist in identifying and organizing available community-level services and support networks, ensuring they are well-documented and accessible during an acute emergency.
• Support in identifying key community members and important social gathering points/hubs to facilitate effective information dissemination during emergencies, ensuring critical updates reach persons in need swiftly.
• Maintain regular contact with HI or HI partner organizations; participate in refresher trainings, and engaging in online learning modules to stay updated on best practices.

During an Emergency Response:

• Provide basic psychological first aid to affected individuals and groups, adhering to international guidelines and ethical standards.
• Conduct targeted outreach activities to identify and support vulnerable individuals who may not seek formal assistance, with a particular focus on persons with disabilities, elderly, and children.
• Facilitate community awareness sessions on mental health, psychosocial wellbeing, and coping strategies during crises.
• Disseminate context-appropriate Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials on MHPSS topics.
• Assist in organizing informal support groups for adults, including caregivers, focusing on stress management and mutual support.
• Support the organization and facilitation of age-appropriate recreational and psychosocial activities for children and adolescents.
• Assist in the distribution of emergency PSS kits to affected communities, ensuring equitable access and providing guidance on their use.
• Participate in rapid needs assessments and data collection activities to inform MHPSS interventions.
• Support the referral process to specialized mental health services, maintaining clear communication channels with service providers.
• Document activities and observations to contribute to situation reports and intervention planning.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Essential: Students or graduates in psychology, social worker, psychiatry, mental health nursing, counselling, or a related field
• Essential: Fluency in Arabic (both spoken and written); English proficiency is preferred
• Essential: Previous volunteer or work experience in the field of MHPSS, Protection, and/or humanitarian aid
• Essential: Demonstrated experience with community-based MHPSS approaches preferred
• Desirable: Prior involvement in emergency response or humanitarian work is a plus

Skills

• Cultural sensitivity and demonstrated understanding of community dynamics
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and respect boundaries in sensitive interactions
• Emotional stability and resilience to work in high-stress environments
• Flexibility and adaptability to rapidly changing situations

Commitment

The volunteer position requires a 12-month commitment, starting mid-October. Volunteers must be prepared to:

• Attend mandatory initial trainings covering MHPSS principles, emergency response protocols, and cultural sensitivity.
• Patriciate in online learning modules to stay updated on best practices.
• Participate in quarterly online refresher courses.
• Be available to travel to locations affected by emergencies in Lebanon with short notice.
• Participate in supervision and debriefing sessions with MHPSS professionals.

Locations

Volunteers must be willing and be able to travel to at least one of the following areas within short notice:

• Beirut: Mar Elias, Sabra and Shatila camps,
• Mount Lebanon: Chouf district, Aley district
• South Lebanon: Saida city, Tyre, Nabatiye
• Beqaa: Zahle city

Volunteers should have reliable transportation or be able to access public transportation to reach these locations promptly when called upon.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS:

HI workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in HI Code of conduct. In accordance with these values, HI operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child. Safeguarding, Anti-fraud, bribery, and corruption

How to apply

To apply for the volunteer position, please submit the following to [email protected] please write in the subject of the e-mail “MHPSS Volunteer-24.”:

1. CV highlighting the relevant experience and qualifications
2. Motivational letter, (maximum 2 pages) detailing your interest in MHPSS and emergency response, relevant skills and experiences you bring to the role, and your availability and commitment to the program

Please note that only applications received before the deadline will be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for a short interview.

Volunteering package: HI is going to offer Meal and transportation allowance for 20 USD per present day including the training period.

At the end of volunteering period, you will receive a certificate of volunteer.

Closing date: 19-09-2024