Kindly note the deadline has been extended to 15 December 2021.
Background:
In September 2018, in view of an emerging mixed migration crisis, UNFPA Bosnia and Herzegovina initiated emergency response that enabled local institutions to work on the development of SOPs for GBV and provide safe spaces for women and girls, as well as for boys and men refugees/migrants.
Young men and adolescent boys constitute a large group within mixed migration context in Bosnia and Herzegovina and belong to one of the vulnerable populations, especially when unaccompanied or separated. This vulnerable category remains at heightened risk of abuse, neglect, violence and sexual and labor exploitation, as well as other dangers associated with unsafe migration and specifics of risks for children on the move. In order to respond to those risks and provide safe environment for the most vulnerable ones, UNFPA will continue with implementation of previously developed methodology "BOYS on the MOVE" (already implemented in Greece, Serbia and BiH in Una Sana-Canton and Sarajevo Canton) together with a provision of various empowerment activities. "BOYS on the MOVE” is a programme of life skills for adolescent boys and young men mainly focusing on sexuality education, prevention and response to violence, which leads to better health outcomes, prevention of GBV and empowering skills.
Under its global mandate to address GBV in humanitarian settings, and as the lead agency for multi sectoral coordination of GBV, UNFPA is committed to ensuring that persons affected by the different emergencies are protected and that the needs of GBV survivors are met through adequate health responses, psychosocial support and case management in line with international guidelines and best practices. It is vital that frontline local organizations and first responders have the capacity and competency to provide quality response services and care for GBV survivors to ensure their right to safety from violence and safety in emergencies.
Under the overall supervision of the GBVIE and DRR Project Manager and in coordination with the BYMC Coordinator, Mental Health and Psychological Support (MHPSS) experts will provide mental health and psychosocial support to male beneficiaries, GBV survivors in Temporarily Reception Centers in Una Sana Canton. The main duty of the experts will be to develop, plan and implement occupational/group and individual mental health and psychosocial support sessions based on the client's needs and presenting complaints. MHPSS Expert will provide Case Management services to their clients, through Boys and Young Men Centres. The psychologist will also liaise with other entities to ensure holistic service provision for participants.
In cooperation with the UNFPA team, MHPSS experts are expected to:
- Prepare methodology/plan and deliver daily PSS services (individual and group) for refugee and migrant male beneficiaries in Una Sana Canton;
- Prepare the subjects, tools and all required supporting items for the mental health and psychosocial support sessions; ensure MHPSS Case Management services
- Provide focused, direct individual and/or group MHPSS interventions, including to high-risk and high-need participants who have experienced GBV or other forms of trauma
- Provides crisis intervention in situations requiring immediate psychological treatment.
- Reinforce adherence to the GBV guiding principles throughout all protection activities;
- Coordinate response work with clients, including case management and psychosocial interventions adheres to best-practice principles when working with survivors of GBV;
- Organize and lead focus group discussions
- Hold regular planning and debriefing sessions with team members at community based safe spaces;
- Work closely with GBV staff and other relevant actors to plan activities that respond to identified needs and refer Persons of Concern to other service providers as needed;
- Prepare and maintain/update detailed work plan(s) that support and achieve activities;
- Participate in development and implementation of a series of age-appropriate and specialized group emotional services to be provided to vulnerable population, aimed at meeting the needs of survivors of GBV;
- Identify concerns related to and support adherence to GBV referral protocols by all relevant organizations and agencies;
- Prepare and submit work plans and reports. Also provide inputs for regular UNFPA reporting mechanisms in a timely manner;
- Assist in advocacy and visibility around GBV/MHPSS interventions, with a particular focus on specially categories particularly vulnerable; Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor:
- Conduct awareness sessions and mental health education and promotion activities to beneficiaries and humanitarian personnel, when needed
In addition to this, following core principles must be respected working with beneficiaries:
- Do no harm approach:
- Empowerment Officers language must abstain from sensationalism and focus on understanding and empathy. However, all and any programming that departs from a stereotypical portrayal of survivors as broken, dysfunctional individuals, living in seclusion and self-imposed exile must be avoided.
- The Empowerment Officersis obligated to work within the required deadlines and be available in accordance with schedule which can be adapted in any time by BYMC Coordinator and GBViE/DRR Project Manager
For more information read the full ToR. Interested candidates are invited to submit their application (CV and Motivation Letter) by email: bosnia-herzegovina.office@unfpa.org by 15 December 2021 with the subject line MHPSS Expert Application.
