Project Manager (Mental Health Specialist), Hargeisa, Bosaso & Nairobi (GRT)

[Admin]

Project Manager (Mental Health Specialist)

Gruppo per le Relazioni Transculturali (GRT)
Since its foundation in 1968 GRT has been working with socially marginalized groups and individuals, being expression of cultural values outside dominant paradigms. GRT's story is a journey through cultures, enriched over the years through cooperation programmes (mainly in Nicaragua, Guatemala, Somalia, Nepal and Romania) where local communities have been supported in inventing and developing their own surviving strategies. Walking along paths of desires together with local communities, efforts are made in trying to help them remaining protagonist of their history, without imposing western models, rather supporting the search for appropriate ways of belonging, claiming and acknowledgements. GRT’s main fields of expertise are: Community Mental Health, Support to Ethnic Minorities, Traditional Medicine, Street Children and (forced) Migrations.
Closing date: 07 Jan 2011
Location: Somalia

Hargeisa (Somaliland) with travels to Bosaso (Puntland- NE Somalia) and Nairobi (Kenya)

Project Background

Main objective of this EC-funded intervention is to contribute to the improvement of delivery and access to quality and equitable mental health services in the Somali context.
The project aims at developing effective and efficient mental health services in Hargeisa, Somaliland, and Bosaso, Puntland, by enhancing the capacity of mental health workforces in the respective Mental health Departments as well as strengthening outreach community services. The project also intends to enhance advocacy skills of local community stakeholders and public health authorities in Somalia on issues concerning mental health human resources .

Job Summary

The project manager is expected to have sound experience in the field of mental health and in the implementation of humanitarian projects, especially in low income and war-torn countries.
S/he will:
• Be in charge of MH workforce's permanent training (both on-the-job and theoretical), supervision and mentoring;
• Supervise and monitor the work of local staff;
• Liaise with local authorities and local partners in the two main project locations (Hargeisa and Bosaso);
• Setting up an effective referral system between different levels of care to facilitate the creation of an integrated, accessible and effective MH care system, for persons with mental health problems and their families;
• Be responsible for the overall implementation of the intervention, in all its technical, political and managerial components;
• Monitor the security situation in the field and report to GRT Programme Manager in Nairobi;
• Develop strategic plans and concept notes for further development of MH sector;
• Facilitate the work of the international consultants within the project framework;
• Represent the organization at field level.

Competitive salary and health insurance are provided by the organization.
Please note that this is an unaccompanied position.

Required qualification and competencies
• Qualified professional (Social worker, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Nurse) with Mental Health solid background and experience

• 2 years overseas project management experience, preferably in the Horn of Africa
• Proven high level skills in programme coordination, management and supervision
• Experience in liaising with local authorities and relevant stakeholders
• Proven leadership, problem solving and conflict management skills
• Proven ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
• Report/proposal writing skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Independent and motivated to work in resource-limited and insecure environment
• Strong negotiation, interpersonal and organization skills
• Flexible, open-minded and able to cope with stressful situations
• Cultural and gender sensitive
• Sense of humour
• Confident in the use of Microsoft Office/Open Office packages
• Excellent spoken and written English

Desirable Competencies
• Familiarity with transcultural /ethnopsychiatric approaches
• Previous experience in Primary health care/health programmes in a management/coordination position
• Financial management skills
• Ability to speak Somali and/or Arabic and/or Italian language is an asset
• Previous experience and understanding of Somali context is advisable
• Management experience of EC-funded projects
• Knowledge of the Essential Package of Health Services (EPHS) requirements and procedures
How to apply
Please send a motivation letter (max 1 page) and CV with at least 3 references to mentalhealth@grtitalia.org , Cc to grt@grtitalia.org , Ref. Mental Health Vacancy.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Reference Code: RW_8BZMEP-9