REPSSI (Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative) is the leading African psychosocial support organisation. REPSSI’s vision is that all girls, boys and youth enjoy psychosocial and mental wellbeing. REPSSI has strong partnerships with governments (particularly the ministries responsible for social services, education and health), development partners, international organisations and NGOs in thirteen countries of East and Southern Africa.
REPSSI seeks to appoint an experienced a Mental Health Technical Advisor who will provide technical advice and support for the design and implementation of programming focused on mental health services and health systems strengthening in line with REPSSI’s program quality principles and standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practices. This position is contingent upon funding.
Duties and Responsibilities
§ Under your technical guidance, the project will improve access, retention, and adherence to effective HIV services and decrease stigma/discrimination for PLHIV affected by mental health (MH) issues (common and complex) and decrease health care worker stress, anxiety, and burnout to increase the quality of HIV/TB services in South Africa.
§ Your advice, knowledge, and support will advance the delivery of high-quality services for vulnerable populations in South Africa and ensure effective, adaptive and innovative programming.
Essential Skills and Personality Traits:
§ Strong relationship management skills with ability to influence and get buy-in from people not under direct supervision and to work with individuals in diverse geographical and cultural settings.
§ Good strategic, analytical, problem solving and systems thinking skills with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment.
§ Good technical writing skills.
§ Presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills.
§ Proactive, resourceful and results-oriented.
§ Strong project management skills
Minimum Qualifications and Experience:
§ Advanced degree in public health, psychiatry, psychology, nursing, social work or related field required.
§ Minimum of 10 years relevant work experience with progressive responsibilities, ideally with an international NGO.
§ 8 years working experience in HIV.
§ Expertise and experience in a technical role in at least one of the following areas:
a. Health policy planning, development, adaptation, implementation, and monitoring.
b. Technical assistance to national and sub-national government actors.
c. Design and delivery of mental health services for addressing common mental health disorders (such as anxiety and depression), complex disorders (such as neurosis and psychosis), and substance and alcohol abuse.
d. Technical assistance and/or psychosocial support to front line primary health care and/or HIV service providers.
e. Health systems strengthening, including referral strengthening.
f. Gender integration and inclusion in the health sector.
g. Community mobilization and engagement.
h. Social norms change.
§ Knowledge of capacity strengthening best practices.
§ Experience with program monitoring, evaluation, and analysis.
§ Experience and skills in networking and relations with donors, peer organizations, and faith-based and civil society partners. Understanding of partnership principles.
Preferred Qualifications
§ Knowledge of US government rules and regulations and experience with PEPFAR and CDC programmes.
§ Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems
This is a 5-year contract position subject to availability of donor funding and good performance.
Remuneration will be commensurate with skills and experience. REPSSI is committed to the principles of employment equity.