POSITION SUMMARY:
HIAS seeks an Emergency MHPSS Assessment consultant for up to 20 days of work to rapidly assess the protection gaps (with a specific focus on mental health & psychosocial support), for communities affected by COVID-19, Hurricanes Eta and Iota and ongoing violence in Honduras and Guatemala.
The goal of this assessment is to understand the mental health and psychosocial problems, services and needs of the affected population in these two countries.
Information from the assessment will be used to determine HIAS’ value add in establishing programs and services. Using the findings and recommendations of the assessment, HIAS plans to help address some of the gaps in mental health and psychosocial support best practices and services in coordination with the Ministries of Health, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and other agencies. The goal of this assessment is to ensure that affected populations have access to MHPSS-related services as they recover and rebuild their lives.
OVERALL OBJECTIVES:
Assess the protection gaps facing marginalized communities, including indigenous areas in both locations. For example, investigate how impacts of climate change linked to migration from the Dry Corridor, the aftermath of 2020 Eta and Iota, the COVID-19 pandemic, and intercommunal violence/gang activity have affected the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of local communities. The consultant will need to understand the perceived and identified needs among community members.
Identify specific MHPSS protection needs of women, children, LGBTQ and other marginalized groups, including indigenous communities.
Understand expressions of distress and its psychological presentation from a local perspective.
Identify the risk factors and protective factors that influence mental health status for community members in Honduras and Guatemala. Explore the existing community strengths, coping mechanisms and resources that can be reactivated or strengthened to respond to heightened levels of distress, including both formal and informal sources of support.
Identify and map the current mental health services available and local responses.
Identify possible referral pathways for protection and MHPSS services
Determine HIAS’ value add responding to the crisis, complementing current services. Propose possible responses to address each need/problem identified, including how to make sure the support given meets with local and international standards.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
Design the MHPSS needs assessment methodology guide in Spanish and English. This should outline the sampling approach for adequate representation and align with the required information from institutional donors such as BHA and the UN.
Seek out and meet with national and international organizations currently providing services to migrants and asylum seekers.
Provide a summary report of information, insights and recommendations. The report should be clearly structured, document and analyze the findings, conclusions and recommendations. The report will include partner mapping and recommendations, needs assessment of the targeted population, gap analysis, target geographic recommendations, current MHPSS process and gaps, and the donor landscape.
DELIVERABLES:
Brief bi-weekly summary report outlining progress made, notes, high-level findings, etc.
Completed Assessment Guide in Spanish and English.
Summary Report (3-5 pages excluding list of organizations consultant met with), including top line briefing to share with donors and external audiences.
Mapping of partner meetings.
Initial concepts targeting USAID/BHA, PRM and UNHCR for humanitarian intervention based on assessment reports.
Verbal debrief to HIAS Programs team.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
Have at least 5 years of relevant MHPSS experience, including demonstrated understanding of IASC MHPSS guidelines.
Previous experience working directly with marginalized populations, including migrants and asylum seekers. Preference for individuals that have previous experience with trauma informed service provision for survivors of violence.
Demonstrated understanding of potential risks related to forced migration and sexual and physical violence.
Relevant experience in project evaluation, including analysis and report writing assignments.
Spanish and English fluency required.
SAMPLE HIRING PROCESS:
We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process for consultancies:
Step 1: Submit your application!
Step 2: Video interview with the hiring manager.
Step 3: Offer, consultancy agreement and background check.
Step 4: Start your professional journey with HIAS!
Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.
ABOUT US:
Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts, and history of the Jewish people – a history of oppression, displacement, and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history, and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.
HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency, and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community, and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission, and values.
VISION:
HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety, and opportunity.
MISSION:
Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.
VALUES:
Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • Hachnasat Orchim
We Welcome the Stranger
Justice • Justicia • Justice • Tzedek
We Pursue Justice
Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • Chesed
We Approach our Clients with Empathy
Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • Chevruta
We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership
Courage • Coraje • Courage • Ometz
We Act with Courage to Build a Better World
Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • Ruach
We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience
DIVERSITY:
HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation, or other legally protected status.
How to apply:
Please submit your resume and application to our website: https://hias.hrmdirect.com/employment/job-opening.php?req=1877026&&&nohd#job