Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Specialist, Ethiopia

Job Description

Under the USAID Inclusive Development Activity for Mission Support, Making Cents International is recruiting a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Specialist to support a research project focused on mental health integration in Ethiopia.

USAID/Ethiopia aims to explore mental health integration in the health sector. This study will inform targeted interventions and policies and provide data for future program development. A landscape analysis will review global and contextual literature on mental health integration in global health programming, identify effective practices, and analyze gaps and challenges specific to Ethiopia. An international team will collect data on existing mental health services, resources, and activities in Ethiopia through inclusive and culturally appropriate methods. Findings will support increased investment in and prioritization of mental health services and ensure mental health-informed programming in the health sector. The resulting report will recommend improvements, strategies, and interventions to shape mental health integration into health programming.

In collaboration with the full research team, the MHPSS Specialist will support desk research, conduct data collection activities, and contribute to analysis and reporting. The MHPSS Specialist will report to the study’s international Team Lead and work closely with an Ethiopian Data Collector/Logistician. The MHPSS Specialist will work primarily in Addis Ababa though some travel may take place in the immediate surrounding areas.

Role and Tasks

The MHPSS Specialist will share their expertise related to mental health integration into the health sector in Ethiopia with the study team across all areas of inquiry. The MHPSS Specialist will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Contribute and review documentation for the landscape analysis/desk review, including documents such as program factsheets, reports, and descriptive documents; secondary data on MH in Ethiopia; local reports; journal articles, etc.
• Work with the Team Lead to identify appropriate individuals and organizations to meet with during the assessment.
• Participate in meetings and planning sessions as requested by the Team Lead.
• Participate in orientation and training on data collection instruments.
• Participate in data collection activities in Addis Ababa and immediate surrounding areas.
• Conduct key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with external stakeholder groups and USAID partners.
• Produce detailed notes (and where permitted, audio recordings) for KIIs and FGDs conducted.
• When the Team Lead is not available, supervise the Data Collector/Logistician in taking notes and submitting notes for analysis.
• Participate in in-briefing and out-briefing meetings, as needed.
• Contribute to data cleaning, analysis, and interpretation activities, summarizing key findings and providing an overview of the current state of mental health integration into Ethiopia’s health programs, highlighting gaps and opportunities.
• Assist in the review, revision, and finalization of the report based on feedback received from USAID by established deadlines.

Proposed Level of Effort

Maximum Level of Effort (LOE) will be 30 days. The MHPSS Specialist must be available to work exclusively on the assessment during the data collection phase, schedule to be determined.

Work Schedule

The work is tentatively scheduled to begin in late January/early February 2024.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Resident of Ethiopia
• Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of at least one other language widely recognized in Ethiopia (e.g., Afar, Amharic, Oromo, Somali, Tigrinya) is preferred
• A PhD with at least 2 years of experience, OR a Master’s degree with at least 4 years of experience, OR a Bachelor’s degree with at least 8 years of experience
• Experience working on assessment teams, conducting analyses, and writing reports.
• Experience with international donor-funded projects
• Experience working with marginalized populations, including youth, LGBTQI+, persons with disabilities, and indigenous populations, preferred
• Experience working in the public health sector, specifically supporting mental health activities

About the Organization

Making Cents International is a certified B Corporation, founded on the principles of social entrepreneurship. Since 1999, we have supported the well-being of youth and adults globally through high-impact programs that bolster those who serve people living in vulnerable contexts in low- and middle-income countries. As a purpose-driven small business, we have implemented more than 130 projects in over 60 countries and are a trusted partner to public- and private-sector clients who benefit from our expertise and broad industry exposure.

Making Cents International is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics.