DRC has been implementing PSS interventions in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, supporting adults and children in displacement and conflict affected communities, including refugees, IDPs, host community members, and persons in mixed migration flows. Different approaches and methodologies have been developed over the years in these countries, ranging from psychological first aid (PFA), unstructured group PSS activities, structured group PSS activities based on specific curricula, basic PSS counselling by trained community focal points, and individual counselling by trained psychologists. In Jordan and Lebanon, DRC has strong in-house PSS specialists, while the other country operations have relied on multiple external consultants to develop or adapt the materials and to train frontline PSS teams. Some of the materials were specifically designed or adapted for different genders and age groups, as well as more recent adaptations of the content and delivery methods related to the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, DRC Middle East Regional Office identified a lack of consistency in the use of particular methodologies and in the quality of the materials, and initiated a process of connecting PSS specialists across the six operations in a PSS Community of Practice to encourage cross-learning and sharing of resources.
DRC is now seeking to strengthen its psychosocial support (PSS) programming in the Middle East region through adopting a regional PSS Framework. A Regional PSS Framework will provide a standardized approach to designing and implementing PSS interventions based on the global MHPSS standards and the latest best practices, appropriate for the range of different contexts across DRC’s operations to adequately address the needs of diverse displacement and conflict affected population groups.
CONSULTANCY OBJECTIVE
The overall objective of the consultancy is to develop a Regional PSS Framework and recommendations for harmonisation and strengthening of DRC’s PSS interventions in the region. In order to develop the framework, the consultant is expected to carry out a mapping and review of current PSS interventions (including approaches, methodologies, tools and materials, staffing structures and capacity), of DRC and its implementing partners, in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, in order to capture the full range of in-house expertise and resources available to DRC in the region. The framework document will include guidance on staff training and capacity building (e.g. specific training topics required for staff implementing particular PSS activities). Particular attention throughout the consultancy will be given to the linkages between PSS and other Protection as well as other sector interventions (Livelihoods/Economic Recovery, Humanitarian Disarmament & Peacebuilding, Shelter, WASH, CCCM) to contribute to DRC’s strategic priority of integrated programming. Another special focus will also be made on information management systems (IMS), and on monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) as elements of PSS interventions.
The consultancy is expected to be carried out remotely over a period of two months, between August – September 2021, for a maximum number of 40 work days.
CONSULTANT PROFILE
Key requirements are:
- University degree in psychology.
- Minimum 7 years previous experience in MHPSS programming, direct implementation or technical advisory capacity, in conflict related humanitarian response contexts.
- Demonstrated experience conducting technical reviews of MHPSS programming, developing MHPSS frameworks or strategies or equivalent.
- Strong knowledge of global MHPSS standards, global and regional best practices and resources.
- Strong analytical skills and systems thinking, ability to quickly process large volumes of information and present it in a concise format.
- INGO experience in Protection or MHPSS sectors and familiarity with the Middle East context desirable; experience working in the Middle East context preferred.
- Ability to work in a multicultural context as a flexible and respectful team player.
- Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy.
- Strong commitment to humanitarian and protection principles, and to DRC’s values.
- Fluency in English and Arabic, both written and spoken.
N.B: Individual Consultants and Consultancy Firms/Companies are both eligible to apply for this consultancy.
RFP Closure date: 22 July 2021: 11:00 Local Time – GMT 13:00 hours.