Chief of Party - Mental Health International Medical Corps

International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.

Established in 1984 by volunteer doctors and nurses, International Medical Corps is a private, voluntary, nonpolitical, nonsectarian organization. Its mission is to improve the quality of life through health interventions and related activities that build local capacity in underserved communities worldwide. By offering training and health care to local populations and medical assistance to people at highest risk, and with the flexibility to respond rapidly to emergency situations, International Medical Corps rehabilitates devastated health care systems and helps bring them back to self-reliance.

PROGRAM BACKGROUND With support from the European Commission, International Medical Corps will be implementing an 18-month project entitled “Strengthening Prevention and Treatment of Mental Health and Substance Misuse Issues in Kabul.” The overall objective of this project is to contribute to a reduction in avoidable morbidity and mortality among the population living in Afghanistan through supporting quality and equitable mental health services and care to the population, under the stewardship of the Ministry of Public Health. The specific objectives of the programme are: (1) Improve overall hospital management and administration of Kabul’s Mental Health Hospital (MHH) and substance misuse centre known as Jangalak (SMC)while building a foundation for improved and appropriate mental health and substance abuse care within the supported facilities as well as with the community and other stakeholders and (2) Improve technical capacity of mental health hospital providers to provide suitable overall patient management including referral within the hospital and the community.

JOB SUMMARY The Chief of Party (COP) will oversee the overall management and implementation of the program, as well as building the administrative capacity of the Hospital Director and other senior managers with the goal of strengthening the overall management of the hospital. • In particular, the COP will provide managerial and administrative support to enable the MHH Hospital Director and SMC Director to streamline the day-to-day operations and management structures in accordance with MoPH Hospital Standards, proven business principles, and the agreed upon program objectives outlined in the EC proposal. This aims to achieve the first objective of Lot 1, namely improving the overall hospital management and administration while building a foundation for improved and appropriate mental health and substance abuse care within the supported facilities as well as with the community and other stakeholders. Specific tasks include holding quarterly stakeholder liaison meetings held to provide information and solicit feedback, and working with senior program and hospital staff to propose, discuss and launch joint initiatives between stakeholders to contribute to the success of the program. • Directly oversee and manage the construction and equipping of appropriate spaces for outpatient consultations as well as climate-controlled pharmacy storage and hospitality services (kitchen, laundry, etc.) within the grounds of the Kabul Mental Health Hospital. In this way, the COP will support the hospital by strengthening or revising the hospital’s existing business plan and liaising with the relevant persons, departments, firms, and ministries as needed in order to initiate and successfully execute the construction components for this program (including two new buildings and renovation to the existing hospital layout and facilities to more effectively manage the flow of OPD patients and drugs/supplies, as well as the rehabilitation and re-design the psychology department at the Mental Health Hospital for use as a rehabilitation and occupational therapy centre). • Liaise with the Hospital Director, department heads, and senior program staff to (1) ensure that efficient, transparent systems are in place for smooth running of administrative, operations and management departments at MHH and SMC; (2) provide supportive feedback to build their capacity in making long-term principled decisions regarding management and budgetary issues according to best practices and industry standards; and (3) ensure the evaluation and capacity building of all national staff under his/her overall supervision. • Work closely with the MoPH, MoHE, donor, and hospital staff to ensure that measures are taken to streamline and improve staff attitudes, skills and practices; patient care standards; staff motivation, morale and retention at the MHH and SMC; and to prevent and/or end harmful or abusive practices that are against international standards and best practice. • Ensure that staff attitudes and knowledge, particularly at Substance Misuse Centre, are enhanced through exposure to alternative models of care, additional training and professional development, and adequate supervision and monitoring in accordance with the program objectives. • Ensure that program activities are carried out to reduce the stigma and discrimination towards patients and families affected by mental health conditions and substance misuse in the broader public and local community in accordance with the program objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS
• 7-10+ years in management and administration of psychiatric hospital, preferably in Afghanistan or other developing context
• Experience overseeing and successfully completing hospital construction projects within budgetary, time and scope restrictions, preferably in a low-resource setting
• Post-graduate degree in engineering, management, administration, or related field, preferably with psychiatric or other relevant specialization within the health sciences
• Ability to perform well under pressure and to maintain effective interactions with others on a large number of issues within a multi-disciplinary and complex environment.
• Proficiency in skills required to carry out the responsibilities and duties of the position, including the ability to analyze and exchange information, process paperwork, monitor/control performance, plan/co-ordinate, motivate staff, and manage conflict.
• Experience and ability to work effectively in Afghanistan and in cross-cultural settings required

LANGUAGES • Fluency in Farsi/Dari, Pashtu, or other relevant language preferred but not required

CONDITIONS

• Accommodation, food and transportation provided by the organization • Medical Evacuation service and competitive benefits provided by the organization • Further information regarding security and situation on the field available during the interview process • While performing duties of the job, the employee frequently works in precarious and remote places. The employee is usually employed in areas of civil strife, which often result in an unstable security environment.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

To officially begin the application process, please visit our website athttp://careers.internationalmedicalcorps.org/careers.aspx

And complete the online employment application form.