About Mari Research and Development

Mari Research and Development is a non-for-profit civil society organization operating in northeast Syria. It was established in 2018 and registered in Canada, France and Erbil.

In 2018, a group of educated, dynamic and like-minded youth working in the development sector got together to establish an organization for addressing the most urgent and pressing needs of people in Syria. MRD seeks to build a stable and just society where peace and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms prevail.

Objective of the Position:

The MHPSS Expert at MRD will be responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing mental health and psychosocial support programs. This role involves providing technical guidance, building capacity, and coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure effective MHPSS interventions and services.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Program Development and Planning:
   • Develop and design MHPSS programs and initiatives in line with MRD’s mission and strategic goals.
   • Conduct needs assessments to identify mental health and psychosocial issues and develop responsive strategies.
   • Create annual and monthly work plans and determine the necessary resources to achieve set objectives.
2. Program Implementation:
   • Provide technical support and oversight for the implementation of MHPSS projects.
   • Ensure quality and timely delivery of MHPSS services, including counseling, group therapy, and community-based support.
   • Organize and conduct awareness sessions and educational campaigns on mental health and psychosocial well-being.
3. Case Management:
   • Supervise and support case management processes to ensure appropriate and timely assistance to individuals in need.
   • Maintain accurate and confidential records of cases, adhering to data protection standards.
   • Develop and implement case management protocols and guidelines.
4. Coordination and Partnerships:
   • Collaborate closely with local and international partners to strengthen MHPSS response and services.
   • Participate in coordination meetings and relevant networks or clusters.
   • Foster relationships with stakeholders, including community leaders, NGOs, and governmental bodies.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation:
   • Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation tools to assess program effectiveness.
   • Regularly review and analyze data to inform program adjustments and improvements.
   • Prepare periodic reports outlining progress, challenges, and achievements.
6. Advocacy and Capacity Building:
   • Advocate for the importance of mental health and psychosocial support at various forums.
   • Provide training and capacity-building workshops for staff, partners, and community members on MHPSS principles and best practices.
   • Support the development of advocacy materials and campaigns.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Education: Advanced degree in Psychology, Social Work, Mental Health, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in MHPSS programming, preferably in humanitarian or development settings.
• Skills:
  • In-depth knowledge of MHPSS principles and international standards.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and training skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to work independently and manage remote teams.
  • Proficiency in Arabic and English