Programme Management Specialist (Psycho-Social Support) - Retainer

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Specialist (Social Protection and Cash Programming) who oversees LIFT Social Protection portfolio and in accordance with UNOPS policies, procedures and practices, the post holder shall work on the following tasks:   

Support the quality and effectiveness of LIFT-supported interventions 

• Provide advice  and support LIFT’s implementing partners to address psycho-social services in the design, implementation and evaluation phases of projects; 

• Provide advice, training, and awareness-raising for LIFT FMO staff and consultants as well as implementing partners;

• Provide advice and support for LIFT-funded projects to integrate psycho-social support services into monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning plans; 

• Provide advice and support the preparation of appraisals of project proposals that include psycho-social services. 

Strategic direction and planning 

• Advise and support the analysis and direction setting of LIFT’s psycho-social support work, with particular consideration to multi-sectoral progress, inter-agency collaboration, and advocacy; 

• Liaise closely with relevant colleagues in LIFT and in key social protection partner agencies (e.g., UNICEF, UNFPA, Save the Children) and CSOs, including women organizations,  as well as with inter-agency coordination efforts, such as the UN MHPSS Working Group;  

• Provide guidance and support the development of a learning agenda for psycho-social services in conflict-affected areas;  

• Develop documents for and input to LIFT’s planning processes in social protection, including written briefings;  

• Liaise closely with the other Funds (Access to Health, HARP, MHF, JPF) to maximise synergy and coherence. 

Research and Advocacy 

• Contribute to the development, implementation, and/or review of LIFT-supported research concerning psycho-social issues and trends in Myanmar;  

• Provide on request updates to the FMO and FB about psycho-social related trends, including mapping and tracking psycho-social services provided by other actors in Myanmar;  

• In collaboration with the social protection, policy, M&E and communication units, support the development and dissemination of key psycho-social related lessons for key stakeholders based on LIFT’s portfolio of psycho-social support services. 

• Engage with other psycho-social and social protection service providers to share technical expertise and information;

• In collaboration with LIFT’s social protection and policy team, contribute to the development and implementation of LIFT’s psycho-social advocacy efforts in Myanmar. 

Methodology and Deliverables 

The retainer will receive a task note each time a requirement is identified. The Task note will specify the dates, duration, and deliverables.

• A Master's degree in Clinical Counseling, Social Work,Psychology, or a subject relevant to the ToR is required.
• Additional two years of similar experience with a Bachelor’s Degree is considered equivalent. 

Work Experience 

• A minimum of 5 years professional experience in psycho-social related services is required; 

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of gender-sensitive psycho-social programme development and implementation is required; 

• Professional experience and an understanding of psycho-social services in conflict and disaster situations is required;

• Proven track record of producing high quality written reports and other materials pertaining to psycho-social support services is an asset; 

• Demonstrated ability to work with and influence advocacy efforts is an asset, preferably in social protection and psycho-social support services;  

• Experience in social protection and psycho-social services advocacy analysis and engagement is preferred; 

• Experience working with a wide range of service providers and local partners is preferred. 

Language  

• Excellent skills in both written and spoken Burmese are essential, good English writing and spoken skills are important.