VACANCY – Mental Health Officer

COUNTRY PROGRAM MISSION:

Alight Rwanda, formerly known as the American Refugee Committee, has been a key player in delivering impactful humanitarian programs since 1994. Operating in all five refugee camps in Rwanda, Alight provides integrated services in protection, health, livelihoods, and community development. The organization has pioneered initiatives like the SASA! methodology to promote gender equality, reduce GBV, and empower vulnerable populations. By fostering resilience and innovation, Alight Rwanda continues to make meaningful and sustainable contributions to refugee and host communities.

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The Mental Health Officer will oversee and coordinate mental health interventions within a project, ensuring individuals receive the necessary care and support. In addition, the officer will train health-related staff in mental health. This role involves integrating mental health services into the project's protection goals, providing direct care, managing crises, and advocating for clients' mental health needs. The officer will uphold clients' rights and ensure they have access to appropriate care, particularly for those in vulnerable situations.

MAJOR AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY

Key Responsibilities of the Mental Health Officer

Mental Health Intervention and Care:

• Provide direct mental health nursing services to individuals, including assessment, diagnosis, and care planning.
• Deliver therapeutic interventions such as counseling, crisis intervention, and psychoeducation.
• Administer medications and monitor patients for side effects, progress, and compliance.
• Ensure all interventions are client-centered and culturally sensitive.

 Coordination of Care:

• Collaborate with visiting specialists, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and other healthcare professionals, to ensure integrated care and support for individuals with mental health needs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for mental health-related referrals and consultations within the project.
• Track and report the progress of clients and refer individuals to specialized services when necessary.
• Integration with Broader Protection Goals:
• Ensure mental health activities are aligned with and support the project’s overarching protection objectives.
• Actively participate in project meetings to ensure that mental health considerations are incorporated into planning and implementation strategies.
• Educate project team members on mental health issues and the importance of integrated care.
•  Monitoring and Evaluation:
• Regularly assess the effectiveness of mental health interventions and document outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes.
• Provide reports on mental health service provision, challenges, and recommendations to the project management team.
• Training and Capacity Building:
• Provide training and support to project staff on mental health issues, identification, and appropriate response techniques.
• Assist in developing mental health training materials and resources for staff and community stakeholders.
• Raise awareness about mental health needs within the broader project team and local community.
• Advocacy and Client Support:
• Advocate for the rights of individuals with mental health concerns, ensuring they receive appropriate services and support.
• Offer ongoing emotional and social support to clients, helping them navigate the challenges related to mental health issues.

Multidisciplinary Teamwork:

Works alongside other healthcare professionals in multidisciplinary teams to address complex client issues. This collaborative approach ensures a holistic understanding of the client’s needs and facilitates comprehensive care.

Community Education and Awareness:

In collaboration with the Community Health Department, organizes and conducts Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) sessions in the community and at health facilities. These sessions aim to raise awareness about psychosocial issues, their consequences, and available support services, ultimately reducing stigma and promoting mental health.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Recognized university Degree in Mental Health with full registration and current practicing license with the relevant professional body (Health professional council) 2-3 years of experience working in Mental Health nursing or related fields in Rwanda.
• Strong knowledge of mental health disorders, treatments, and interventions.
• Analytical and organizational skills/experience with health settings
• Strong report writing skills with proven organizational/multitasking skills.
• Ability to work within multidisciplinary teams and coordinate care effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide education and raise awareness
• Having the experience of working in humanitarian settings or remote area is a plus.
• Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda; proficiency in French or other local languages is an asset.

Additional Requirements

• Commitment to personally champion Alight’s Program vision and Mission and inspire others to do the same.
• A strong commitment to the principles of confidentiality, inclusivity, and gender equity.
• Initiative, resourcefulness and innovation.
• Willingness to work in remote and resource-constrained settings.
• Experience in conflict-sensitive programming is desirable.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

Interested and qualifying candidates should submit applications to ALIGHT Rwanda Executive Director – to include 1 page Cover Letter, an updated CV (max. 3 pages), and three names (plus titles & contacts) of relevant professional referees, to include most current Employer/ Supervisor ( All in one document) – to the following email address only: RWJobs@WEAREALIGHT.ORG with the position applied for CLEARLY indicated in the subject line. The deadline for submission of applications is January 23^rd, 2025 at 16:00hrs. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Alight is an Equal Opportunity Employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.  Alight complies with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.