How to apply for Advisor, Global MHPSS TU, Intl - (5531)

About International Medical Corps

International Medical Corps is a global humanitarian nonprofit founded in 1984 by volunteer doctors and nurses. It delivers health care training, relief, and development programs in underserved communities worldwide. The organization is nonpolitical and nonsectarian, and it operates in more than 20 countries listed in this job posting.

About the role

The Advisor, Global MHPSS Technical Unit provides technical guidance for mental health and psychosocial support programs across International Medical Corps country offices. The role is remote but requires significant travel to country programs. This position shapes MHPSS strategy, supports field teams, and helps maintain quality across multiple humanitarian settings.

A typical day

A typical day might include a remote call with a country MHPSS team to review program quality, reviewing technical guidance or proposals, and coordinating with other technical units. The role also involves preparing for or traveling to a country program to provide in-person support. Exact daily tasks depend on the country programs and emergencies at the time.

Who International Medical Corps is looking for

• Has at least 5-7 years of experience in MHPSS program design and technical advisory roles, preferably in humanitarian or low-resource settings.
• Has worked with international NGOs or UN agencies and understands humanitarian coordination structures like the IASC MHPSS Reference Group.
• Is fluent in English and has strong cross-cultural communication skills; French, Arabic, or Spanish is an asset for the listed countries.
• Can travel frequently to insecure or remote locations and is comfortable working across time zones with country teams.

Tips for this application

• Tailor your CV to show MHPSS technical advisory work in at least three of the countries listed in the posting, such as Afghanistan, South Sudan, or Ukraine.
• Name the specific MHPSS frameworks you have used, such as IASC MHPSS guidelines or WHO mhGAP, in your resume and cover letter.
• State your language skills clearly, because the role covers francophone, arabophone, and anglophone country programs.
• Confirm you are eligible to work in one of the listed locations where International Medical Corps has a program office, since the posting says the candidate can be based there.
• Mention your willingness and ability to travel significantly, because the posting states this is a remote role with significant travel to country programs.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your direct experience providing MHPSS technical support to multiple country programs at the same time.', 'A specific example of how you improved MHPSS quality or capacity in a humanitarian setting.', 'Your familiarity with International Medical Corps program countries and the MHPSS needs in those contexts.', 'Your ability to work remotely and travel frequently to field locations as requested.']

Research before applying

• Read International Medical Corps MHPSS program pages and recent annual reports to understand their technical approach.
• Review the IASC MHPSS Reference Group and WHO mhGAP materials, since these are common standards in this field.
• Check the current humanitarian situation in the listed countries, especially those with active emergencies like Sudan, Ukraine, and Gaza.
• Look up International Medical Corps' presence and program offices in the country where you would be based.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How you would support MHPSS teams across 20+ countries with different cultures and security contexts.
• Your approach to remote technical supervision and quality assurance for field programs.
• How you have used IASC MHPSS guidelines or similar standards in past roles.
• How you handle travel to insecure environments and work with local partners.
• A time you adapted an MHPSS program to a new emergency or cultural setting.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying without showing direct MHPSS technical advisory experience across multiple countries.
• Ignoring the travel requirement or failing to state your ability to travel significantly.
• Using generic language about mental health without referencing humanitarian MHPSS frameworks or the specific countries in the posting.