Application Guide

How to Apply for Director, Mental Health Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Technical Lead- AEMEA Region

at Americares

🏢 About Americares

Americares is unique as a global health organization that combines disaster relief with ongoing health programs, reaching approximately 80 countries annually. Unlike many NGOs, it focuses on both emergency response and sustainable health access, making it an ideal workplace for those seeking to address both immediate crises and long-term community health needs.

About This Role

This role involves providing strategic technical leadership for Mental Health Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) programs across Asia, Eurasia, Middle East, and Africa, ensuring evidence-based approaches and quality implementation. It's impactful because you'll shape regional mental health strategies, develop training systems, and secure funding to expand MHPSS services in diverse, often underserved contexts.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing MHPSS program data from country teams in the Middle East, adapting a training module for local staff in Asia, and leading a proposal development meeting for a new donor opportunity. You could also be providing remote technical guidance to field teams responding to an acute crisis while planning a regional peer-learning workshop.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Americares Is Looking For

  • Has 8+ years of strategic MHPSS leadership in global organizations, with direct experience living or working extensively in AEMEA regions (e.g., managed programs in conflict-affected areas like Ukraine or Yemen)
  • Holds an advanced degree in psychology or public health and can demonstrate expertise in translating global MHPSS frameworks (like IASC guidelines) into localized, actionable plans
  • Has a proven track record of developing MHPSS proposals and securing funding from donors like USAID, ECHO, or UN agencies, with experience in adaptive management and outcomes monitoring
  • Is skilled in building multisectoral approaches, integrating MHPSS with health, protection, or education sectors in humanitarian settings

📝 Tips for Applying to Americares

1

Highlight specific AEMEA regional experience in your resume—mention countries where you've worked (e.g., 'Led MHPSS programs in Afghanistan and Kenya') and quantify impact (e.g., 'Trained 200 local staff in psychological first aid')

2

Tailor your cover letter to Americares' dual focus on disaster relief and everyday health; reference their work in recent crises (e.g., Türkiye earthquake response) and how your MHPSS expertise aligns

3

Include examples of developing standardized MHPSS tools or training packages in past roles, as this is a key responsibility in the job description

4

Demonstrate familiarity with adaptive management by describing a time you used monitoring data to adjust a program mid-implementation in a humanitarian context

5

If you have experience with Americares' key donors (e.g., U.S. government grants), explicitly mention this in your application materials

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience in AEMEA regions, emphasizing cultural competency and context adaptation of MHPSS programs', 'Examples of translating global MHPSS strategies into operational plans, such as developing a regional framework or mentoring local teams', 'Success in securing MHPSS funding, including proposal writing and donor engagement for organizations similar to Americares', "How your approach aligns with Americares' mission of combining disaster response with sustainable health programs"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Americares' recent MHPSS or health programs in AEMEA countries (e.g., their work in Ukraine, Pakistan floods, or Rohingya response)
  • → Study their annual reports and donor partnerships to understand funding sources and strategic priorities
  • → Explore their disaster response approach versus long-term health programs to grasp their dual operational model
  • → Look into their organizational structure to see how technical roles like this integrate with country teams
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe how you would adapt IASC MHPSS guidelines for a specific AEMEA country context, considering local cultural norms and resources
2 Walk us through your process for developing an outcomes framework for a new MHPSS program in a post-disaster setting
3 How would you build a peer-learning initiative for MHPSS staff across different countries in the AEMEA region?
4 Share an example of a multisectoral MHPSS approach you've implemented (e.g., integrating with health or protection services)
5 How would you identify and pursue new MHPSS funding opportunities for Americares in the AEMEA region?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without mentioning AEMEA regional experience or Americares' specific focus areas
  • Focusing only on clinical psychology expertise without demonstrating strategic leadership, proposal development, or multisectoral integration skills
  • Neglecting to show how your experience aligns with both humanitarian response and sustainable health programming

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Americares!

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