MHPSS Consultant Opportunity - Evaluation of JPF Funded Project

1. Background

Japan Platform (JPF) is an international aid organization that supports humanitarian responses through a unique tripartite cooperation model with NGOs, the business community, and the Government of Japan. Since its founding, JPF has supported over 1,800 projects in more than 50 countries.

In Lebanon, JPF funds a project addressing the health and psychosocial needs of vulnerable communities, including Palestine and Syrian refugees. An evaluation is planned to assess the project’s effectiveness, accountability mechanisms, and learning processes.

Implemented in refugee camps since September 2024, the project includes child psychiatry, psychosocial support, and community outreach through trained Mental Health Promoters. To evaluate the quality, relevance, and sustainability of its MHPSS components, JPF is seeking an MHPSS Expert to contribute technical insight and recommendations aligned with international humanitarian standards.

2. Main Objective of the Project Evaluation:

The main objective of the project evaluation includes;

• Verifying adherence to humanitarian principles and standards.
• Ensuring adherence to project proposal.
• Analyzing project impact.
• Understanding beneficiary satisfaction.
• Providing feedback for project improvement.
• Documenting lessons learned.
• Evaluating the coordination with implementing partners.
• Evaluating the accountability mechanisms in place.

3. Scope of Work
The MHPSS Expert will support a planned project evaluation by assessing the relevance, quality, and sustainability of MHPSS interventions at both individual and community levels. This includes reviewing clinical and outreach services, evaluating the Mental Health Promoter model, and analyzing service accessibility, coordination, and outcomes. The consultant will also examine safeguarding practices, beneficiary satisfaction, and the integration of feedback mechanisms, while identifying key lessons learned and providing recommendations for future improvements.

4. Key Responsibilities
The MHPSS Expert will work closely with JPF’s evaluation team to review the design, delivery, and outcomes of the project’s MHPSS components. Responsibilities include contributing to tool development, conducting a desk review, participating in interviews (KIIs and IDIs) and focus groups, assessing community-based mental health activities, and evaluating gender, safeguarding, and ethical practices. The consultant will analyze findings, support reporting, and provide recommendations to strengthen future MHPSS programming.

5. Deliverables
The MHPSS Expert will contribute to the development of evaluation tools and the field visit agenda, support sampling and data collection, and analyze findings. Key deliverables include raw data and structured notes, inputs to the final evaluation report with practical recommendations, and participation in debriefings with JPF and stakeholders.

6. Schedule
The evaluation is expected to take place in late July or early August 2025, with flexibility required based on security conditions and implementing partner availability. Field visits will occur in Beirut and at implementing partner centers near Saida and Beddawi (outside the camps), as well as inside Shatila camp. The assignment will require a total of 10 consultancy days: 2 days of preparation, 5 days of fieldwork, and 3 days for reporting and debriefing.

7. Skills, Experience and Knowledge:

• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the values and principles of Japan Platform (JPF), including accountability, and ethical humanitarian action.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in the field of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), including both clinical/therapeutic practice and community-based psychosocial support in humanitarian or crisis-affected settings.
• Proven knowledge and practical experience in child and family mental health interventions, preferably including structured psychiatric or psychological consultation models, as well as outreach or peer-led approaches.
• Familiarity with the specific challenges and service gaps faced by Palestinian refugee communities in Lebanon, particularly within camp settings.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting evaluations or assessments related to MHPSS, including tool development, data analysis, and technical report writing.
• Strong understanding of humanitarian standards and guidelines relevant to MHPSS, including the IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings, Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), and Sphere standards.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, clinical social work, psychiatry, or a closely related discipline.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and writing skills, with the ability to translate complex findings into actionable recommendations.
• High level of computer literacy and proficiency in using digital tools for data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and adapt to shifting schedules in a complex operating environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders including community members, field staff, and technical teams.
• Fluency in Arabic and English is required.