Call for Applications: Training on Integrating MHPSS and Peacebuilding for MHPSS Roster Members

The MHPSS Surge Mechanism, managed by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deploys experienced MHPSS experts to support humanitarian response in crisis-affected contexts. As deployment contexts increasingly intersect with peacebuilding settings, including disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR), transitional justice, and community stabilisation, there is a growing need for MHPSS practitioners who can operate at the nexus of mental health, psychosocial support, and peacebuilding. This training is a joint initiative of the IASC Reference Group on MHPSS in Emergency Settings and RVO, and marks an important step in both building field capacity and advancing collective understanding of what integrated MHPSS and peacebuilding programming looks like in practice. This five-day in-person training aims to equip mid- to senior-level MHPSS specialists with the knowledge, frameworks, and practical skills needed to integrate MHPSS into peacebuilding programming. 

Course Dates and Location

The course will take place in The Hague from Monday 14 September to Friday 18 September 2026. More details regarding the programme and training venue will be shared with selected participants. 

Course Costs

Participation in the training is free of charge for selected participants. Travel and accommodation arrangements will be covered by the MHPSS Surge Mechanism (RVO), including flight costs, hotel (with breakfast), and lunch on training days. Additional costs such as visa costs, meals, travel to/from the airport, etc., are to be covered by the participants themselves.

Target Audience

This course is designed for mid- to senior-level MHPSS experts with previous MHPSS field experience in crisis contexts. A prerequisite for participation in the training is being a MHPSS Surge Mechanism roster member. In addition, candidates are expected to meet the following criteria: 

• Available and willing to commit to deployment on short notice via the MHPSS Surge Mechanism within the next 12 months (consultancy basis);

• A minimum of 5 years of country-level experience in MHPSS;

• Familiarity with the IASC Reference Group MHPSS tools and resources;

• Proficient in English;

• Desirable: working knowledge of Arabic, French, Portuguese, or Spanish;

• Able to travel to the Netherlands to participate in the training (a visa support letter will be provided);

• Willing to participate in a short online introductory meeting prior to the training (June/July, date t.b.c.) and in a knowledge exchange session after the training to share lessons learned (October/November, date t.b.c.)

Application Process 

Interested candidates should submit their CV and a letter of intent (max. half a page) to mhpss@rvo.nl by 17 May 2026 (23:59 CEST). The letter of intent should answer the following question: 

"How does your professional background prepare you for potential deployment in peacebuilding contexts, and how do you see this training contributing to your professional development?"

Candidates will be selected based on the criteria outlined above. A maximum of 25 participants can be accommodated. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the selection process after the deadline.

For further information regarding the training or the selection process, please contact the Netherlands Enterprise Agency at mhpss@rvo.nl. 

We strongly encourage a diverse set of candidates to apply, as we are committed to fostering gender diversity and inclusion in the MHPSS Surge Mechanism. Moreover, we stimulate national experts to become part of our database and to apply for vacancies. Please visit our website and become part of our network.

At RVO we are fully committed to creating a safe and respectful work environment. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment (PSEAH). All experts must adhere to the Code of Conduct, which outlines ethical standards and behaviors expected within our organization.