Dutch Surge Support (DSS) is a programme that responds to requests from international humanitarian organisations. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) experts are deployed to assist in relief efforts for a few weeks up to several months during or after a humanitarian crisis. DSS MHPSS gives mental health and psychosocial support in armed conflict, refugee crises, and natural disasters. Would you like to assist in relief efforts?
DSS MHPSS Expert pool
We are looking for experts to support interagency coordination on MHPSS in humanitarian crises. Please register if you are considering working as an expert for DSS MHPSS. Expert tasks may include:
- set up, temporarily run or support (sub-)national MHPSS technical working groups,
- set up monitoring, evaluation and learning structures,
- conduct 4Ws mappings (Who is Where, When, doing What),
- make an MHPSS situational analysis of humanitarian response.
We will base requests for support upon the terms of references of the requesting organisations, where you can find specific requirements for each position. Language skills and knowledge of the local context are an asset. Before departure, experts need to sign the Code of Conduct and complete the following basic online courses provided by the United Nations:
- BSAFE safety course, and
- the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).
Sign up as an MHPSS expert
Are you an expert on MHPSS? Then sign up as an expert. If you register for the pool of experts, the database will store your CV and contact details. After your registration, you will receive information on our deployments and training courses.
The importance of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Crisis Situations
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Transcription
Imagine...
you live in a small town
You have lived here all your life
You don’t have much...
but it is enough
Suddenly, your whole life is swept away in an instant.
You have to run and even when you reach safety...
you can’t stop thinking about your losses.
It’s nearly impossible to imagine the future.
Of course you need food, water and a roof over your head...
butmpsychosocial support and perspective are just as important.
Support can take different shapes:
You may want to share your experiences.
Some people need special care.
Additional attention may help children...
to cope with their feelings...
to gain trust and make friends.
Extra measures can help you feel secure again.
Worldwide, almost seventy million people have been forcibly displaced.
The highest number in decades.
More than one in five people affected by conflict have a mental health condition.
They have lived through terrible experiences.
Together we can and must do better.
We need to combine our knowledge and strengths to give these people the urgent support they need.
Mental Health and Psychosocial support is a necessity in any humanitarian response.
Essential to rebuild lives and societies.
On AidData, you can find an overview of projects we carry out in development cooperation. You can filter by location, sector and programme, among others.
Compensations
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency will compensate for the expenses made by the experts. This includes:
- costs for flights (economy class, without upgrades),
- required vaccinations,
- a medical check if the requesting organisation requires one,
- accommodation (actual costs), and
- daily allowance for food and other expenses (DSA).
The daily fee is based on working experience, and the United Nations pay grade system. The maximum daily fee of €225 is for work and travel days. The fees per working day are:
- Junior: €110;
- Mid-level: €160;
- Senior: €225.
DSS MHPSS offers business insurance and psychosocial support before, during and after their deployment through the Antares Foundation.
International Organisations
International humanitarian organisations interested in deploying MHPSS experts can send an email.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs finances DSS MHPSS.
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency carries out the programme in close cooperation with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Reference Group on MHPSS in Emergency Settings.