Mental Health Specialist (OSS) at Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi) – Apply Now

 

Are you a mental health professional passionate about psychosocial support, community health, and improving the well-being of vulnerable populations? Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi) is currently recruiting qualified candidates for the position of Mental Health Specialist (OSS). This opportunity is ideal for professionals with experience in mental health programming, counseling, psychosocial support services, and public health interventions.

The successful candidate will contribute to the implementation of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services within AHNi's health programs, ensuring that beneficiaries receive quality mental health care and support services. AHNi is a leading indigenous non-profit organization that provides technical assistance for health and development programs across Nigeria.

Job Overview

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Position: Mental Health Specialist (OSS)

Organization: Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi)

Employment Type: Full-Time / Consultancy

Sector: Mental Health, Public Health, HIV Programs, Psychosocial Support

Location: Nigeria

The Mental Health Specialist will support the integration of mental health and psychosocial support services into community and facility-based health interventions. The role focuses on improving access to mental health services, strengthening referral pathways, supporting case management, and ensuring the delivery of quality psychosocial care to clients and beneficiaries.

About AHNi

Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi) is an indigenous nonprofit organization established in 2009 to support health and development initiatives across Nigeria. AHNi works closely with government institutions, development partners, and communities to implement programs focused on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, public health, health systems strengthening, and community development. The organization has a presence across Nigeria's geopolitical zones and continues to support interventions aimed at improving health outcomes and quality of life.

Key Responsibilities

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services

The successful candidate will:

• Provide technical support for mental health and psychosocial support activities.
• Facilitate psychosocial assessments and mental health screenings.
• Support counseling and referral services for clients.
• Strengthen community-based mental health interventions.
• Promote access to mental health care and support systems.

Program Implementation

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting implementation of MHPSS interventions.
• Ensuring adherence to national and international mental health guidelines.
• Assisting in integrating mental health services into existing health programs.
• Supporting community outreach and awareness campaigns.
• Monitoring service delivery quality and effectiveness.

Capacity Building and Mentorship

The Mental Health Specialist will:

• Train healthcare workers and community volunteers.
• Support mentorship activities related to psychosocial support.
• Strengthen the capacity of partner organizations and service providers.
• Promote best practices in mental health service delivery.

Case Management and Referrals

The role also involves:

• Supporting client-centered case management approaches.
• Facilitating referrals for specialized care where necessary.
• Monitoring client follow-up and treatment adherence.
• Strengthening referral networks among service providers.

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Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

Responsibilities include:

• Collecting and analyzing mental health program data.
• Supporting documentation and reporting activities.
• Contributing to program evaluations and assessments.
• Ensuring accurate reporting of service delivery indicators.
• Supporting continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Qualifications and Requirements

Interested candidates should possess:

• Bachelor's Degree in:

  • Psychology
  • Psychiatry
  • Social Work
  • Public Health
  • Nursing
  • Counseling
  • Mental Health or related fields

• A Master's Degree in Mental Health, Clinical Psychology, Public Health, or a related discipline will be an added advantage.

• Relevant professional certifications and licenses where applicable.

Experience Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Experience in mental health programming and psychosocial support.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations and community-based interventions.
• Knowledge of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) frameworks.
• Experience supporting HIV/AIDS, TB, or public health programs.
• Familiarity with donor-funded health projects and NGO environments.
• Experience conducting counseling, referrals, and case management activities.

Required Skills and Competencies

Successful candidates should possess:

Technical Skills

• Mental health assessment and screening.
• Counseling and psychosocial support.
• Case management and referral systems.
• Community engagement and outreach.
• Monitoring and evaluation.
• Data collection and reporting.

Professional Skills

• Strong communication skills.
• Empathy and interpersonal effectiveness.
• Problem-solving abilities.
• Team collaboration and coordination.
• Ability to work in multicultural environments.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.

Why Work with AHNi?

Working with AHNi offers professionals the opportunity to contribute to impactful public health and development programs across Nigeria.

Benefits include:

• Experience working with a respected health-focused nonprofit organization.
• Opportunity to support vulnerable populations.
• Professional growth and learning opportunities.
• Exposure to donor-funded health programs.
• Collaboration with experienced public health professionals.
• Meaningful contribution to community well-being and mental health services.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is suitable for:

• Clinical Psychologists
• Mental Health Specialists
• Psychosocial Support Officers
• Social Workers
• Counselors
• Public Health Professionals
• Community Health Practitioners
• NGO Health Program Staff

Professionals passionate about mental health advocacy, psychosocial support, and community health are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Process

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications according to the instructions provided in the official vacancy announcement.

Applicants should ensure their CV highlights relevant experience in mental health services, counseling, psychosocial support, case management, and community health interventions.

Early application is highly recommended due to the competitive nature of NGO sector opportunities.

Interested and qualified candidates should send their detailed Resume and a one-page Cover Letter as one (1) MS Word document explaining suitability for the position to the “PCT Unit” via: gf_advert@ahnigeria.org using their Full Name, the Job Title and Location as the subject of the mail. (e.g., “OKEY MUSA ADEOYE, Logistics Technician – Lagos”).

Note

• Candidates are advised to provide three professional referees with email addresses and phone numbers.
• Eligible female applicants are encouraged to apply. AHNI is an equal-opportunity employer (EOE)
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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Final Thoughts

The Mental Health Specialist (OSS) position at AHNi presents an excellent opportunity for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in mental health and psychosocial support programming.

By joining AHNi, successful candidates will contribute to strengthening mental health services, improving client outcomes, and supporting vulnerable communities through evidence-based interventions and compassionate care. If you are passionate about mental health, public health, and social impact, this role could be an important step in your professional journey.