Mental Health Coordinator

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is the United States’ primary foreign assistance agency. Over its 60 year history the Agency has supported long-term and equitable economic growth, health, democracy, conflict prevention and humanitarian assistance throughout low and middle-income countries. The need for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services is at a critical level. More than 80 percent of individuals with mental health disorders worldwide do not receive the treatment they need despite the evidence that effective interventions can be delivered appropriately.  Many factors that predispose individuals to mental health issues, such as poverty, poor physical health, stigma and discrimination, and exposure to violence, are widespread in countries where USAID works. Furthermore, USAID has a wide range of programs in health, education, preventing gender-based violence, strengthening families, employment, promoting early childhood development and more where addressing mental health concerns contributes to positive outcomes, and conversely, not addressing mental health concerns can limit the effectiveness of the programs.

USAID has decided to engage an expert to serve as the Agency’s Mental Health Coordinator to oversee implementation of the forthcoming Mental Health Policy; assist the Agency in strengthening and integrating evidence-based mental health practices across our programs; and lead engagement with global partners, partner governments, donors, philanthropy, and local organizations, to strengthen local leadership of mental health efforts, and reduce stigmatization of mental health conditions. The Coordinator is the most senior official at the Agency responsible for mental health programming. The Coordinator is an experienced expert in the field of global mental health, with strong mental health technical expertise, as well as field experience leading global health or development programs, and will assist USAID in the full range of strategic, policy, planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation responsibilities across sectors when integrating mental health into programs.  

The duration of the contract period is anticipated to be one, two-year, base period with three optional one-year periods for a maximum duration of five years in total.

The solicitation will be published on System for Award Management (SAM).  Interested parties are advised to periodically monitor this website for updates on this potential opportunity.