APA and the International Union of Psychological Science (IUPsyS) invite applications for the APA-IUPsyS Global Mental Health Fellowship with the World Health Organization.
Deadline:
Intent of the Fellowship
The APA-IUPsyS Global Mental Health Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for a psychologist to collaborate with World Health Organization (WHO) staff in the Mental Health Unit of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Use (MSD) for a period of one year. The fellow will focus on one or more issues related to the WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan, 2013-30, which aims to promote mental well-being, prevent mental disorders, provide care, enhance recovery, promote human rights, and reduce the mortality, morbidity, and disability for persons with mental disorders.
For more information on WHO MSD’s mental health work, please visit the website.
The fellowship intends to benefit both WHO and the participating fellow, who will gain exposure to WHO policies, programs, and interventions. Accordingly, the fellowship will:
- provide psychologists with exposure to and involvement with WHO’s mental health work, particularly those who would not otherwise have similar opportunities.
- contribute to effective use of psychological knowledge and research pertinent to global mental health activities, such as those described in WHO’s 2022 World Mental Health Report.
The focus of the fellow’s activities will be on supporting research and program activities that address one or more of the priorities of the WHO Mental Health Unit, such as:
- Suicide prevention
- Community mental health services
- Child and adolescent mental health
- Integration of mental health in general healthcare
- Scalable psychological interventions, including digital interventions
- Mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian emergencies (including preparedness and disaster risk management, response, recovery, and building back better)
- Workforce development in mental health, including pre-service education for non-specialists
Working Arrangements
After selection, the fellow’s specific activities will be identified in a work plan, developed in discussion with the WHO Mental Health Unit, APA, and IUPsyS.
Funding
The fellowship carries a stipend of USD $22,000 for a 12-month fellowship period. It is anticipated that the work to be completed under the auspices of the fellowship will be conducted at the fellow’s home institution, following an orientation visit at WHO in Geneva, Switzerland. There will likely also be one or two additional brief periods in Geneva or elsewhere in the world if needed. Upon selection, the fellow will be engaged under a contract that specifies the work plan, timeline, stipend, and expense allowances. Additional funds of up to USD $8,000 will be provided for travel related to the work plan.
Eligibility
The applicant must:
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be an APA member or have applied for APA membership at the time of application (International affiliate members are also eligible.)
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hold a doctoral degree that is:
- in a clinical area of psychology, typically clinical, counseling, or school psychology
- from a legitimate, nationally recognized, academic institution (evaluated by the selection committee)
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have received their doctoral degree by the time they submit their application for the fellowship
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be a psychologist of any career level with demonstrated research experience and leadership in at least one of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse priority areas indicated in the description
Preference will be given to early- or mid-career applicants with 2 or more years of experience following receipt of their doctorate.
Applicants may be based in any country. The fellowship year is anticipated to begin in the last quarter of 2023. The start of the fellowship year will be determined in consultation and agreement between the fellow, WHO, and the sponsoring organizations.
APA and IUPsyS may invite finalists to an interview prior to submitting recommendations to WHO. WHO will make the final decision on the selection of the fellow.
How to Apply
The application deadline is April 14, 2023, at midnight EST.
A complete application must include the following:
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a completed online application, which will require uploading the following information:
- personal statement outlining the applicant’s experience, expertise, and interest as they relate to the goals of the program;
- curriculum vitae;
- a statement from the applicant’s employer confirming support for fellowship activities, including recognition of the 20–30 percent of professional time needed for research and program work, as well as travel to Geneva for orientation and to Geneva or elsewhere for tasks specified in the work plan.
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three letters of recommendation, which must be distinct from the confirmation of employer support: Referees should be asked to address the applicant’s goodness of fit with the goals of the program, with reference to clinical and research expertise, experience, and personal suitability for the fellowship. Applicants are responsible for forwarding the recommendation submission form to their recommenders.
Notification
Applicants will be notified of the fellowship decision by June 30, 2023.
The application deadline is April 14, 2023, midnight EST. The Global Mental Health Fellowship application form may be accessed here.