Iyad Żaqout
Psychiatrist
Cairo,Cairo
Summary
Senior MHPSS specialist with 24 years of experience in mental health programming across health, education,protection, and gender fields. Skilled in leading cross-cutting hybrid research initiatives, developing strategic partnerships, and implementing evidence-based approaches. Expertise in resource mobilization and capacity building ensures effective program delivery in complex humanitarian contexts. Experienced with IASC Guidelines implementation and training, including EQUIP training.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Head, Education Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Unit
UNRWA
Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestine
2018.09 - Current
- Led the creation of yearly operational plans for MHPSS initiatives, enhancing program effectiveness and ensuring alignment with IASC Guidelines, resulting in improved mental health outcomes for around 190,000 students and their families
- Supervised and evaluated 250 school counselors and 22 School MHPSS Specialists, improving service delivery and professional development, reaching out to 291 schools with 10,000 teachers and 500 school principals and deputies
- Coordinated with UN/NGOs and public sector partners, fostering partnerships and enhancing service reach and quality, increasing service coverage
Co-Lead MHPSS Technical Workgroup
Intersectoral Workgroup
Gaza, Gaza Strip
2023.02 - 2024.09
- Crafted a framework to streamline MHPSS TWG activities, enhancing coordination and efficiency, resulting in improved service delivery
- Established a forum for humanitarian MHPSS partners, fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, increasing engagement by more than 50%
- Facilitated the integration of IASC Guidelines, ensuring compliance and quality standards, leading to improved mental health outcomes for beneficiaries, including training partners on EQUIP tools
Internal MHPSS Expert (seconded)
UNRWA HeadQuarters Amman
Amman, Jordan
2020.03 - 2020.11
- Led virtual training and supervisory initiatives for Temporary Staff Counselors, enhancing their skills and service delivery, resulting in improved mental health outcomes for HQ staff
- Facilitated online group sessions for frontline staff, providing essential support and guidance, which increased engagement and effectiveness in their roles
- Collaborated with international experts to create guidelines and assist social workers interacting with COVID-19 affected individuals, contributing to the Social Work Reform at UNRWA
- Helped in social work reform through development of relevant job descriptions, professional guidelines, reporting formats and case management system using Primero
Senior Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Specialist
UNRWA
Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestine
2015.09 - 2018.08
- Oversaw MHPSS and protection services delivery, conducting field visits, evaluations, and interventions, resulting in improved mental health outcomes for beneficiaries
- Advised Area MHPSS Supervisors and led support initiatives and studies for UNRWA Departments, enhancing service delivery and professional development
- Spearheaded the development of MHPSS interventions, planning and overseeing training and research activities with an emphasis on evidence-based approaches, contributing to policy and guideline creation
- Accomplishment: developed the integration of mental health and psychosocial support services across all UNRWA sectors, including health, education, relief, and social services, impacting 80% of the Gaza population.
Manager for Community Mental Health Programme
UNRWA
Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestine
2006.10 - 2015.08
- Spearheaded the planning and management of the community mental health program, optimizing program effectiveness and ensuring adherence to evidence-based practices, impacting 80% of the Gaza population.
- Oversaw and coordinated training and research initiatives, leading to enhanced service delivery and professional development for approximately 300 mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) staff.
- Developed and managed the production of training materials, providing guidance on non-governmental organization (NGO) selection and coordinating program activities to ensure successful implementation in collaboration with approximately 80 partners, including NGOs, international NGOs (INGOs), UN agencies, and other public sector entities
Mental Health Programme Manager
International Medical Corps
Ampara, Sri Lanka
2005.09 - 2006.09
- Supported mental health services in Sri Lanka, through, integrating mental healthcare into primary care to improve access and quality for approximately 1.8 million residents. Developed and delivered training materials and courses to build mental health capacity among 600 healthcare workers, thereby enhancing service delivery. Collaborated with health organizations on relief efforts, developing projects and proposals to expand and improve mental health program reach and effectiveness.
- Established and maintained mental health services in Sri Lanka, integrating mental health into primary health care, improving service accessibility and quality for almost 1.8 million inhabitants.
- Developed and delivered training manuals and courses, building mental health skills for health workers, enhancing their capacity and service delivery covering around 600 health staff
- Liaised with health organizations for relief efforts, developing projects and proposals for mental health services, increasing program reach and effectiveness
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
GCMHP
Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestine
2003.11 - 2005.08
- Designed research plans for monitoring therapeutic processes and training outcomes, enhancing evidence-based practices and improving program effectiveness
- Authored comprehensive evaluation research reports for research and training departments, providing critical feedback and recommendations for program improvement
- Implemented data-driven strategies to optimize therapeutic processes, resulting in improved mental health outcomes and increased program efficiency offering service to thousands of Palestinian patients
Crisis Intervention Project Coordinator, Mental Health Specialist
GCMHP
Gaza, Gaza Strip, Palestine
2000.11 - 2003.11
- Led mental health initiatives for Palestinian survivors, improving mental health outcomes, through home, hospital, and clinical visits
- Delivered public mental health education campaigns, reaching thousands of individuals and increasing awareness on mental health
- Developed mental health awareness materials and managed project and report writing, enhancing program effectiveness and service reach by 30%
Education
M.D. - Psychiatry, Research
Suez Canal University, Medical School
Ismailia, IS 2002.11 - 2004.11
Postgraduate Diploma - Community Mental Health
Gaza Community Mental Health Programme
Gaza 1999.01 - 2001.01
M.D. - Medcine
Hacettepe Medical School
Ankara 1989.10 - 1997.10
Skills
Capacity Building Psychosocial Support Mental Health Programming Project Management Specialized Interventions Emergency and Risk Management Case Management Leadership Communication
Timeline
Co-Lead MHPSS Technical Workgroup
Intersectoral Workgroup
2023.02 - 2024.09
Internal MHPSS Expert (seconded)
UNRWA HeadQuarters Amman
2020.03 - 2020.11
Head, Education Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Unit
UNRWA
2018.09 - Current
Senior Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Specialist
UNRWA
2015.09 - 2018.08
Manager for Community Mental Health Programme
UNRWA
2006.10 - 2015.08
Mental Health Programme Manager
International Medical Corps
2005.09 - 2006.09
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
GCMHP
2003.11 - 2005.08
M.D. - Psychiatry, Research
Suez Canal University, Medical School
2002.11 - 2004.11
Crisis Intervention Project Coordinator, Mental Health Specialist
GCMHP
2000.11 - 2003.11
Postgraduate Diploma - Community Mental Health
Gaza Community Mental Health Programme
1999.01 - 2001.01
M.D. - Medcine
Hacettepe Medical School
1989.10 - 1997.10