Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Field Officer

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Purpose

The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Field Officer implements Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) activities as defined in collaboration with the Team Leader at local and national level. S/he provides direct support to people affected by armed conflict and/or other situations of violence and/or trains, supervises others to do so. He/she will support planning, implementation and monitoring all MHPSS activities.

Accountabilities & functional responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and follows up on MHPSS activities aligned with the ICRC MHPSS guidelines and framework.


• Trains and supervises Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) staff/volunteers and other organizations/partners/teams as per the program’s strategy and Plan of Action.


• Organizes referrals of beneficiaries and performs case follow-up, when needed.


• Complying with ICRC standards, sets up culturally and context-appropriate monitoring and evaluation tools and ensures monitoring and regular data collection.


• Develops and maintains contacts with NRCS, health authorities, technical teams from other organizations, etc. as necessary.


• Creates and maintains direct links with MHPSS programs beneficiaries.


• Maintains regular communication with the Mental Health & psychological team and/or MHPSS Team Leader, providing information and programs updates.


• Collaborates effectively with other ICRC departments (Protection. EcoSec, health etc..) to ensure cross cutting, integrated and multidisciplinary approach.


• Identify key community actors and/or health staff who will benefit from mental health awareness, sensitisation and /or basic psychological and psychosocial support trainings, with the support of the MHPSS delegate.


• Ensure regular links with key actors and health facilities are maintained to ensure beneficiary identification and referral pathways are relevant and functional.


• Participate constructively in weekly supervision with the MHPSS TL and in peer supervision to foster an atmosphere of mutual support and learning within the ICRC MHPSS team.


• Provide and/or facilitate supportive and constructive coaching and supervision to NRCS and community psychosocial support volunteers to aid in their skills development

Desired profile and skills

• University degree in psychology, clinical psychology is preferable or licensed psychiatric nurse


• 2 to 5 years of overall professional experience with minimum 2 years’ experience in MHPSS programs.


• Experience in conducting training and supervision.


• Red Cross/Red Crescent experience is an asset.


• Clinical, psychosocial, and community-based experience.


• Confirmed computer user (Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)


• Fluent spoken and written English. Knowledge of local languages (Hausa).


• Practicing Licence


• Humanitarian experience is an asset.

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment.


• Competitive employment package with medical insurance and ICRC pension plan.


• In-house training opportunities for personal development.


• A full-time, fixed-term contract (1year – renewable).


• The opportunity to join an ICRC talent pool, be considered for future assignments elsewhere and experience different contexts, fields, and challenges.

Our values

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  At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.

  
  

People management responsibilities

No

Relationships

• Internally, interacts with ICRC staff related to the specific programme (Health team, Protection team, Physical Rehabilitation team, etc.).


• Externally, interacts with governmental authorities at various levels, local Red Cross/Crescent branches, institutional authorities, other local partners, specific population groups, suppliers, etc.