The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities that support them, as well as with those who remain within their homes and communities. At-work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. IRC leads the way from harm to home. Began work in Ethiopia, 1999 in response to severe drought that happened in Ethiopia’s Somali region. Currently, providing assistance in ten different regions implementing emergency and development programs in health, water and sanitation, economic recovery and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment, education, child protection, and multi-sectoral emergency response. 

The IRC has a focus on narrowing the gender gap in humanitarian aid and ensuring that we contribute to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in both our programs and operations by working to establish a context where our clients (including those from minority groups) enjoy the same rights and opportunities as well as an equal access to services. The IRC also has a strong commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive culture, where safeguarding is upheld in our workplace and programs. We are determined to protect our clients and staff from safeguarding violations through prevention and, where misconduct is alleged, to address it without fear or favor.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of Senior HO, the MHPSSO role involves designing and implementing tailored MHPSS interventions for refugees, including counseling, psychoeducation, and support groups. It also includes training and mentoring frontline workers in psychosocial support and trauma-informed care. Additionally, the position focuses on integrating MHPSS across sectors, including but not limited to the responsibilities outlined below.

• Design, implement, and monitor MHPSS interventions tailored to the needs of refugees, including Psychological First Aid (PFA), group and individual psychoeducation, mental health awareness sessions, support group sessions, and individual counseling.

• Train and mentor frontline workers, community volunteers, and other staff on basic psychosocial support skills, PFA and trauma-informed care.

• Conduct needs assessments and contributes to the development of context-specific MHPSS strategies.

• Collaborate with Health, Protection, WASH and Education teams to integrate MHPSS into broader programming, using the MHPSS-MSP.

• Support in the establishment of referral pathways for individuals requiring specialized mental health services or other services. 

• Ensure culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approaches in all activities.

• Follow up on the collection of MHPSS specific data and do analysis for informed decision-making during project implementation period.

• Represent the organization in coordination forums, advocate for the MHPSS needs and liaise with relevant stakeholders.

Safeguarding responsibilities 

• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion in IRC [team/office]

• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies

Job Requirements

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related field

Relevant work experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience in MHPSS programming, preferably in humanitarian or refugee settings.

• Trained in basic psychosocial support such as PSS, PFA and stress management, evidence based psychological interventions such as gPM+, IPT-G, SH+, PIPA and mhGAP.

• Proven experience in providing training and capacity building. 

• Strong understanding of IASC MHPSS guidelines and WHO mental health standards.

• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.

• Fluency in English language is mandatory and Amharic and local language is a plus.

• Experience in working with refugees, IDPs and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).

• Familiarity with PSS activities in safe spaces, multi-sectoral assessment and coordination systems 

• Knowledge of local mental health services and cultural practices.

How To Apply

Candidates meeting the above qualifications are encouraged to apply only through the below IRC On-line recruitment website: 

IRC Career Site: THIS LINK

Please include 3 references from current and former employers.

Applications will not be returned. IRC discourages phone calls or personal visits.

Only applicants meeting the minimum qualification will be short listed and contacted.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Your application letter/cover letter must include the following information. 

• Name of the position you have applied for 

• Date of application 

• Summary of  your qualifications and experience 

• Motivation/objective of why you have applied for the job

• Permanent Address and present address (if different from permanent) and telephone number if possible also email address 

• Disclose any family relationships with existing IRC employees. 

Disclaimer: - Please note that IRC will never request applicants or candidates to make any form of payment at any stage of the recruitment process. 

IRC is an equal employment opportunity employer.  IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.

IRC strives to build a diverse and inclusive team at all levels who as individuals, and as a group, embody our culture statement creating a working environment characterized by critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity for us to achieve our aspirations as a team and deliver the best possible services to our clients. 

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits and allowances. \

Job Requirements Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or in a related field of study with relevant work experience Duties & Responsibilities: - Train and mentor frontline workers, community volunteers, and other staff on basic psychosocial support skills, PFA and trauma-informed care. - Ensure culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approaches in all activities. - Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion in IRC [team/office] How to Apply Apply using the provided link below