Mental Health and Psychological Support Field Officer (Psychologist) at ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross

Under the supervision/with the support of the MHPSS Delegate, the MHPSS Field Officer (a polyvalent role) is responsible for the implementation of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support programs in the Maiduguri Sub Delegation, being the focal person as FO for some projects/activities, as well as the backup person to support other projects/activities as needed according to MHPSS department work system and workload.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts needs assessments to identify the MHPSS needs, ensuring also a proper assessment/analysis of the field situation/context (e.g., health centers, communities, etc.), aiming to define and establish the required MHPSS interventions.
• Ensures effective and efficient implementation of the ICRC MHPSS programs in Borno State, including sexual violence (SV) as a transversal component in all the MHPSS programs.
• Collaborates and coordinates with the interlocutors and counterparts (NRCS, PHCCs, PRC, Hospitals, community support groups, etc.), to ensure proper implementation of the activities related to the running of ICRC MHPSS programs in Borno State.
• Ensures that the proposed referrals are within the framework of the MHPSS programs under implementation and in line with the ICRC MHPSS guideline; additionally, undertakes the follow-up and reports on the referrals made.
• Develops supervision session plans using the established method/guidelines by the MHPSS department, setting also pertinent specific objectives for each session, and provides regular supervision to the counterparts engaged in the implementation of the MHPSS programs; as well as reporting to the MHPSS Delegate on the supervision session plans and the outcomes of the supervision sessions conducted.
• Assists the MHPSS Delegate in the implementation of the capacity building programs/training aimed at the counterparts/community support groups/health or social service providers (e.g. Health/MHPSS staff, social welfare staff, accompaniers of FoM, etc.), as well as contribute to developing the required materials and engages regularly in providing coaching at work to the counterparts through mentoring and supportive supervision.
• Exceptionally, in case of emergency response, or if the contextual situation requires an extremely needed MHPSS response in substitution mode of action, and only when approved by MHPSS Delegate and under his/her supervision, the MHPSS FO provides MHPSS services directly to the target population (beneficiaries) in need to receive those services.
• Engages in and contributes to the validation process of the MHPSS tools for proper cultural adaptation and translation into the local languages, as well as provides guidance to the counterparts for the proper understanding and correct use of those tools.
• Under de guidance and supervision of the MHPSS Delegate, contributes and takes an active involvement in developing, establishing, implementing, and reviewing the MHPSS monitoring system and tools.
• Regularly monitors and follows up in a consistent manner the implementation of the ICRC MHPSS activities in Borno State, in coordination with the counterparts involved in the implementation of the ICRC MHPSS programs.
• Actively participates, as well as contributes to the analysis and discussions, in the development of the annual and quarterly planning of the MHPSS department.
• Participates proactively with the rest of the team members in the common work of the MHPSS department, required for a functional work dynamic and proper teamwork.
• Produces documents related to the MHPSS processes, interventions, and internal/external activities, such as MHPSS procedures, guidelines, reports and MoM among others.
• Support in all the logistics and administrative procedures related to the implementation of the MHPSS activities in the Maiduguri AoR (e.g., raising SR, organizing meetings, raising and settling WADs, etc.)

Education and Experience Required

• University degree in Psychology (BSc) or clinical psychology.
• Minimum of two (2) years experience in the implementation of community mental health and psychosocial programs and/or clinical psychological services in humanitarian aid and/or humanitarian aid.
• Experience working with the psychological effects of war, situations of violence and other traumatic events.

Desired profile and Skills

• Proficiency in English language is mandatory (written and spoken).
• Fluent Hausa language is mandatory (Kanuri language is a highly valued asset).
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office (e.g. word, excel, etc.).
• Capacity to work both within a team and autonomously.
• Group facilitation skills, training, and supervision experience.