MHPSS (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support) Officer

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.”  IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas.  IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.

Job Purpose

The MHPSS Officer will provide comprehensive technical expertise to the Swedish Red Cross Country Office in Moldova in implementing and scaling mental health and psychosocial support for displaced and host communities. This position will report to the Country Representative and receive technical guidance from the SRC MHPSS Advisor. The MHPSS Officer will collaborate closely with the Moldovan Red Cross Society (MRCS); and will extend support to the SRC Country Office in Romania when needed.

This role is integral in supporting the MRCS in delivering high-quality MHPSS interventions that effectively address current challenges and establish lasting support systems. Key responsibilities include support capacity building, training and mentoring staff and volunteers, designing and overseeing MHPSS interventions, introduce new techniques, regular follow up, monitoring and assessments. Collaborate and share information with Movement partners to contribute to a cohesive approach in MHPSS.

Regular travel throughout Moldova is required, engaging with diverse communities to ensure impactful MHPSS service delivery. Flexibility to travel abroad to attend meetings and trainings is preferred. 

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and implement MHPSS programs that align with global standards and meet the needs of both refugee and host communities. –
• Collaborate with MRCS and other stakeholders to enhance MHPSS services, focusing on underserved areas and addressing service gaps.
• Facilitate group-based support activities for adults and children, including psychoeducation, coping strategy workshops, and focused psychosocial support (PSS) activities.
• Implement monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess program effectiveness and impact, and adjust strategies based on findings and community feedback.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and updates on program progress and outcomes.
• Assist in developing and conducting training sessions for MRCS volunteers, community facilitators, and staff on community-based MHPSS approaches and psychological first aid.
• Support the mentorship of MRCS focal points, psychologists, and volunteers to enhance their ability to facilitate support groups and manage psychosocial activities.
• Co-organize and support “Help the Helpers” sessions to promote selfcare and resilience among volunteers and staff.
• Support designing the MRCS MHPSS program.
• Provide ongoing technical support to MRCS PSS facilitators and volunteers, facilitating adherence to international MHPSS standards.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of tools and materials, such as psychoeducational guides and coping resource kits, to aid program implementation.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining referral pathways for specialized care.

Cross-Cutting Themes:

• Support MRCS in the integration of crosscutting themes (protection, gender and inclusion, community engagement, and accountability) into project implementation and monitoring, reporting, and learning of MHPSS activities.
• Facilitate with MRCS community feedback sessions and use findings to help adapt and enhance program delivery. 

Education

• University degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related mental health field. (R)
• Master’s degree in a mental health field with a focus on clinical practice and patient interaction is an asset. (P)

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of hands-on experience in MHPSS programming, preferably in emergency or humanitarian settings. (R)
• Proven experience in developing and implementing trainings and capacity building activities in MHPSS (R)
• Minimum 2 years of practical mental health experience, involving direct client interaction with both individuals and groups. Examples include clinical practice, counseling, therapy sessions and others (R)
• Minimum 2 years of experience of working for the Red Cross/Red Crescent and/or other humanitarian and development actors. (P)

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Knowledge in developing and implementing &E frameworks, data analysis, for MHPSS programs. (R)
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care and community-based psychosocial support (P)
• Strong understanding of international MHPSS standards and guidelines (R)
• Understanding the needs of people with disabilities and the ability to provide inclusive MHPSS services. (R)
• Ability to work with diverse populations (R)
• Knowledge in designing and conducting needs assessments and developing MHPSS program plans. (R)
• Organized and self-starter in work prioritising (R)
• Strong ability to work collaboratively (R)
• Excellent interpersonal skills and be an excellent communicator (R)
• Proficiency in writing plans, project proposals, narrative reports (R)

• Ability to work in a cross-cultural environment (R)

• Fluent in written and spoken English and Romanian, language skills in Russian. (R)
• Language skills in Ukrainian (P)

Competencies, Values and Comments

Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability.

Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; Creativity and innovation; Building trusting, collaborative, and respectful working environments.