The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Delegation in Ethiopia is looking to hire an experienced, highly motivated and qualified person to fill the position of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Field Officer (1 year fixed term contract), based in Mekelle with 30% field trips to Shire.

PURPOSE

Under the supervision/with the support of the MHPSS Delegate, the Field Officer is responsible for the implementation of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support to the victims of armed conflict in Mekelle Sub Delegation AoR as defined in the delegation’s response strategy.

GENERAL DUTIES

• Understands and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
• Understands and adheres to the ICRC Code of Conduct.
• Understands the roles of the components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
• Respects and observes staff regulations and security rules at all times.
• Represents the ICRC in a professional manner at all times.
• Develops and maintains a pleasant and conducive working environment with colleagues and line managers.
• Performs all duties with the highest level of confidentiality in the interest of the employees and the ICRC.
• May be asked to perform tasks not covered in this job description and to provide support to other departments when necessary.

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• In consultation with the MHPSS Delegate, coordinate the implementation of all field activities as defined in the MHPSS project document.
•  Coordinates and supervises ERCS/Supported facility staff while they implement MHPSS activities involving problem solving, therapeutic and psychoeducational individual sessions, groups and sensitization activities as appropriate, with the support of the MHPSS Delegate.
• Provides and/or facilitates supportive and constructive coaching and supervision to team of MHPSS providers to aid their skills development.
• Maintain client files in accordance with international standards. Ensure all client information is kept confidential and clinical records are kept securely and written in a respectful manner.
• Identify key community actors and/or health staff who will receive intensive & ongoing training, coaching and supervision in mental health and psychological support, with the support the MHPSS delegate.
• Identify and facilitate referral pathways for clients in need of specialist psychological, mental health, medical and other humanitarian needs.
• Ensures that regular links with key actors and health facilities are maintained to ensure appropriate beneficiary identification and as relevant and functional referral pathways.
• Maintain a continuous awareness of the evolution of the situation and the impact on programme implementation, security considerations and MHPSS needs, communicating these with the sub delegation and the MHPSS Delegate as appropriate.
• Collaborate with other ICRC departments (RFL/Missing, Ecosec, WATHAB, PHC…) in the sub-delegation to ensure a coordinated and integrated approach in response to beneficiaries’ needs.
• Develops network of interlocutors and relevant forums in relation to MHPSS.
• With Health and MHPSS Delegates, plans & prepares Field Trips (FT)s, ensures required materials are available I.e. communication leaflets, sensitization posters, training materials.

Desired Personal Attributes and Skills:

• Experience working in a hospital environment and/or with multidisciplinary health staff an asset.
• Group facilitation skills, training and supervision experience.
• Ability to work Independently with sense of initiatives.
• Strongly motivated by humanitarian work.
• Able to use Microsoft office efficiently.
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English, fluency in Tigrigna and Amharic is an asset.
• Good knowledge of the political, social and cultural assigned environment.

• University degree in Psychology.
• Post graduate degree in Clinical Psychology or Medical Doctor specialized in Psychiatry or similar.
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in clinical and/or community mental health and psychosocial programs.
• Experience working with the psychological effects of war/violence or other traumatic events highly desirable.