MHPSS Officer

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

This position will be based in one of IRC’s Field Offices (Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odesa), with frequent travel across nearby oblasts.

Reporting Lines

• Position Reports directly to Health Manager, technically to MHPSS Manager
• Position supervises: Field MHPSS Staff (Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Social Workers).
• Closely collaborations with: Health Senior Officer; Pharmacist; Medical Doctors, Nurses, Community Health Promoters.
  
  

Job Summary

The MHPSS Senior Officer will supervise and manage MHPSS staff to ensure the effective implementation of activities aligned with IRC’s health strategy and plans, coordinating schedules with local communities and authorities to guarantee accessible and available services. The role involves conducting rapid MHPSS needs assessments with the Health Manager and MHPSS Senior Officer, performing regular field visits to monitor activities, uphold protocols, and maintain quality standards. Additionally, the MHPSS Senior Officer will oversee data registration, reporting, and MEAL activities to ensure program quality, support the Pharmacist in managing medical supplies, and prepare timely reports to meet IRC and donor requirements. The position also involves representing IRC in local MHPSS meetings.

Main Responsabilities

• To manage and supervise the MHPSS staff, and ensure smooth implementation of all MHPSS activities, in line with IRC Health strategy and plans.
• To prepare regular schedules of MHPSS team work in coordination with local communities and relevant authorities, ensuring accessibility and availability of MHPSS services in IRC supported locations.
• In collaboration with the Health Manager and Senior Health Officer, and under the supervision of the MHPSS Manager and MHPSS Specialist, conduct rapid assessments to identify MHPSS needs in different locations and identify potential responses.
• To perform regular field visits to locations where MHPSS activities are being implemented, ensuring adherences to MHPSS protocols, policies, and guidelines.
• To assist in MEAL activities through supervision, data collection, and client feedback to ensure program quality.
• To oversee MHPSS data registration, collection, and ensure timely database entry and reporting.
• To participate in preparation of weekly and monthly reports to meet IRC and donor requirements.
• To assist the Pharmacist in ordering, storing, and distributing medicines, supplies, and equipment for MHPSS teams.
• As needed, to represent IRC in local coordination meetings, and liaise across IRC teams to meet health program objectives.
• Work with sending referrals to the appropriate specialist.
• To ensure MHPSS staff understand and comply with IRC security protocols and report any security incidents or concerns.
• Conduct onboarding of new employees.
• As a people manager, foster a supportive and goal-driven team environment, manage conflicts effectively, ensure adherence to organizational policies, prioritize company goals, and promote proactive collaboration across functions and teams.
• Coordinate the work of psychologists during field deployments in case of emergency response to provide Psychological First Aid (PFA).
• Other work tasks from Health Manager or MHPSS Manager.
  
  

Skills And Qualifications

Psychologist (with a master’s degree in clinical psychology or counselling psychology) with minimum two years of experience related to the role. Trained on, and experienced in utilizing evidence-based psychological interventions (eg., IPT, CBT, TF-CBT, EMDR…). Theoretical and operational knowledge and experience. At least 2 years of experience in healthcare programs and experience in NGOs. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, set priorities, and meet deadlines. Bilingual in Ukrainian and Russian required, intermediate verbal and writing skills in English desirable. Strong attention to detail, organizational. and time management skills. Willingness and ability to travel independently domestically. Computer proficiency in Windows environment (Microsoft Word, Excel).

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

The International Rescue Committee is determined to protect the people it serves and staff from all kinds of harm, including sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. It is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe. IRC builds diverse and inclusive teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

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