ICRC Mental Health and Psychosocial Delegate

The Swedish Red Cross (SRC) in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), an independent humanitarian organization whose mandate is to provide protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and internal disturbances, has a vacancy for:

Mental Health and Psychosocial Delegate

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Purpose

The Mental Health and Psychosocial Delegate develops, implements, monitors and evaluates Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) programmes in the field to support victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. S/he ensures the technical quality of MHPSS services delivered in the field by relevant ICRC staff (e.g. psychologists, field officers) and builds the capacity of local MHPSS teams to provide effective support within his/her geographic or thematic area of responsibility.

Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities

• Assesses the MHPSS needs of target populations and proposes/develops programmes accordingly, in line with ICRC MHPSS standards and safe-access, do-no-harm and continuum-of-care approaches.
• Supports the identification and development of local and/or national MHPSS referral networks.
• Plans the necessary resources to implement MHPSS programmes and contributes to recruiting local staff, training/coaching them appropriately.
• Manages teams of Psychologists 1 and 2.
• Implements programmes in the field, in accordance with standard MHPSS monitoring tools.
• Constantly evaluates programme outcomes in terms of actual needs and adapts activities accordingly. Contributes to ICRC annual planning processes on MHPSS aspects.
• Represents the ICRC in various fora (e.g. national and regional conferences, inter-agency and International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement meetings) on MHPSS themes.

Reports to (role)

• Health Programme Coordinator/Protection Coordinator

People management responsabilities

• Yes

Score and impact

• Remit: local, national and regional.
• Manages a team of MHPSS psychologists/field officers in his/her geographic area of responsibility (average 5 staff).

Relationships

• Internally: interacts with other members of the field Health team and colleagues relevant to the programm's objectives (e.g. Protection delegates).
• Externally: interacts with staff from National Societies, other humanitarian players and government officials related to MHPSS programming.

Certifications/education required

• University degree in clinical psychology (minimum 5 years’ university study) or psychiatry.
• Formal education in a field of expertise relevant to the ICRC (e.g. victims of violence, victims of torture, victims of sexual violence.).
• Fluent English (minimum C1). Good command of French or/and Arabic (B2 minimum).
• License to practice in country of residence.

Professional Experience required

• 3 to 5 years of overall professional experience with minimum 2 years of international field experience implementing MHPSS programms in low-income countries.
• Practice in clinical psychology and psychosocial programms is essential.
• Experience in fields of expertise relevant to the work of the ICRC (victims of violence, victims of sexual violence, victims of torture, detention, missing persons, migrants, war wounded, physically disabled).

Our operational and field constraints

• In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals.
• Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field.
• Candidates must possess a driving license (for manual transmission vehicles)
• Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for at least the first 24 months.

Additional information

• Type of mobility: Global Deployment.
• Length of assignment: short-term to long-term missions.
• Starting date: depending on the operational needs - continuous.
• Application deadline: 24/12/2024

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We encourage applications from all qualified people. 

Our Values

At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.

How to apply

For more information and to apply to this opportunity, please visit the ICRC Career Site and select the relevant position among the vacancies.

For applicants from Sweden, you may be eligible to work as Staff on Loan from the Swedish Red Cross. If you have questions about this possibility, you are welcome to contact Mikael Edelstam, SRC International HR Partner at [email protected]

Ready to apply? Don't forget to check if you meet all the criteria before sending your application. You will need to upload your resume and a cover letter as well as copies of your diplomas and certifications, passport, and driving license. 

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.