Senior Protection Officer (MHPSS)

About the role

The International Rescue Committee is seeking a Senior Protection Officer to lead Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) programming in emergency contexts. The role combines technical leadership, program quality oversight, and supervision of frontline staff to ensure safe, survivor‑centered services.

Key responsibilities

• Design, adapt, and implement MHPSS interventions aligned with IRC approaches and IASC MHPSS guidelines.
• Ensure a layered MHPSS approach that includes community‑based psychosocial support, non‑specialized interventions, and referral pathways for specialized services.
• Integrate MHPSS with Child Protection and GBV programming, establishing safe referral mechanisms.
• Develop tools, guidance, and SOPs for MHPSS service delivery and monitor fidelity of group and individual interventions.
• Provide technical supervision to MHPSS officers, psychologists, and frontline staff, supporting case conceptualization, intervention planning, and risk management.
• Support staff in identifying and referring individuals with heightened protection risks, including UASC, GBV survivors, and those experiencing severe distress.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in designing and managing MHPSS programs in humanitarian settings.
• Strong knowledge of IASC MHPSS guidelines and survivor‑centered protection approaches.
• Proven ability to supervise multidisciplinary teams and ensure ethical, safe service delivery.
• Experience adapting interventions to high‑insecurity contexts and coordinating with child protection and GBV sectors.

Required skills