Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Senior Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been operational in Syria since 2012, focusing on providing essential services such as protection, health, economic recovery, and early childhood development programs. The IRC has established a strong presence in various regions including Idleb, Aleppo, Ar-Raqqa, Hassakeh, and Deir ez-Zor, and is expanding its programs into Hama, rural Damascus, and Homs. With a dedicated team of 350 employees, the IRC has built trust and strong relationships within the communities it serves, ensuring effective service delivery. The organization plays a significant role in Syria's NGO, donor, and coordination forums, adapting to the evolving context and advocating for the needs of the population. The IRC's extensive experience in the region allows it to respond effectively to new challenges, focusing on resilience and recovery initiatives, while also ensuring access to vital healthcare services through hospitals, clinics, and mobile medical units.

Job Overview:
The Mental Health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support Senior Officer is responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of MHPSS services across the IRC's Whole of Syria programs. This role involves providing technical support for the clinical management of mental health conditions and ensuring the integration of MHPSS within health programs, guided by the WHO/UNHCR Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP) training and guidelines. The Senior Officer will play a crucial role in maintaining the quality of MHPSS services delivered by the IRC and its partners, particularly in the Raqqa, Hesekeh, and Deir ez-Zor Governorates. The position requires a strategic approach to program management, capacity building, and collaboration with local partners to enhance community-based MHPSS activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Officer will provide strategic direction and leadership for MHPSS programs in the designated governorates. Key responsibilities include building the capacity of the MHPSS team through context-specific training, monitoring day-to-day activities, reviewing monthly mental health reports, and developing standard operating procedures for MHPSS providers. The role also involves supervising MHPSS staff, ensuring adherence to mental health protocols, and providing ongoing support and supervision to enhance practice outcomes. The Senior Officer will coordinate with local partners to implement community-based MHPSS activities, manage the Mh-GAP information management system, and conduct regular analysis of MHPSS data to inform program adjustments. Additionally, the Senior Officer will represent the IRC in relevant forums, facilitate training for psychosocial groups, and ensure the proper documentation and storage of beneficiary forms and files.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a University Degree in Psychology or Counseling, with a focus on psychotherapy and clinical work experience. A minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience in psychosocial support or psychology, particularly in clinical settings, is required. Additionally, candidates should have at least 2 years of experience in team management and be knowledgeable about the IASC MHPSS guidelines and methodologies. Strong experience in clinical supervision, training, and design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design is essential, along with a solid understanding of case management and survivor-centered care in humanitarian contexts.

Educational Background:
A University Degree in Psychology or Counseling is required, with a focus on psychotherapy and clinical practice. Candidates should have relevant academic qualifications that support their work experience in counseling psychology.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience in psychosocial support or psychology, particularly in clinical and direct practice settings. Candidates should also have at least 2 years of experience in team management, demonstrating the ability to lead and develop a team effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is essential for this position, while knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will facilitate collaboration with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position involves a significant amount of travel (approximately 60%) to field sites in Raqqa, Hesekeh, and Deir ez-Zor Governorates, as well as participation in national, regional, and global workshops and meetings. The role is full-time and may involve working under pressure with competing priorities. The IRC encourages national or returning national candidates to apply, offering an attractive relocation package for eligible candidates. The organization is committed to maintaining high standards of professional conduct and accountability to clients, ensuring that the needs of the communities served are prioritized.