ABOUT RI

Relief International (RI) is a leading nonprofit organization working in 20 countries to relieve poverty, ensure well-being and advance dignity. We specialize in fragile settings, responding to natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and chronic poverty.

Relief International combines humanitarian and development approaches to provide immediate services while laying the groundwork for long-term impact. Our signature approach — which we call the RI Way—emphasizes local participation, an integration of services, strategic partnerships, and a focus on civic skills. In this way, we empower communities to find, design, and implement the solutions that work best for them.

SUMMARY:

Under the managerial and technical support of the Health and Nutrition Manager, the Mental Health Officer will play a pivotal role in implementing, coordinating, and monitoring mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services within Relief International's health programming. The officer will work closely with project teams, local partners, and community members to ensure the effective delivery of culturally appropriate, high-quality mental health services in accordance with international guidelines and RI's mission.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

Key Roles & Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities:

Program Implementation and Management

• Design, plan, and implement MHPSS activities as part of RI's health interventions, ensuring they align with international standards such as IASC Guidelines.
• Conduct assessments to identify mental health and psychosocial needs in the target communities.
• Provide direct psychological first aid (PFA), counseling, or other forms of support to individuals, families, and groups as needed.
• Collaborate with local health workers, counselors, and partners to integrate MHPSS into primary healthcare services.

Capacity Building and Training

• Organize and facilitate training sessions for healthcare workers, community leaders, and RI staff on MHPSS principles and approaches.
• Support the capacity development of local partners to ensure sustainable delivery of mental health services.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Develop monitoring tools to evaluate the effectiveness of MHPSS programs and interventions.
• Collect and analyze data on program activities and outcomes, ensuring accurate and timely reporting to donors and stakeholders.
• Prepare regular reports detailing program achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

Coordination and Advocacy

• Work closely with other RI teams to ensure MHPSS is integrated across sectors (e.g., protection, education).
• Represent RI in MHPSS-related coordination forums, meetings, and working groups at the local and national levels.
• Advocate for the inclusion of mental health services in broader health programming and policy frameworks.

Representation/coordination with external actors

• Coordinate with internal teams, partner organizations, and relevant stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and integrated approach to protection and mental health programming.
• Ensure RI’s mandate is shared and explained to relevant stakeholders.
• Pro-actively liaise and build rapport with local officials, community representatives, UN agencies, and any other relevant stakeholders.
• Participate in coordination meetings, working groups, and inter-agency forums including community meetings and MHPSS working groups to share information, identify gaps, and advocate for collective action maintaining a positive, continuous and visible presence for RI
• Conduct monthly regular meetings with community groups and stakeholders to monitor progress and ensure smooth running of the project.

Logistics

• Liaise, as necessary, with the programs, procurement and supply chain, logistics and finance staff to ensure mental health related items are procured, transported, stored, managed and accounted for correctly.

Equity and Diversity commitment

• Demonstrate sensitivity and understanding of systemic diversity and cultural differences.

Qualifications and Experience: 

• Education: A degree in Psychology, Social Work, Psychiatry, Mental Health Nursing, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in MHPSS programming, preferably in humanitarian or development contexts.
  • Experience working in fragile or conflict-affected settings is an asset.
• Technical Knowledge:
  • Strong understanding of MHPSS approaches in humanitarian contexts, including familiarity with IASC Guidelines and WHO mhGAP.
  • Knowledge of community-based mental health models.
• Skills:
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to design and deliver effective training sessions.
  • Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Languages: Proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of the local language is an asset.
• Personal Attributes:
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in diverse environments.
  • Ability to work under pressure and adapt to challenging situations.
  • Computer knowledge

RI Values:

We uphold the Humanitarian Principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and operational independence. We affirmatively engage the most vulnerable communities. We value:

• Inclusiveness
• Transparency and Accountability
• Agility and Innovation
• Collaboration
• Sustainability