Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer (MHPSS)

About the role

The Pakistan Red Crescent Society Merged Areas is recruiting three Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officers (MHPSS) for its Health department in Kurram District, reporting to the CEA / PGI Officer. The project lasts 5.5 months and is open to female applicants; local candidates are given preference. The officer provides psychosocial support and MHPSS services to conflict- and flood-affected internally displaced persons and host communities, focusing on trauma, grief and stress, and on building resilience among women, children, older people and persons with disabilities.

Key responsibilities

• Assess affected individuals' psychological needs, with a focus on vulnerable groups
• Provide individual and group counselling and Psychological First Aid in emergencies
• Run community support mechanisms such as peer groups and support circles
• Develop interventions that promote coping strategies, stress management and resilience
• Hold awareness sessions on mental health and coping, and strengthen referral pathways to psychiatric, medical and protection services
• Maintain confidential case records, document case studies and prepare weekly, monthly and quarterly reports for PRCS and donors
• Deliver services in a culturally sensitive, gender-responsive and disability-inclusive way, report safeguarding incidents and complete safeguarding and PSEA training
• Coordinate with health, WASH and CVA/MPCA teams and give technical support and capacity building to staff and volunteers

Required profile

• Master's degree in clinical psychology, counselling psychology or a related field (BSc with relevant experience may be considered)
• At least 2 years of professional experience as a psychologist, including 1 year of psychotherapeutic practice and experience with vulnerable groups
• Preferred: 2 years in humanitarian/emergency contexts and prior experience with the Red Cross/Red Crescent or donor-funded projects
• Maximum age limit of 45 years; extensive travel to field locations is required

Required skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills in Pashto and Urdu (English is an asset)
• Ability to work under pressure in remote and emergency settings
• Commitment to humanitarian principles, safeguarding and protection standards