The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 50 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Background/IRC Summary:

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. The IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

The IRC is working in Libya since August 2016, targeting the most vulnerable non-displaced, IDPs, refugees and migrants in hard-to-reach areas. According to assessments, healthcare is considered the priority need in Libya, most urgently in terms of quality health staff, medicines and supplies. There are significant gaps in the response, according to Libya’s Ministry of Health (MoH), the Libyan Red Crescent, UN agencies, and international NGOs. IRC’s team in Libya has the specific goal of reaching those in the hardest hit areas to beneficiaries of all ages and gender, both Libyans and third-country nationals. The health activities will be focused on supporting essential primary health care.

Storm Daniels hit East Libya in September 2023, causing widespread devastation and displacement of thousands of people. The storm caused heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding, has led to mass destruction and loss of lives. The impact of the storm on mental health has been significant, with many residents experiencing trauma, anxiety, and stress due to the loss of their homes and livelihoods. The lack of access to basic services and resources has also exacerbated mental health issues in the affected communities. Humanitarian organizations are working to provide support and assistance to those affected by the storm, including mental health services and psychosocial support.

Major Responsibilities:

•Adhere to internationally recognized best practices for evidence-based psychological interventions and the management of clients with mental health concerns. This includes ensuring the confidentiality of clients and respecting their decisions;

•Establish a safe space to conduct private and confidential sessions acceptable to those on the site and safely accessible by women and children.

•Assess the client’s needs and presenting complaints and develop a care plan with the client based on those needs, including referrals to other services;

•Provide age-appropriate culturally relevant individual and/or group psychological counseling for populations at risk including but not limited to survivors of gender-based violence, asylum seekers, and unaccompanied minors;

•Support the client(s) coping process and mobilize their internal and external resources for processing extreme adversity;

•Identify concerns related to and support adherence to referral protocols and guiding principles for gender-based violence and bring these concerns to the Medical team leader & Psychiatrists.

•Maintain an effective working relationship and regular communication with other health and protection team members working on the same project;

•Maintain effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders including referral organizations community groups and other implementing partners;

•Complete daily case reports and data collection according to guidance provided by the health manager and the Mental Health Specialist.

•Attend regular supportive supervision conducted by the external psychiatrist;

•Refer patients to other health professionals whenever necessary;

•Provide psychoeducation sessions to the family members of clients when needed.

•Other duties as assigned by the supervisor to enable and develop IRC programs;

•Participate in weekly team meetings.

Staff management

The psychologist will not be line managing any internal staff.

Professional Standards:

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct.These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability.In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Key Working Relationships:

Reports to:The position will report to the SMTL and will receive additional technical support from the Mental Health Specialist.

Working Environment:

This position will be based in storm-affected areas in Derna, Gubba, Susah, Shahat, Al-Bayda, Al-Marj municipalities


Minimum Qualifications:

Job Requirements:

•Licensed Libyan psychologist;

•Minimum two years of professional experience providing psychological interventions to populations in need including but not limited to survivors of flooding, IDPs migrants;

•Knowledge of different culturally relevant therapeutic techniques;

•Experience conducting assessments, using screening tools, and creating individual care plans for clients seeking mental health services;

• INGO experience preferred;

•Knowledge of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) MHPSS in emergencies guidelines;

•Demonstrated understanding of and ability to maintain confidentiality and respect for beneficiaries;

•Positive and professional attitude, including the ability to work well in a team setting;

•Strong ability to maintain composure, prioritize work under pressure, and work in a difficult environment;

•Ability to conduct counseling sessions via interpreters/cultural mediators, whenever necessary;

•Personal qualities: Works well in and promotes teamwork, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, flexible and able to handle pressure well;

•Very good communication in English and fluent in Arabic


Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.
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