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 40 countries and 29 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: The International Rescue Committee (IRC), one of the world’s largest humanitarian agencies, provides relief, rehabilitation, and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of natural disasters, oppression, and violent conflict in 42 countries. The IRC is committed to bold leadership, innovation, and creative partnerships. Active in public health, education, livelihoods, women's empowerment, youth development, and protection and promotion of rights, IRC assists people from harm to home. IRC began work in Nigeria in 2012 in the north of Adamawa State in response to the flood emergency. 

At the end of 2014 and the beginning of 2015, there was a considerable upsurge (vague) in violence perpetrated by Boko Haram in the Northeast, creating an influx of IDPs within the state. From the beginning of the insurgency, the host communities in the Northeast have been housing many displaced people and have now reached the absorption capacity limit. The recent arrivals are lacking the most basic services, such as access to adequate shelter and simple household items, food, health care, safe drinking water, and basic sanitation.  In addition, the insecurity that has resulted from past and recent Boko Haram raids, as well as continued threats from others, has presented serious protection concerns for communities in these areas, where children and women represent 70% of the IDP population.

This Job Description is reviewed to capture the current expectations of the CP staff so to provide him/her with guidance on what is expected of him/her based on the current context and programming. This will enable his/her supervisor to hold him/her accountable for his/her responsibilities and ensure accountability to our targeted clients, donors, and IRC Nigeria Country Program

Job Overview/Summary:

The VAWG Psychological First Aid Assistant will provide frontline psychosocial support through Psychological Firs Aid to women and girls affected by distress, crisis, or violence.

The role will prioritize early identification of needs and strong linkage to health services, including primary healthcare centers, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services, nutrition services, and WASH-related health services.

The Assistant will also lead structured psychosocial support activities at Comprehensive Women Centers (CWCs), ensuring that all interventions promote well-being and facilitate access to integrated health services.

Major Responsibilities

Psychological First Aid and Health-Linked Psychosocial Support

  • Provide Psychological First Aid to women and girls in distress, ensuring safe, confidential, and respectful support.
  • Identify individuals requiring health-related support, including mental health, reproductive health, and general medical care.
  • Deliver basic psychosocial support sessions that promote emotional well-being and encourage positive health-seeking behavior.
  • Facilitate structured PSS activities at CWCs, ensuring sessions incorporate messaging on health, hygiene, and well-being.

Referrals and Linkages to Health Services

  • Identify and refer clients to appropriate health facilities and services, including:
    • Primary healthcare centers
    • Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services
    • Nutrition services
    • Sexual and reproductive health services
  • Support clients in accessing health services, including providing information, guidance, and follow-up.
  • Conduct referral follow-ups to ensure clients receive timely and appropriate care.
  • Maintain updated knowledge of health service providers, facility locations, and referral pathways.

Community Engagement and Health Awareness

  • Conduct awareness sessions on:
    • Psychosocial well-being
    • Available health services
    • GBV and available services
    • Importance of early health-seeking behavior
  • Promote health/GBV education messages related to hygiene, nutrition, mental health, and overall well-being.
  • Engage community structures to strengthen trust in health services and improve service uptake.

Basic GBV Support with Health Integration

  • Provide basic survivor-centered support to GBV survivors and ensure safe and confidential referral to health facilities for clinical management.
  • Share information on available GBV and health services, including where and how to seek help.
  • Ensure all interactions uphold confidentiality, safety, respect, and non-discrimination.

Documentation and Reporting

  • Maintain accurate and confidential records of PFA support, referrals, and activities.
  • Track and document referrals to health services and service uptake.
  • Support reporting in line with IRC and donor requirements.

Key Working Relationships

  • Reports to: WPE Senior Case Management Officer
  • Directly Supervises: Community Incentive Workers (as assigned)
  • Indirect Reporting: Senior Manager – Safety Outcome
  • Internal: Health, Nutrition, WASH, Protection sectors
  • External: Health facilities, service providers, community structures, partners

Job Requirements

Education

  • Diploma or University Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Public Health, Nursing, or related field.

Work Experience

  • Minimum of 1–2 years’ experience in PFA, psychosocial support, or health-related programming in humanitarian settings.

Skills and Competencies

  • Strong understanding of Psychological First Aid (PFA) and basic psychosocial support.
  • Knowledge of health systems, referral pathways, and service linkages.
  • Ability to support clients in accessing health services and facilities.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
  • Strong facilitation skills for group psychosocial sessions.
  • Ability to work under pressure and coordinate multiple tasks.

Language

  • Fluency in English and Hausa required.
  • Knowledge of Kanuri or other local languages is an added advantage.

Computer Skills

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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