PSYCHOLOGIST

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and at the same time promote respect for international humanitarian law.  We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Role description

The psychologist will identify mental health and psychosocial support needs for the benefit of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. He/she will create and develop adapted MHPSS projects and programmes in line with the priorities determined by the ICRC. He/she will ensure performance tools are available for local staff, in order to guarantee smooth implementation of the programmes, while taking into consideration the local cultural context. He/she will be entirely responsible for the implementation, monitoring and follow-up of the MHPSS activities.

Main responsibilities

• Evaluates the risk factors and identifies those in need of long- term MHPSS support (communities, vulnerable groups and victims)
• Put in place assistance programs, taking into consideration the concerns and coping mechanisms of the victims, in a given cultural context
• Implement and ensure, often in partnership with local stakeholders (NGOs, National Society), proper follow-up of the MHPSS projects/programmes for the benefit of the victims of armed conflict or other situations of violence
• Provide technical advice to allow for optimal assistance to the victims, while reinforcing and developing local networks and their MHPSS capacities
• Evaluate continually the patterns of violence, the victims' situation and the MHPSS programs.
• Analyse collected information, provide regular update reports and when necessary, adapt the humanitarian response accordingly.

Desired profile and skills

• Degree in psychology with relevant training for clinical practice.
• Valid license to practice in your country of residence
• Minimum of two years international field experience working directly with various populations and cultures
• Excellent command of English and another language of ICRC interest: French, Arabic, Spanish and/or Russian
• Extensive knowledge in public mental health. Integrated MHPSS interventions models in promotion/prevention and treatments at primary and secondary health care level
• Proven capacity in planning MHPSS support programs and community health interventions in line with the psychological and psychosocial consequences of violence
• Significant experience in training and supervision processes
• Strongly motivated by humanitarian work
• Able to work under pressure in a potentially dangerous environment.

Our operational and field constraints

• In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals
• Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field
• Candidates must possess a driving licence (for manual transmission vehicles)
• Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for at least the first 24 months.

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
• Attractive social benefits
• Length of assignment: 12 months
• Join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere