What we do
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and 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.
Purpose of the Position
The MHPSS Delegate (psychologist or psychiatrist) assesses and identifies mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs among populations affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. He/she designs, develops, and adapts MHPSS responses in accordance with project cycle management principles and in line with priorities established by the ICRC. The MHPSS Delegate promotes and supports a multidisciplinary and cross-departmental approach to MHPSS, ensuring its integration across relevant programmes, particularly within Health and Protection.
The position is responsible for coordinating and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including authorities, Movement partners, and other relevant actors, to support the effective delivery of MHPSS interventions. In addition, the MHPSS Delegate provides technical guidance and support to local staff and partners to ensure the quality and sustainability of programmes, while taking into consideration the local cultural context. The MHPSS Delegate ensures the implementation, monitoring, and follow-up of MHPSS activities in accordance with ICRC policies, standards, and operational priorities.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
- Assesses mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs, risks, vulnerabilities and available resources among populations affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence.
- Designs, develops and adapts MHPSS programmes and interventions in line with identified needs, operational priorities and local contexts.
- Ensures the implementation, monitoring, evaluation and follow-up of MHPSS activities and programmes.
- Analyses contextual and programme data and contributes to evidence-based decision-making, reporting and programme adaptation.
- Provides technical guidance, training and capacity strengthening to staff, partners and relevant stakeholders.
- Promotes the integration of MHPSS across relevant sectors and supports multidisciplinary approaches, particularly within Health and Protection programmes.
- Coordinates and collaborates with authorities, Movement partners, National Societies and other stakeholders to ensure coherent and effective MHPSS responses.
- Supports the quality, sustainability and continuous improvement of MHPSS services in accordance with ICRC policies, standards and operational priorities.
Relationships
- Internally: Collaborates with Health, Protection, and other operational departments to promote integrated and multidisciplinary MHPSS approaches.
- Externally: Coordinates and collaborates with authorities, Movement partners, National Societies, community structures, healthcare providers, and other relevant stakeholders involved in MHPSS activities.
Education & Experience Required
- Degree in Clinical Psychology or Psychiatry.
- Valid license to practice in the country of residence.
- Minimum of two years of clinical experience.
- Minimum of two years of international field experience working directly with affected populations in humanitarian or similar contexts.
Desired Profile & Skills
- Extensive knowledge in public mental health and integrated MHPSS intervention 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.
- Experience in fields of expertise relevant to the work of the ICRC (victims of violence, victims of sexual violence, victims of torture, detention, missing persons, migrants, war wounded, physically disabled) is an asset.
- Significant experience in training and supervision processes.
- Strongly motivated by humanitarian work.
- Able to work under pressure in a potentially war-torn context.
Languages
- Excellent command of English (C1 or above)
- Good knowledge of another language of interest for the ICRC: French, Arabic, Spanish and/or Russian is a plus (B2 or above)
Our Operational & 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 license (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.
- Online trainings and onboarding course.
- Generous social benefits.
- Join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere.
Please consult this page for more information on our package offer.
Additional Information
- Type of Position: Mobile.
- Type of Contract: Fixed Term Contract.
- Estimated Start Date: Selected candidates will integrate into the pool and will be deployed on the field depending on operational needs.
- Location: Global Field Deployment.
- Application Deadline: 05/07/2026
Our values
- At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.
