What we do
Since 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has worked to preserve human dignity and relieve suffering caused by war and armed violence.
In collaboration with our Red Cross and Red Crescent partners around the world, we do everything we can to deliver life-saving aid, reconnect families and locate missing people – helping those who need it most, regardless of who they are and what side of the front line they are on.
We engage with authorities and armed forces on all sides, often confidentially, pressing for access to detainees to improve their living conditions and urging compliance with international humanitarian law to protect non-combatants, including from digital threats.
Since the onset of the conflict, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has rapidly deteriorated. The ICRC has relocated its activities to the South, with a particular focus on health facilities through the ICRC health program. A rapid MHPSS assessment indicated a significant need for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) among adults, children, and families.
In response, the ICRC launched the "MHPSS for People Affected by Violence Accessing Health Facilities" (MHPSS for PAV accessing HF) program in 2024. This initiative aims to provide essential MHPSS services to patients in health facilities and Community Mental Health Center across the Middle Area and southern Gaza, complementing and supporting existing medical care.
Additionally, the ICRC MHPSS program develops activities to support people with physical disabilities (ALPC and Al- Almal Hospital PRC) and provides self-care support (“Helping the Helpers”) for Ministry of Health staff working in ICRC-supported health facilities.
Purpose
The MHPSS Field Officer is responsible for implementing Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) activities, as defined in collaboration with the relevant coordinator at the local and national levels. This role involves supporting both MHPSS practitioners and non-specialized staff through training, supervision, and coaching.
Relationships
- Internally, interacts with ICRC staff related to the specific programs (Health and PRP team, Protection team, etc.).
- Externally, interacts with governmental authorities at various level, local Red Crescent branches, institutional authorities, other local and international partners, and specific population groups.
GENERAL DUTIES
- Understands and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
- Understands and adheres to the ICRC Code of Conduct.
- Understands the roles of the components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
- Always respects and observes staff regulations and security rules.
- Always represents the ICRC in a professional manner.
- Develops and maintains a pleasant and conducive working environment with colleagues and line managers.
- Performs all duties with the highest level of confidentiality in the interest of the employees and the ICRC.
- May be asked to perform tasks not covered in this job description and to provide support to other departments when necessary.
Accountabilities & functional responsibilities
- With a focus on providing MHPSS support to weapon wounded patients at the Rafah hospital
- Implements and monitors MHPSS activities in accordance with institutional technical guidelines, in close collaboration with the technical lead.
- Ensures adherence to ICRC MHPSS technical guidelines and institutional standards throughout the project cycle.
- Organizes beneficiary referrals and monitors cases to ensure appropriate follow-up.
- Establishes and maintains a network of contacts with local and state mental health authorities and relevant civil society organizations (NGOs) to support MHPSS activities.
- Develops technical and methodological training materials in line with program requirements, in collaboration with the technical line manager and following institutional guidelines.
- Supervises staff from partner organizations or teams as per program strategy.
- Implement structured, weekly clinical supervision sessions dedicated to sensitive and high-risk cases
- Ensures regular data collection and reporting for supervisors and other departments (e.g., meeting minutes, MAD, PEARL, technical reports), on a weekly basis and upon request
- Creates and maintains direct links with MHPSS programme beneficiaries.
- Trains and supports MHPSS staff from the ICRC and other organizations/partners/teams as per the programme strategy.
- Maintains regular communication with the Mental Health & psychological delegate and/or Health Coordinator, providing data and programme updates.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITES
- Contributes to the validation, cultural adaptation, and translation of MHPSS Tools, provide guidance to counterparts on their correct use and understanding.
- Actively participates in the development of MHPSS work plans, contributing relevant information, analysis, and discussions during planning meetings.
- Collaborates with other ICRC departments/units (e.g., HOS, PRP, COOP, etc.) within the Gaza Sub-delegation to ensure a coordinated and integrated response to beneficiaries’ needs.
- Supports logistical and administrative processes related to MHPSS activities in the Gaza AoR (e.g., raising SRs, organizing meetings,).
- Maintains regular communication with the MHPSS Program Manager, Hospital program manager providing updates and data on program activities.
- The staff member may be required to carry out additional tasks not listed in this job description, depending on the needs and circumstances of the ICRC Gaza Sub-delegation.
Certification / Education Required
- University degree in clinical psychology (minimum 3 years’ university study) or psychiatry (minimum 5 years’ university study), medical doctor with a Master on mental health or psychotherapy or psychiatrist nurse
- Fluent command of English as well as the main local language.
- License to practice in her/his own country.
- Computer proficiency.
Professional experience required
- 3 to 5 years of overall professional experience with minimum 2 years’ experience in MHPSS programs.
- Clinical or psychosocial experience.
- Experience in managing teams is an asset.
- Humanitarian experience is an asset.
- Red Cross/Red Crescent is an asset.
Additional information
- Type of role: National Staff
- Working rate: Full Time (100%)
- Starting date: September 2026
- Location: Gaza Strip
- Job level: B2
- Length of assignment: ٍSix months (with
- extension possibility)
- Application deadline: 31/08/2026
- This vacancy announcement may close before the deadline once an adequate number of applications has been reached. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
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.
