Job Purpose

The MHPSS Officer will be responsible for planning, implementing, and coordinating community-based mental health and psychosocial support interventions as part of a wider social cohesion and reintegration project. The position focuses on promoting community healing, resilience, and reconciliation among conflict-affected populations, including returnees, victims, and former associates of Non-State Armed Groups (NSAGs), in collaboration with traditional leaders, local authorities, and community-based structures.

Key Responsibilities

A. Programme Implementation

• Design and implement community-based MHPSS activities aligned with the SD3R project framework and UNDP guidelines.
• Provide individual and group psychosocial support sessions to survivors of violence, trauma, and SGBV, with a focus on gender-sensitive and culturally appropriate approaches.
• Strengthen existing community-based psychosocial support structures through training, mentorship, and technical guidance.
• Support the integration of MHPSS within peacebuilding, reconciliation, and social cohesion initiatives.
• Develop innovative approaches to community-based healing and trauma recovery in collaboration with community leaders and traditional institutions.
• Ensure that psychosocial support contributes to transitional justice, reconciliation, and community healing outcomes.

B. Capacity Building and Community Engagement

• Train MHPSS Counsellors, community volunteers, women groups, traditional leaders and youth groups, and men groups on basic psychosocial first aid, stress management, and referral mechanisms.
• Collaborate with local government authorities, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and traditional leaders to strengthen localized support systems for trauma recovery and social reintegration.
• Conduct sensitization and awareness sessions on mental health, stigma reduction, and the importance of psychosocial wellbeing for peacebuilding.
• Facilitate forums and dialogue spaces where victims, survivors, and former associates can engage in community healing processes.

C. Coordination and Partnerships

• Coordinate with health service providers, protection actors, and other implementing partners to ensure effective referral and follow-up of individuals with specific psychosocial or mental health needs.
• Support linkages between MHPSS services and livelihood/reintegration components to foster holistic recovery and resilience.
• Represent the project in relevant coordination meetings and technical working groups at the state and local levels.
• Work closely with the Social Cohesion and Peacebuilding Officers to harmonize approaches to community healing and reintegration.

D. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Maintain up-to-date beneficiary data and activity records in line with project monitoring frameworks.
• Participate in baseline and end line assessments related to psychosocial wellbeing and community cohesion.
• Prepare timely weekly and monthly reports detailing progress, challenges, and recommendations.
• Contribute to case studies, success stories, and best practices documentation.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• A first degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counselling, Psychiatry, or related field.
• Advanced degree or certification in Clinical Psychology, MHPSS, or Trauma Counselling is an advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in implementing MHPSS or protection programs in humanitarian or post-conflict settings.
• Proven experience working with conflict-affected populations, especially in Northeast Nigeria or similar contexts.
• Experience in capacity building, community mobilization, and coordination with government and non-government stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of community-based psychosocial support, trauma-informed care, and social cohesion principles.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills.
• Fluency in English and local languages (Hausa, Fulfulde) is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, reporting, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and in culturally diverse environments.
• Familiarity with UNDP and I/NGO humanitarian programming standards and safeguarding principles.

Other Skills

• Proven team player
• Able to work effectively with minimum supervision and in a diverse team environment
• Excellent planning and prioritization skills
• Ability to think tactically
• Good motivator of others
• Willing to work additional hours at crucial times

Physical Demands:

• Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift 5-50 lbs.

Mode of Application

To apply for this position, kindly submit scanned copies of your certificates, your CV and cover letter as a single PDF document to careers2@ccfng.org using the job title as the subject of your email.

Continued Professional Development CPD:

CARITAS NIGERIA is committed to providing CPD for its Employees. Employees are required to undertake available Training Courses and Research to enhance personal knowledge, skills and experience.

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