Senior Child Protection Officer (MHPSS)

About the role

The International Rescue Committee is seeking a Senior Child Protection Officer with expertise in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) to lead and ensure the quality of MHPSS interventions in emergency contexts, including the current Gaza response. The role integrates MHPSS with child protection, gender‑based violence and women’s empowerment programming, emphasizing survivor‑centered approaches.

Key responsibilities

• Design, adapt and implement MHPSS interventions (group and individual) aligned with IRC standards and IASC MHPSS guidelines.
• Ensure a layered MHPSS approach that includes community‑based psychosocial support, non‑specialized interventions, and referral pathways to specialized services.
• Integrate MHPSS across Child Protection and GBV programming, developing tools, SOPs and safe referral mechanisms.
• Provide technical supervision and coaching to MHPSS officers, psychologists and frontline staff, supporting case conceptualisation and risk management.
• Monitor programme quality, fidelity and outcomes through observation, feedback and data analysis.
• Support frontline teams in identifying and referring high‑risk individuals, including unaccompanied minors and GBV survivors.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in MHPSS program design and delivery within humanitarian emergencies.
• Strong knowledge of IASC MHPSS guidelines and child protection standards.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, provide technical supervision and ensure ethical service delivery.
• Experience working in high‑insecurity settings and adapting programmes to limited‑resource contexts.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills for integrating MHPSS with CP and GBV services.

Required skills