MHPSS Technical Officer

About the role

Under the supervision of the line manager and in technical coordination with the MHPSS Manager and programme teams, the MHPSS Technical Officer supports the implementation, monitoring and quality assurance of psychosocial support (PSS) activities under a UNFPA-supported programme. The post holder strengthens the capacity of PSS counsellors and frontline staff, supports referral pathways, reviews service data and contributes to programme reporting, working with site and programme teams to improve the quality and continuity of safe, confidential and culturally appropriate PSS services.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance to PSS counsellors and frontline staff, support the development of PSS tools, forms and questionnaires, and conduct regular field monitoring of service delivery and staff practice.
• Support structured supervision, mentoring and coaching, and give guidance on Psychological First Aid (PFA) and appropriate responses to psychosocial needs.
• Review guidance, field manuals, tools and IEC materials, and contribute to programme reports, lessons learned and documentation.
• Disseminate approved SOPs, referral protocols and donor requirements, and support staff orientation on safeguarding, PSEA, confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Contribute to training needs assessments, training plans and capacity-building activities, and support staff preparedness for emergencies.
• Monitor PSS activities against approved indicators, maintain supervision and monitoring trackers, and compile timely reports and field-monitoring notes.
• Check the completeness and timeliness of PSS registers and session records, and protect personal information.

Required profile

• Medical Doctor (MD) degree, or a university degree in psychology, social work, medicine, mental health (certified) or another relevant discipline; postgraduate qualifications are an advantage.
• Typically 3-6 years of relevant experience in humanitarian or development programmes, including supporting PSS/MHPSS service delivery.
• Experience in humanitarian or emergency settings and with women, girls and crisis-affected communities is an advantage.
• Experience in planning, implementing or monitoring programmes, and in coordinating with site teams, health workers, service providers and partners.