Senior Officer, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and Protection

About the role

The Senior Officer, MHPSS and Protection will support the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) in delivering quality mental health and psychosocial support services in both emergency and non‑emergency contexts. Recruited by IFRC and seconded to the Danish Red Cross, the role is based in Kabul and includes frequent travel to project sites for coaching, supervision and capacity‑building.

Key responsibilities

• Design, implement and monitor MHPSS and protection projects in collaboration with ARCS and other partners.
• Provide technical support, capacity building and on‑the‑job coaching to counsellors, community actors and health staff.
• Supervise and model MHPSS interventions (individual counselling, group work, psycho‑education, outreach) and ensure regular quality supervision.
• Collect, analyse and report MHPSS data to inform advocacy and coordination with government authorities.
• Coordinate with Red Cross Movement partners, facilitate referrals and ensure integration of MHPSS into emergency and non‑emergency programmes.

Required profile

• Adherence to the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and IFRC Code of Conduct.
• Proven experience in humanitarian MHPSS programmes and protection activities.
• Ability to travel frequently across project sites and work in a security‑sensitive environment.
• Fluency in English and Pashto/Dari with strong translation skills.

Required skills

• Psychological First Aid (PFA) and related trainings (PM+, Thinking Healthy, safe referral).
• Design and delivery of training materials for MHPSS and protection staff.
• Translation and interpretation between English, Pashto and Dari.
• Supervision, coaching and performance feedback for MHPSS practitioners.
• Data collection, analysis and reporting for advocacy and program improvement.