MHPSS Officer (Abyei)

About the role

Save the Children is recruiting an MHPSS Officer for its child protection programme in Abyei, South Sudan, on a 5-month contract. Working under the supervision of the project lead with technical support from the technical advisor, the post holder helps implement the MHPSS component of the programme, which focuses on integrated case management, capacity building of the child protection team and direct psychosocial services in conflict-affected communities. The role involves identifying children with MHPSS needs and supporting community-based initiatives such as Child Friendly Spaces, OTP, child rights clubs, youth centres and health facilities.

Key responsibilities

• Identify and register the mental health and psychosocial needs of beneficiaries using the South Sudan MHPSS SOPs
• Promote and deliver counselling, psychological first aid (PFA) and psychosocial support, and basic psychoeducational sessions for children, adolescents and caregivers
• Refer clients to other specialists or institutions following local referral pathways
• Take part in integrated MHPSS case management with child protection, health and nutrition colleagues
• Train and mentor case workers, MHPSS facilitators, community mobilisers and volunteers, and hold regular meetings with them
• Represent Save the Children in community meetings, MHPSS working groups and the SGBV subcluster, and act as focal point for MHPSS in Lankien South
• Support case management in emergencies, and plan and run awareness-raising sessions on prevention and response
• Maintain files, registers and databases, document best practice and case studies, and submit regular MHPSS reports to the Health Manager
• Monitor project progress through monthly meetings with community groups and stakeholders

Required profile

• Diploma in social sciences, social work, community development or another MHPSS-related training
• 2-3 years of sectoral experience in social work, community development and working with children in child protection programmes, preferably with a humanitarian organisation
• Very good written and spoken English; Nuer and Arabic is a plus
• Ability to work in extremely harsh living and working conditions, and to adapt working hours during major emergencies

Required skills

• Technical understanding of child protection and community-based approaches
• Computer knowledge
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to prioritise tasks
• Desirable: knowledge of the local area, culture and language, experience in community facilitation and mobilisation, and previous NGO experience