Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer
International Medical Corps (IMC)About This Role
This is a frontline humanitarian position based in Gonder, where you would be providing direct mental health and psychosocial support to displaced populations, returnees, and host communities affected by the ongoing crisis in Amhara. International Medical Corps is a well-established global emergency responder, so expect a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment where you balance direct case management with community-level outreach. It suits a practitioner who is comfortable working in unstable settings and who understands that MHPSS in humanitarian contexts looks very different from clinical work in a stable facility. The role carries emotional weight — you will be absorbing other people's trauma daily while navigating your own proximity to the conflict.
What the Requirements Say About This Role
The mid-level framing with three to five years of experience signals that IMC wants someone who has already worked in humanitarian or emergency settings, not just in conventional clinical environments — they need you to hit the ground running without extensive orientation. The emphasis on a biopsychosocial and multidisciplinary approach tells you they are looking for someone who can collaborate across health, protection, and community services teams rather than operate in isolation. Given the location and population served, they almost certainly value prior exposure to displacement contexts and familiarity with GBV or child protection referral pathways, even if not stated outright. Language ability in Amharic is likely non-negotiable in practice, and local knowledge of the Amhara context would be a significant advantage.
How to Approach This Application
Your application should demonstrate that you understand the distinction between clinical mental health practice and community-based MHPSS in emergency settings — highlight any experience with psychological first aid, case management frameworks, or working through community structures rather than only individual therapy. IMC operates in complex emergencies, so showing awareness of coordination mechanisms like cluster systems or referral networks will set you apart. Be specific about the populations you have served and the contexts — vague descriptions of "vulnerable groups" carry little weight here. Also note the anti-fraud notice in the listing: IMC is signaling that this recruitment is transparent and merit-based, so focus your energy on a strong, honest application rather than worrying about informal channels.
Who This Role Suits
This role is best suited for a mental health or social work professional who has already done humanitarian fieldwork and wants to deepen their MHPSS specialization within a major international NGO. Competition will be moderate to high — MHPSS is a growing priority in the Ethiopia response, but the Gonder location will narrow the applicant pool to those genuinely willing to work in an active conflict zone.
International Medical Corps never asks job applicants for a fee, payment, or other monetary transaction. If you are asked for money in connection with this recruitment, please report to International Medical Corps at the website provided at the end of this document. If you are asked for money in connection with this recruitment, please notify International Medical Corps at Website for reporting misconduct :www.InternationalMedicalCorps.ethicspoint.com
JOB SUMMARY Work within a case management model using a biopsychosocial, multidisciplinary and a community-based approach. The MHPSS officer position is frontline worker providing mental health case management sessions and services to IDPs, Returnees and host community population in the given location. Whereby the mentioned population’ needs are addressed in a timely and efficient manner, using a variety of MHPSS and community-based approaches including pharmacological services. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function with or without reasonable accommodation.
MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSABILITIESProvide mental health case consultations in collaboration with other mobile health and nutrition team.Develop culturally appropriate psychosocial activities, including social support activities targeting IDPs, returnees or affected host communities. These include but are not limited to training in psychological first aid, designing holistic recreational, vocational, and social activities; development of material for awareness campaigns and organize awareness sessions.Provide culturally appropriate counselling services to people with mental health conditions or experiencing psychosocial challenges in accordance with professional ethics and best practices.Assist the program manager whilst providing training for health care provides including MHNT on basic MH concepts including mhGAP-HIG, PM+ and other evidence-based intervention approaches/modalities Strengthen community-facility referral system for IDPs, returnees or affected host communities with MHPSS needs.Establish and support mental health club in schools to promote mental health in the school and create supportive environment for students with psychological distress Organize and lead workshop for key community representatives, care and support group members, and model families to promote mental health in the community and effective referrals Integrate MHPSS services for holistic service with other sectors including education, protection, nutrition etc to ensure protection of those suffering mental health conditionsCompile information and prepare written reports and submit to program manager timely Work collaboratively with other agencies, local and international and with relevant government bodies
Additional Tasks: Perform other duties as assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed in this document are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and not necessarily all inclusive.
- BSc/MSc degree or above in mental health/Psychiatry.
- Minimum of two years’ relevant experience on clinical program implementation on MHPSS.
- Experience in facilitating psychosocial activities.
- Knowledge on national and international guidelines, protocols and strategies on MHPSS.
- Excellent training experience and skills, including on the job and formal training
- Ability to work with a broad spectrum of people from different cultural backgrounds
- Good written and spoken ability of the local language is Mandatory.
- Extremely flexible, able to work independently, and can cope with stressful situations and frustrations.
- Interest in and ability to work in team.
- Good organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Ability and willingness to work in remote and potentially insecure environments.
- Qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
How To Apply
Interested applicants who meet the above requirements should submit their application letter and CV by clearly stating the position that you are applying for through www.ethiojobs.net On OR before Oct 18, 2026. CVs will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Note: IMC is equal opportunity employer and hence candidate from all background: religion, ethnic group, qualified women and people living with disabilities, etc are all encouraged to apply.
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Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Officer
International Medical Corps (IMC)
