Education:

Master’s Degree (MA/MSc) or Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BSc) in a related field (Check details)

About the Organization

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global leader in humanitarian response, dedicated to helping people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC has grown into an influential international non-governmental organization operating in more than 40 countries and dozens of cities across the United States. Our mission is to help people survive, recover, and gain control of their future, ensuring that dignity and safety are restored to the most vulnerable populations on earth.

At the heart of the IRC’s work is a commitment to providing high-impact, evidence-based interventions. We specialize in health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power, addressing both the immediate needs of refugees and displaced persons and the long-term systemic challenges they face. By joining the IRC, you become part of a legacy of humanity that transforms lives through specialized care, protection, and advocacy.

Our organizational culture is built upon the "IRC Way," which emphasizes the core values of integrity, service, and accountability. We strive to foster a working environment characterized by critical reflection, power sharing, and objectivity. We believe that by empowering our staff and listening to the communities we serve, we can achieve our bold aspirations and deliver the best possible services to our clients.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords at the IRC; they are the pillars of our operational success. We recognize that our global team must reflect the diversity of the people we assist. We are committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership and ensuring that all staff members, regardless of their background, feel valued and supported in their professional journey.

The IRC is an equal opportunity employer that considers all applicants on the basis of merit. We strictly prohibit discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability. We actively seek to build a team that embodies our culture statement and encourages a variety of perspectives to solve the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges.

We recognize the unique barriers that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often face in the professional world. Therefore, the IRC highly encourages women and candidates from marginalized backgrounds to apply for these roles. We provide an enabling environment through gender-sensitive security protocols, parental leave, and other supportive benefits designed to ensure everyone can thrive and lead within our organization.

Job Description

The Protection-MHPSS Officer role is a vital position within our Ethiopia program, specifically targeting the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees in the Assosa region. As a dual-focused professional, you will bridge the gap between protection services and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS). This role is strategically essential for ensuring that survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and those suffering from psychological distress receive comprehensive, trauma-informed care that addresses both their physical safety and emotional wellbeing.

In this capacity, you will oversee the implementation of integrated Women’s Protection and Empowerment (WPE) and MHPSS activities at the Bambasi IDP sites and Ura Refugee Settlement. Your work will involve direct case management, facilitating psychological interventions like Self-Help Plus (SH+), and leading protection assessments. By providing a stable support structure, you help survivors reclaim their power and strengthen the community’s overall resilience against the psychological impacts of displacement and conflict.

Your daily impact will be felt through the mentorship and supervision of frontline workers and community volunteers. You will be responsible for building the capacity of local stakeholders, including government counterparts, to ensure that the protection environment is sustainable and sensitive to the needs of women and girls. Through your leadership, the IRC can maintain a survivor-centered approach that prioritizes confidentiality, safety, and timely access to justice and health services.

Career development is a cornerstone of the IRC experience. As a Protection-MHPSS Officer, you will have the opportunity to engage in specialized training, master the GBV Information Management System (GBVIMS), and participate in high-level coordination meetings with international partners. This role offers a clear pathway for professional growth in the humanitarian sector, providing hands-on experience in complex crisis management and program leadership.

Ultimately, your contribution ensures that the IRC remains a force for humanity. By integrating mental health support with protection protocols, you are not just managing cases; you are helping individuals heal from trauma and rebuild their lives. Your dedication to these communities will foster an environment where safety and dignity are not just goals, but realities for the millions of people the IRC serves worldwide.

Job Positions and Requirements

Protection – MHPSS Officer (2 Positions)

Educational Qualification: Diploma, BSc, or MSc in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Public Health, Nursing, Women’s Studies, or other related social science fields.

Work Experience: A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience for Diploma holders, 2 years for BSc holders, and 1 year for MSc holders.

Job Location: Assosa, Ethiopia (Bambasi and Tsore sites).

Salary: Per Scale (Competitive and commensurate with experience).

No. Required: 2

Applicants must possess a clear understanding of gender dynamics, power imbalances, and the specific issues surrounding violence against women and girls. Technical proficiency in counseling and case management is essential, alongside the ability to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and protection principles at all times.

Candidates should demonstrate strong interpersonal and supervisory skills, with the ability to lead and motivate a diverse team under pressure. Excellent report writing skills and proficiency in digital literacy, particularly MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), are required to manage data and documentation effectively.

The role requires experience in participatory techniques and community mobilization. You must be able to facilitate training for various stakeholders and monitor the progress of psychological interventions using established evaluation tools. Experience working with NGOs in a humanitarian context is considered a significant advantage.

Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for reporting and coordination purposes. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the Assosa region is highly advantageous as it facilitates better communication and trust-building with the communities we serve.

Successful candidates must hold a renewed professional license relevant to their field of study. This ensures that all psychosocial and medical-related support provided adheres to the national standards and professional ethics required for high-quality humanitarian assistance.

Required Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate will be a solutions-driven change-maker with a passion for humanitarian work. You must be able to organize and prioritize tasks effectively, maintaining composure in high-stress environments. Attention to detail is critical, particularly when dealing with sensitive case management data and incident recording.

Beyond technical expertise, we value emotional intelligence and the ability to build strong relationships with partners across different sectors, including legal, health, and security. You will be expected to champion ongoing learning and transparent dialogue within your team to strengthen safeguarding measures and uphold the IRC’s professional standards.

Job Location

The primary work locations for these positions are the Bambasi and Tsore sites in Assosa, Ethiopia. These locations are central to our displacement and refugee response initiatives in the region, requiring the officer to be physically present to supervise activities at Women’s and Girls’ Safe Spaces (WGSS) and MHPSS centers.

Employment Type and Salary

These are contract-based positions that offer a stable and professional environment for those looking to make a career in the international humanitarian sector. The IRC provides a competitive compensation package that is reviewed regularly to remain aligned with industry scales. In addition to salary, employees benefit from being part of a world-class organization that prioritizes staff wellbeing, safety, and continuous professional development through various internal training programs.

How to Apply

The International Rescue Committee prides itself on a streamlined and fair recruitment process. We want to make it as accessible as possible for qualified candidates to express their interest. To begin your journey with us, please ensure your application includes a comprehensive cover letter and a detailed CV.

Your application letter must include the name of the position, the date of application, a summary of your qualifications, and your motivation for joining the IRC. Additionally, please provide your permanent and present addresses, a valid telephone number, and an email address. You are also required to disclose any family relationships with existing IRC employees to maintain our standards of transparency.

Please note that scanned certificates, transcripts, or other heavy attachments are NOT required during the initial application phase. We aim to keep the process efficient for all applicants. We only require a well-structured CV and cover letter that clearly outlines how you meet the requirements of the role.

Original documents and academic credentials will only be required for physical verification during the interview stage for those who progress in the selection process. This ensures that we focus on your experience and potential first while maintaining the integrity of our hiring standards.

The IRC maintains a strict policy regarding recruitment: we never request any form of payment from applicants at any stage of the process. Only shortlisted candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be contacted for further assessment. If you do not hear from us within a reasonable timeframe after the deadline, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Interested candidates should submit their application via the IRC's official online recruitment portal as the primary channel for consideration.

Application Deadline

May 6, 2026

Official Application Link / Contact

Candidates may apply through the IRC Career Portal at: https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home