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 works in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities to restore health, safety, education, and economic well-being. The organization is a force for humanity, driven by a mission to deliver lasting impact and help survivors reclaim control of their future through dignity and hope.
At the heart of the IRC’s work is a commitment to professional standards known as the IRC Way, which encompasses integrity, service, equality, and accountability. The organization operates with strict policies on safeguarding, fiscal integrity, and the protection of beneficiaries from exploitation and abuse. By fostering a culture of critical reflection and power-sharing, the IRC ensures that its teams are equipped to provide the best possible services to the world’s most vulnerable populations.
The IRC is an equal opportunity employer that thrives on diversity and inclusion, aiming to build teams that reflect the communities they serve. It is particularly committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership and provides an enabling environment for women through supportive benefits and gender-sensitive security protocols. Joining the IRC means becoming a part of a passionate, solutions-driven team of change-makers.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Protection-MHPSS Officer plays a vital strategic role in ensuring the quality implementation of integrated Women’s Protection and Empowerment (WPE) and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) activities. Based in Assosa, this position directly impacts the lives of displaced persons and refugees in the Bambasi IDP sites and Ura Refugee Settlement. The officer is responsible for bridging clinical and community-based support, ensuring that survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) receive timely, confidential, and safe care.
This role is essential for maintaining the IRC’s survivor-centered approach, promoting multi-sectoral services that include health, safety, and justice. By managing GBV case services and implementing psychological interventions like Self-Help Plus (SH+), the officer facilitates long-term healing and resilience within affected communities. The strategic impact lies in strengthening local referral networks and coordination platforms, ensuring that protection services are integrated and effective.
A “day-in-the-life” in this role involves conducting protection assessments, providing daily mentorship to assistants, and facilitating group psychological sessions. The officer also acts as a technical lead, training frontline workers and community volunteers in trauma-informed care and psychological first aid. This position demands a high level of autonomy and the ability to organize complex tasks under pressure in a humanitarian field setting.
Professional growth in this position is supported by deep technical supervision and the opportunity to lead community mobilization efforts. The officer will gain extensive experience in data management through the GBVIMS database and participate in safety audits and protection coordination meetings. This role offers a unique platform to develop expertise in specialized support for women, adolescents, and girl-child survivors.
Job Positions and Requirements
Protection – MPHSS Officer-2
Educational Qualification: Diploma, BSc, or MSc in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Public Health, Nursing, Women’s Studies, or other related fields.
Work Experience: Minimum of 5 years for Diploma holders, 2 years for BSc holders, and 1 year for MSc holders.
Job Location: Assosa, Ethiopia (Bambasi and Tsore).
Salary: Not Specified.
No. Required: Not Specified.
Required Skills and Competencies
Proven experience in counseling survivors of violence against women and girls (VAWG) and comprehensive case management.
Strong technical writing skills for reports and a clear understanding of gender-based power dynamics.
Ability to maintain protection principles and trauma-informed approaches at all times.
Proficiency in English (written and spoken); knowledge of the local language is highly advantageous.
Basic supervisory and managerial skills with the ability to motivate and mentor field workers.
Digital literacy in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access).
A renewed professional license and a commitment to IRC professional standards.
Employment Type and Compensation
This is a full-time position that offers the opportunity to be part of one of the world’s largest international humanitarian organizations. The IRC provides a stable and professional working environment characterized by the values of the IRC Way. Compensation is determined based on the organization’s merit-based scale and the candidate’s qualifications.
The IRC is dedicated to providing an enabling environment for its staff, including benefits such as parental leave and gender-sensitive security protocols. Employees are encouraged to participate in ongoing learning and transparent dialogue to strengthen safeguarding efforts. Working with the IRC provides a meaningful career path focused on restorative justice and hope.
How to Apply
Interested and qualifying applicants are invited to submit their application letters and CVs online through the IRC careers portal or as specified in the hiring guidelines. Scanned certificates or heavy attachments are NOT required during the initial application phase. The application letter must include the name of the position, date of application, a summary of qualifications, and motivation for applying.
Applicants must also provide three references from current and former employers and disclose any family relationships with existing IRC employees. Please note that the IRC will never request payment at any stage of the recruitment process. Professional documents and original credentials will only be required for verification during the interview stage for shortlisted candidates.
Only candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be contacted for further assessment. Due to the high volume of applications, the IRC discourages phone calls or personal visits regarding the application status. Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply to support the organization’s commitment to gender equality.
Application Deadline
May 6, 2026
Official Application Link / Contact
Apply via the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Careers Portal:
International Rescue Committee Careers