Mental Health and Psycho-social Support(MHPSS) officer- Kersadulla/Dekasuftu
Location: Remote, Ethiopia
Organization: Partnership for Pastoralist Development Association (PAPDA)
Deadline: January 4, 2026
Job Description
Organization Background
Partnership for Pastoralists Development Association (PAPDA) is a legally registered humanitarian, non-profit, non-religious, non-political, and non-governmental local organization striving to empower the livelihood of pastoralist communities in Ethiopia. PAPDA was established in June 2006 and registered with the Ministry of Justice in May 2007, with registration No.3111. The organization was re-registered by the newly established Charities and Societies Agency in the Ministry of Justice with a certificate No 0355. The mission of the organization is to contribute towards the provision of efficient, effective, and sustainable basic socio-economic services that enhance the living standard of the pastoralist communities.
Project Overview
PAPDA seeks experienced health professionals for its EHF-funded project entitled “Integrated Life-Saving Response for Internally Displaced Populations in the Informal Settlements of Kersadula and Deka Suftu Woredas, Liben Zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia,” focusing on Health, Nutrition, WASH, Protection/GBV, ESNFI, and MPCA. The project aims to reduce immediate mortality, morbidity, and protection risks among internally displaced and highly vulnerable households through integrated Health, Nutrition, ES/NFI and MPCA interventions in prioritized Informal IDP sites.
Position Title: MHPSS Officer
Duration of Assignment: 8 months
Reporting Line: Reports to the Health and Nutrition Officer
Number of Positions: One
Duty station: Kersadulla/Dekasuftu woredas of Liben zone
A. Purpose of the Role
The MHPSS Officer will provide technical support and coordination for mental health and psycho-social support services within the Mobile Health and Nutrition Team (MHNT). The role involves delivering community-based psychosocial interventions, supporting vulnerable populations, training health staff, and integrating MHPSS into health and nutrition programs to improve holistic well-being.
B. Key Responsibilities and Duties
1. Planning
- Contributes to the development of annual, quarterly, and monthly MHNT plans integrating MHPSS activities.
- Identify human, material, and financial resources required for MHPSS interventions.
- Plan community outreach sessions and psychosocial support activities in coordination with the MHNT.
2. Health Service Delivery & MHNT Management
- Provide direct psychosocial support and counseling to individuals, families, and groups.
- Support integration of MHPSS services into routine health and nutrition activities.
- Assist in supervision and guidance of MHNT staff on MHPSS approaches.
3. Nutrition Program Management
- Integrate psychosocial support considerations into nutrition programs, including CMAM and IYCF-E activities.
- Address psychosocial barriers to service uptake and adherence.
- Support caregivers and community members with counseling and stress management techniques.
4. Capacity Building
- Conduct training, coaching, and mentorship for MHNT staff, HEWs, and facility staff on MHPSS principles and interventions.
- Strengthen community-level psychosocial capacity by training volunteers and community committees.
5. Disease Surveillance, Outbreak Prevention & Response
- Identify and respond to psychosocial needs during emergencies.
- Support community awareness and stress management interventions during crises.
- Collaborate with health teams to ensure MHPSS needs are integrated into emergency response plans.
6. Coordination and Representation
- Liaise with government, NGO, and community partners for coordinated MHPSS service delivery.
- Represent the MHNT in technical meetings and forums related to MHPSS.
7. Monitoring, Reporting, Data Management and Documentation
- Maintain accurate records of MHPSS activities, counseling sessions, and follow-ups.
- Prepare weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports on MHPSS interventions.
- Document lessons learned, success stories, and best practices.
8. Safeguarding, Protection & Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP)
- Adhere to safeguarding and protection policies.
- Ensure confidentiality, dignity, and safety of beneficiaries during all MHPSS interventions.
- Promote accountability to affected populations by responding to feedback and complaints appropriately.
C. Expected Deliverables and Outputs
- Weekly and monthly reports on MHPSS activities.
- Documentation of training, coaching, and mentorship sessions.
- Records of psychosocial support provided to individuals and communities.
- Reports on MHPSS integration into health, nutrition, and emergency interventions.
- Lessons learned, best practices, and success stories.
D. Required Qualifications and Skills
· Bachelor degree in Psychiatry Nurse or Psychology.
· Minimum five years of Experience in MHPSS service delivery in humanitarian or community settings.
- Knowledge of psychosocial support, mental health interventions, and community-based approaches.
- Strong communication, counseling, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work in hard-to-reach and challenging environments.
- Experience in training, coaching, and mentoring staff and community volunteers.
E. Work Conditions and Requirements
- Flexible working hours including weekends during emergencies.
- Ability to conduct field visits, community sessions, and psychosocial support interventions.
