MHPSS Officer

Reports to: Child Protection- GBViE Program Coordinator

Term of Employment: Contract/ Emergency Response

Mahibere Hiwot for Social Development (MSD) is a non-profit, indigenous civil society organization established in 1999 with the aim of improving the health, wellbeing, and socio-economic status of communities across Ethiopia. Since its inception, MSD has evolved into a leading development and humanitarian organization implementing evidence-based programs that address the diverse needs of vulnerable populations.

MSD’s programmatic focus spans multiple sectors, including Health and Nutrition (TB, HIV/AIDS, SRH, MNCH), Education (access to quality education, TVET, and skills development), Social Mobilization and Livelihood (economic strengthening and prevention of HTPs, GBV, and FGM), Migration and Trafficking (safe migration and rehabilitation of returnees and victims), Child Care and Development (child protection, early childhood care, and infant feeding), and Human Rights and Good Governance (democratization, peace building, and dialogue).

In addition, MSD engages in Humanitarian and Emergency Response (supporting disaster-affected and displaced communities) and Environment and Climate Change (promoting environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation). Through these integrated interventions, MSD works closely with government institutions, community structures, and development partners to foster inclusive growth, equity, and resilience at all levels of society.

MSD is looking for qualified and competent applicants for the following position:

1.Job Summary

The MHPSS Officer is responsible for supporting the implementation of child protection and GBViE activities in humanitarian and emergency settings in Wogera and Lay Gaint Woreda its surrounding IDPs and host community. The role focuses on the prevention of and response to abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence against children, in line with the Child Protection Minimum Standards (CPMS), and GBV guidelines organizational policies, and donor requirements.

2. Key Responsibilities

I. Program Implementation

• Provide direct psychosocial support (individual and group-based) to GBV survivors using survivor-centered and trauma-informed approaches.
• Deliver Psychological First Aid (PFA) and basic psychosocial interventions during acute emergencies.
• Support the integration of MHPSS into GBV case management and prevention activities.
• Assist in developing and implementing MHPSS activity plans, workplans, and tools.

II. GBV Case Management Support

• Work closely with GBV Case Workers to ensure MHPSS services are safely integrated into case management.
• Participate in case conferences while respecting confidentiality and informed consent.
• Identify and refer cases requiring specialized mental health or psychiatric care.

III. Capacity Building

• Train and mentor GBV staff, community workers, and volunteers on:
  • Psychological First Aid
  • Basic psychosocial skills
  • Safe identification of distress and referral pathways
• Support staff care and wellbeing activities to prevent burnout and secondary trauma.

IV. Community-Based MHPSS

• Support the design and facilitation of community-based psychosocial activities for women, girls, and other at-risk groups.
• Promote safe spaces and peer support initiatives that strengthen resilience and social support networks.
• Ensure inclusion of diverse groups (adolescents, persons with disabilities, LGBTQI+ individuals, etc.).

V. Coordination & Referrals

• Coordinate with health, protection, and other MHPSS actors to strengthen referral pathways.
• Participate in GBV, MHPSS, and Protection working group meetings as required.
• Support mapping of available MHPSS and mental health services.

VI. Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate, confidential documentation in line with ethical standards.
• Contribute to monitoring and reporting of MHPSS indicators within GBV programs.
• Support needs assessments and rapid MHPSS assessments in emergencies.

3. Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Mental Health, or related field (Master’s preferred).

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience in MHPSS and/or GBV programming in humanitarian or emergency settings and MA/MSC is plus.
• Experience providing psychosocial support to GBV survivors strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with emergency response and protection programming

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of:
  • GBV Core Concepts and Survivor-Centered Approach
  • IASC Guidelines on MHPSS in Emergencies
  • Inter-Agency GBV Guidelines
• Skills in Psychological First Aid, basic counseling, and group facilitation.
• Knowledge of ethical principles: confidentiality, informed consent, and do-no-harm.

Core Competencies

• Strong empathy and survivor-centered attitude
• Cultural sensitivity and non-judgmental approach
• Ability to work under pressure in unstable environments
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Commitment to safeguarding and humanitarian principles

Language Requirements

• Fluency in local language(s) required
• Working knowledge of English preferred

Safeguarding

The post holder must comply with organizational safeguarding policies and promote a safe, respectful environment free from sexual exploitation and abuse.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong understanding of the CPMS, IASC GBV Guidelines, and humanitarian principles.
• Knowledge of referral pathways and protection systems in emergencies.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and community mobilization skills.
• Ability to work in stressful environments, adapt to change, and manage multiple priorities.
• Fluency in written and spoken English (knowledge of local languages is an asset).
• Strong computer skills (MS Office, data entry tools such as CPIMS+ desirable).

Safeguarding & Ethics

• Commitment to child safeguarding and protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA).
• Ensure all activities adhere to humanitarian principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.
• Uphold confidentiality, do-no-harm, and survivor-centered approaches.

A person who has no history of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment (SEAH) can provide evidence from his/her previous employment.