Senior Child Protection Officer (MHPSS)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. Responsibilities MHPSS Technical Leadership & Program Quality Lead the design, adaptation, and implementation of MHPSS interventions, including structured group activities and individual support modalities, ensuring alignment with IRC approaches and IASC MHPSS guidelines Ensure a layered MHPSS approach, including community-based PSS, focused non-specialized interventions, and referral pathways for specialized services where available Adapt MHPSS programming to the Gaza emergency context, ensuring relevance, feasibility, and safety in settings with limited services and high insecurity Ensure integration of MHPSS across Child Protection and WPE/GBV programming, including survivor-centered approaches Develop and oversee tools, guidance, and standard operating procedures for MHPSS service delivery Ensure effective integration between MHPSS, CP case management, and GBV case management, including safe referral pathways Support frontline staff in identifying and referring individuals with heightened protection risks, including UASC, GBV survivors, and individuals experiencing severe distress Promote safe, confidential, and survivor-centered approaches across all MHPSS services Oversee the implementation of structured group and individual MHPSS interventions for children, adolescents, caregivers, and women Ensure fidelity and quality of group and individual interventions through regular observation, feedback, and coaching of facilitators Support adaptation of group and individual curricula to context, age, gender, and vulnerability considerations Monitor participation, engagement, and outcomes to improve program quality and relevance Clinical & Technical Supervision Provide regular technical supervision to MHPSS Officers, psychologists, and other frontline staff delivering MHPSS services Support staff in case conceptualization, intervention planning, and risk management, including complex and high-risk cases Ensure that individual MHPSS services (including counselling support where applicable) are delivered safely, ethically, and in line with professional standards Review documentation and case records to ensure quality, confidentiality, and adherence to protocols Identify capacity gaps and lead targeted coaching, mentoring, and training initiatives Directly supervise MHPSS Officers, psychologists, and community workers, ensuring clarity of roles and accountability Provide both technical and line management supervision, including performance management, work planning, and staff development Foster a positive, supportive team environment, promoting collaboration and strong team cohesion Ensure staff wellbeing is prioritized, including measures to mitigate stress, burnout, and secondary trauma Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL) Ensure implementation of MHPSS-related MEAL activities, including monitoring of quality, outcomes, and client feedback Analyze data and trends to inform program adaptation and improve service delivery Ensure that accountability mechanisms (including feedback systems) are functional and used to strengthen programming Contribute to internal and donor reporting, ensuring accurate reflection of MHPSS activities and impact Administration and Reporting Lead planning, implementation tracking, and reporting of MHPSS activities Ensure timely and high-quality submission of work plans, reports, and documentation Maintain accurate and secure documentation in line with data protection protocols Support proposal development and program design as required Coordination and Representation Liaise closely with CP and WPE teams to ensure coordinated and holistic support Represent IRC in the Gaza MHPSS Technical Working Group (TWG) and other relevant coordination forums Actively contribute to inter-agency technical discussions, guidance development, and harmonization of MHPSS approaches Strengthen collaboration with partners, service providers, and other stakeholders to improve access to MHPSS services Maintain strong coordination with IRC internal sectors, including Health, Protection, and other relevant teams Other Attend trainings organized by the IRC Stay informed about the protection situation and developments within the communities and surrounding areas Consistently and proactively monitor the safety and security of field teams, promptly reporting concerns or incidents to IRC management and liaising with other external parties as required to maintain/enhance the security environment Promote and adhere to the principles, objectives, and code of conduct of the IRC Act both professionally and personally in a manner that brings credit to the IRC and does not compromise its humanitarian mission If necessary, provide translation and interpretation at meetings, training sessions, and/or documents for a better understanding of all staff Assist in identifying new implementing partners and arrange meetings with partners to discuss their program implementation when necessary Conduct any other task requested by the supervisor to enable and develop IRC programs Qualifications Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Mental Health, or a related field Minimum 5–7 years of experience in MHPSS programming in humanitarian settings, including emergency contexts Demonstrated experience in: Designing and implementing MHPSS interventions (group and/or individual) Providing technical supervision to MHPSS staff Working with conflict-affected populations, including children and GBV survivors Strong understanding of: IASC MHPSS Guidelines CP and GBV minimum standards and principles Experience working in highly volatile, resource-constrained environments preferred Demonstrated experience in coordination and representation in inter-agency forums is an asset Strong interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills Fluency in Arabic; good English skills Available to travel within Gaza, as required Standards of Professional Conduct The IRC and IRC workers adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation. Gender Equality IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce, including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits and allowances. Equal Opportunity Employer IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct . Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding , Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients. Cookies: