Mental Health, Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officer at Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger is a global leader in the fight against hunger, committed to ending life-threatening hunger within our lifetime. For over 40 years, the organization has worked in nearly 50 countries, delivering humanitarian and development assistance. In 2018 alone, Action Against Hunger supported more than 21 million people worldwide.

The organization is currently hiring for the position below:

Job Title: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officer

Location: Sokoto, Nigeria
Reports to: MHPSS Programme Manager

Primary Responsibilities

Clinical and Psychosocial Support

Carry out psychological assessments and determine suitable interventions and follow-up plans for beneficiaries.
Provide services in safe, confidential, and supportive environments across communities, schools, camps, health facilities, community organizations, and during home visits.
Deliver high-quality, evidence-based mental health and psychosocial care.
Use standard psychometric tools consistently and accurately.
Conduct individual and group therapy sessions for children, adolescents, adults, families, and vulnerable groups in line with Action Against Hunger protocols.
Maintain strict confidentiality and accurate documentation in patient records.
Refer beneficiaries to specialized services when required and monitor the quality of referred services.
Offer psychological support to health workers and community helpers as needed, including remote support where field access is limited.

Capacity Building & Training

Assist in preparing and delivering trainings for clinical and non-clinical staff (GPs, nurses, midwives, health workers, psychosocial workers) in line with recognized standards (mhGAP, PM+, IPT, Thinking Healthy, basic helping skills, child development, etc.).
Provide routine supervision and mentorship to trained non-specialists, supporting case management, assessments, and counselling skills.
Support psychosocial workers in conducting training for community-based organizations and stakeholders.
Contribute to the training of ACF teams across other departments, especially in Psychological First Aid and referral pathways.

Program Support & Quality Assurance

Participate in clinical and technical supervision with the Program Manager and Head of Department MHPSS, including monthly case reviews.
Support the development of guidelines, SOPs, and methodologies for tailored psychosocial interventions.
Assist with integrated project activities such as psychoeducation sessions, community awareness campaigns, needs assessments, gender/protection risk assessments, beneficiary selection, mapping exercises, and activity planning.
Continuously assess needs and gaps in MHPSS and protection, propose solutions, and recommend improvements for better project delivery.
Contribute to daily, weekly, and monthly data collection, reporting, and monitoring in line with organizational tools and policies.
Maintain confidentiality of all beneficiary data at all times.
Adhere to logistical, financial, HR, and security procedures required for program implementation.
Work collaboratively with other Action Against Hunger departments.
Represent Action Against Hunger at field-level meetings with NGOs, INGOs, implementing partners, and coordination groups when requested.

Gender, Protection & Organizational Values

Promote and uphold Action Against Hunger’s gender, age, and diversity commitments.
Ensure all activities reflect inclusiveness, safety, and protection principles.
Follow Action Against Hunger’s mandate, policies, and professional standards at all times.

Additional Duties

Perform other related tasks as assigned.
Uphold high technical standards and demonstrate professionalism in all responsibilities.

Position Requirements

Degree in Psychology or Counselling (Master’s Degree, Clinical Psychology, or Mental Health Counselling is an advantage).
Minimum of 2 years’ experience in MHPSS, protection, or care practices, including assessments, counselling, follow-up, and referrals.
Experience working with vulnerable populations—including IDPs, refugees, and host communities—in humanitarian settings.
Familiarity with MHPSS guidelines (IASC, WHO) and community-based approaches.
Experience providing training and supervision to health workers and community members.
Proficiency in Hausa and English.
Willingness and ability to travel to remote areas with limited services.