What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and at the same time promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Your role

As a Psychiatrist for ICRC mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programmes you will

• identify the mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) that the people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence require.
• propose, plan, and set up MHPSS projects and programmes to respond to the identified needs in line with ICRC frameworks and priorities.
• provide standard operational procedures, including general frameworks and guidelines, referral protocols, data documentation and evaluation tools, taking the local cultural context into consideration.
• be responsible for MHPSS implementation, monitoring and follow-up.
• as a specialist physician, act as MHPSS focal point for other health programmes such as the care of persons who have suffered weapon wounds, physical rehabilitation, primary health care and health in detention.

Main responsibilities

• Evaluates risk factors and identifies communities, groups and individuals in need of MHPSS.
• Implements relevant MHPSS assessments and mapping.
• Sets up MHPSS programmes that ensure continuity of care, taking into consideration the concerns and coping mechanisms of the beneficiaries and the cultural context and using participatory approaches wherever possible.
• Implements and ensures proper follow-up regarding MHPSS projects/programmes aimed at the people affected by armed conflict or other situations of violence. This will often involve working in partnership with local entities such as NGOs and the National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society.
• Ensures the integration and coordination of MHPSS activities with Health, Protection, and other ICRC activities as relevant.
• Provides technical advice to ensure that affected populations receive optimal assistance, and to strengthen and develop local networks and their MHPSS capacities. Where programmes are already in place, building the capacity of national staff is one of the psychiatrist’s core activities.
• Continually evaluates patterns of violence, the situation of people affected and the MHPSS program response.
• Analyses information provides regular update reports and adapts the humanitarian response accordingly when necessary.
• Represents the ICRC at MHPSS technical working groups and other relevant forums.

Education and experience required

• Degree in Medicine with specialist training in Psychiatry.
• Valid license to practice in your country of residence.
• Excellent command of English and of another language of interest to the ICRC, such as French, Arabic, Spanish or Russian.

Desired profile and skills

• Minimum of two years’ postgraduate specialized clinical experience.
• Knowledge of public mental health and of integrated MHPSS models covering promotion/prevention and treatment at primary and secondary health care levels
• Relevant international field experience assessing and mapping MHPSS needs, capacity building of non-specialists, and implementing MHPSS programs.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and to manage such a team.
• Significant experience of training and supervision processes.
• Good analysis, problem-solving and report-writing skills.
• Strongly motivated by humanitarian work and able to work under pressure in a potentially dangerous environment.

Our operational context

• In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals.
• Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field.
• Candidates must possess a driving license (for manual transmission vehicles)
• Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for at least the first 24 months.

Why work for the ICRC

Our organisation started with a desire to bring help without discrimination. Impartiality and neutrality have been central values for the Red Cross since the beginning. We hire professionals with strong humanitarian motivation to help people affected by armed conflict and other violence. Our offer in a nutshell:

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
• A two-week orientation course and other opportunities for further in-house training
• Attractive social benefits.
• Be part of the ICRC talent pool and be contacted for future assignments globally.
• Length of assignment: 12 mmo.

How to apply

Your complete application should include:

• Your CV – clearly specifying your national and international experiences, duration, roles and responsibilities
• Your Cover Letter – stating your motivation for joining the humanitarian world and the ICRC
• A complete profile with the following documents uploaded in the system:
  • Your passport(s) copy
  • Your manual driving license
  • Your medical license (license to practice)
  • Copy of your academic diplomas and certificates
  • Copy of your work certificates/employment records

To apply for this opportunity, please click on the “Apply” button below and create/sign into your account!

Deadline for application 6th of October 2023.

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.