Mental Health & Psychosocial Support Officer (Katsina)

About the role

The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officer will lead the design and delivery of psychosocial interventions for children, adolescents and caregivers in Katsina, Nigeria. Working under the Child Protection Coordinator, the officer will ensure that MHPSS activities are integrated with Child Protection and Education in Emergencies programmes, fostering resilience and safeguarding in line with international standards.

Key responsibilities

• Lead implementation of MHPSS interventions (structured psychosocial support, group activities, individual counselling) following IASC MHPSS Guidelines and CP Minimum Standards.
• Provide age‑appropriate, gender‑sensitive services such as HEART, We Thrive and Psychological First Aid.
• Identify children and caregivers in need of specialised mental health support and ensure confidential referral pathways to health or specialised services.
• Integrate MHPSS into case management, education programmes and cash‑and‑voucher activities, supporting safe learning environments and teacher capacity building.
• Support community‑based approaches including child‑friendly spaces and peer support groups, promoting child participation and resilience.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and data protection for all case information.

Required profile

• Relevant experience in humanitarian MHPSS, child protection or education in emergencies.
• Understanding of IASC MHPSS Guidelines and CP Minimum Standards.
• Ability to work with children and young people regularly (Child Safeguarding Level 3).
• Strong coordination skills and ability to work with multi‑sectoral teams.

Required skills

• Familiarity with Psychological First Aid and basic psychosocial support techniques.
• Knowledge of structured psychosocial programmes such as HEART and We Thrive.