VAWG Psychological First Aid Assistant at The International Rescue Committee (IRC)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: VAWG Psychological First Aid Assistant 

Job Requisition ID: JR00002670
Location: Monguno, Borno

Job Overview / Summary

• The VAWG Psychological First Aid Assistant will provide frontline psychosocial support through Psychological Firs Aid to women and girls affected by distress, crisis, or violence.
• The role will prioritize early identification of needs and strong linkage to health services, including primary healthcare centers, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services, nutrition services, and WASH-related health services.
• The Assistant will also lead structured psychosocial support activities at Comprehensive Women Centers (CWCs), ensuring that all interventions promote well-being and facilitate access to integrated health services.

Major Responsibilities
Psychological First Aid and Health-Linked Psychosocial Support:

• Provide Psychological First Aid to women and girls in distress, ensuring safe, confidential, and respectful support.
• Identify individuals requiring health-related support, including mental health, reproductive health, and general medical care.
• Deliver basic psychosocial support sessions that promote emotional well-being and encourage positive health-seeking behavior.
• Facilitate structured PSS activities at CWCs, ensuring sessions incorporate messaging on health, hygiene, and well-being.

Referrals and Linkages to Health Services:

• Identify and refer clients to appropriate health facilities and services, including:
  • Primary healthcare centers
  • Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services
  • Nutrition services
  • Sexual and reproductive health services
• Support clients in accessing health services, including providing information, guidance, and follow-up.
• Conduct referral follow-ups to ensure clients receive timely and appropriate care.
• Maintain updated knowledge of health service providers, facility locations, and referral pathways.

Community Engagement and Health Awareness:

• Conduct awareness sessions on:
  • Psychosocial well-being
  • Available health services
  • GBV and available services
  • Importance of early health-seeking behavior
• Promote health/GBV education messages related to hygiene, nutrition, mental health, and overall well-being.
• Engage community structures to strengthen trust in health services and improve service uptake.

Basic GBV Support with Health Integration:

• Provide basic survivor-centered support to GBV survivors and ensure safe and confidential referral to health facilities for clinical management.
• Share information on available GBV and health services, including where and how to seek help.
• Ensure all interactions uphold confidentiality, safety, respect, and non-discrimination.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of PFA support, referrals, and activities.
• Track and document referrals to health services and service uptake.
• Support reporting in line with IRC and donor requirements.

Key Working Relationships:

• Reports to: WPE Senior Case Management Officer
• Directly Supervises: Community Incentive Workers (as assigned)
• Indirect Reporting: Senior Manager – Safety Outcome
• Internal: Health, Nutrition, WASH, Protection sectors
• External: Health facilities, service providers, community structures, partners

Job Requirements
Education

• Diploma or University Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Public Health, Nursing, or related field.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 1–2 years’ experience in PFA, psychosocial support, or health-related programming in humanitarian settings.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of Psychological First Aid (PFA) and basic psychosocial support.
• Knowledge of health systems, referral pathways, and service linkages.
• Ability to support clients in accessing health services and facilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Strong facilitation skills for group psychosocial sessions.
• Ability to work under pressure and coordinate multiple tasks.

Language:

• Fluency in English and Hausa required.
• Knowledge of Kanuri or other local languages is an added advantage.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Application Closing Date
1st April, 2026.