PSYCHOLOGIST

INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.

General context of the project

With over a decade of conflict, there have been devastating humanitarian consequences across North-East (Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states) and the North-West of Nigeria. According to the Humanitarian Needs Overview 2023, an estimated 8.3 million women, men, and children need some form of humanitarian and protection assistance. Over 2 million people have been forced to flee their homes due to persistent violence and remain internally displaced. Food insecurity and malnutrition are exacerbated by inflation, poverty, and restricted access due to insecurity, which impedes livelihood opportunities. Gender-based violence (GBV) has been a significant protection concern faced by IDP women and girls in the area. Numerous basic infrastructures, such as hospitals, clinics, and water supplies, are damaged, posing constraints on essential service provision. Epidemics like cholera arising from flooding and overcrowded settings put extra stress on the already vulnerable communities.

JOB PURPOSE:

The position holder will provide specialized services and individual psychological support for people with moderate to severe mental and/or emotional disorders in the different areas of intervention. Provide technical support to protection staff to implement sound psychosocial support (PSS) activities for children and adults.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with the Protection Project Referent and MHPSS Specialist for the development of the project’s overall PSS component
• Assist protection cases with identified mental or emotional disorders referred internally or externally
• Conduct case-by-case needs assessments for the diagnosis of psychological disorders and identification of treatment and therapy in line with INTERSOS MHPSS guidelines
• Develop individual assistance plans and conduct psychological counselling utilizing various techniques in line with INTERSOS MHPSS guidelines and Psychological Case Management SOP
• Implement the treatment plan of psychological distress cases in coordination with the medical team
• In coordination with the Protection Activity Manager, ensure safe spaces readiness activities are conducted and actions taken to meet safety and warmlines of the spaces
• Document progress on cases, maintain strict protocols for confidentiality and consent, and ensure that data protection protocols are respected
• Provide group and individual counselling sessions, according to identified needs
• Conduct Focused Group Interventions following identified or internally developed curriculum
• Establish and strengthen referral pathways
• Provide periodic and anonymized feedback to the Protection Project Referent and Case Workers Team Leader on issues that may require their intervention or guidance
• Participate in internal case management meeting and bring to the immediate attention of the Line Manager / Protection Project Referent any emergency and specific need
• target areas
• Adhere to strict data protection and information-sharing protocols to protect the privacy, confidentiality, and safety of survivors Coordination, Advocacy and Representation.
• Facilitate internal training to protection staff on the provision of basic psychosocial counselling as part of case management. Report any problem and/or training need identified during the monitoring of the implementation of psychosocial activities
• Facilitate training for internal protection staffs and communities on psychosocial first aid (PFA), identification and assessment of people with psychological distress
• Strengthen community based psychosocial support and peer support group activities through mapping the community-based structures that respond to MHPSS issues and build their capacity
• Provide coaching and support to the field staff in the implementation of structured MHPSS activities and ensure standardization across the field locations
• Collaborate with Protection Coordinator, MHPSS Specialist, Protection Project Referent, Medical Coordinator, Medical Activity Manager and GBV/CPS Specialist in developing the project’s overall MHPSS component
• Carry out all tasks respecting key protection principles, including but not limited to do no harm, non-discrimination, confidentiality, accountability and need-to-know principles
• Establish and ensure efficient running of the help desks within the field locations
• Collaborate with the PSS team Leader in ensuring timely supplies and replacing of PSS materials
• Establish and maintain collaborative relations with relevant partners and other project stakeholders working in the project areas

Proactively participate in relevant working groups and coordination meetings, as requested by the Line Manager

Education & Professional Requirements:

Education

• University degree in Psychology (Clinical or Counseling Psychology preferred).
• Professional certification or license to practice as a psychologist is an added advantage.

Professional experience

• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience, including at least one year in INGO
• Experience in providing psychological counselling
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, including GBV survivors, children at risk, and displaced populations (IDPs).
• Experience in implementing both individual and group-based psychosocial interventions

Professional requirements

• Strong knowledge of psychological assessment and diagnosis
• Demonstrated ability to provide individual and group counselling using evidence-based techniques
• Experience in delivering focused group interventions and structured psychosocial activities.
• Knowledge of referral pathways and ability to establish and strengthen referral systems
• Strong documentation and reporting skills, ensuring adherence to confidentiality and data protection protocols.
• Analytical and reporting skills
• Computer literacy (Word, Excel)

Personal requirements

• Strong knowledge of psychological assessment and diagnosis
• Demonstrated ability to provide individual and group counselling using evidence-based techniques
• Experience in delivering focused group interventions and structured psychosocial activities.
• Knowledge of referral pathways and ability to establish and strengthen referral systems
• Strong documentation and reporting skills, ensuring adherence to confidentiality and data protection protocols.
• Analytical and reporting skills
• Computer literacy (Word, Excel)

Languages

• Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
• Knowledge and fluency in English and local languages (Hausa and Kanuri) will be an asset.

How to apply

Interested candidates should complete this Form and attach their CV with Cover Letter following this format

“Surname_ Position you applied for”.

Application Deadline: apply not later than Friday, 27th March 2026 by 12:00 PM.

ONLY applicants whose competencies meet the requirements of the position will be contacted.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. INTERSOS reserves the right to close the advertisement before the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

INTERSOS is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.

Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply

INTERSOS has a PSEA Policy that the successful candidate will be expected to comply with and promote. For more information about INTERSOS, go to https://www.intersos.org/en/what-we-do/nigeria/