MHPSS Officer

About Organization for Social, Cultural. Awareness and Rehabilitation (OSCAR)

The Organization for Social, Cultural, Awareness & Rehabilitation (OSCAR) is a national, non-governmental, non-political, non-profit, and humanitarian organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable and marginalized communities across Afghanistan. Established in 2014 by experienced and committed Afghan development practitioners, OSCAR promotes sustainable development, community empowerment, social protection, and humanitarian assistance. OSCAR is officially registered with the Ministry of Economy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and works in areas including Education in Emergencies, child protection and safeguarding, women’s empowerment, livelihoods and economic empowerment, emergency assistance, health and nutrition, and community development. Over the years, OSCAR has worked closely with communities, government institutions, UN agencies, international organizations, and development partners to deliver needs-based, inclusive, and accountable programs. The organization is committed to strengthening local capacities, building community resilience, protecting the dignity and wellbeing of vulnerable people, and contributing to sustainable and inclusive development throughout Afghanistan.

Job Description

The MHPSS Officer will provide technical support for the project's psychosocial support, Psychological First Aid (PFA), protection-risk awareness, and referral activities. The officer will work closely with community focal points, female community mobilizers, legal staff, and relevant service providers to ensure vulnerable individuals receive appropriate and safe support.

Key Responsibilities

MHPSS Technical Support

Lead the technical implementation of community-based MHPSS/PSS activities. Support identification of women, girls, returnees, IDPs, and vulnerable households requiring psychosocial support. Provide group-based PFA, stress management, coping, and psychosocial wellbeing sessions within the project scope. Ensure activities are culturally appropriate and safe.

Capacity Building

Develop and deliver training/ToT for community PSS focal points.

Train focal points on

Psychological First Aid; Stress management; Basic psychosocial support; Safe community support; Identification of individuals requiring referral; Referral mechanisms. Provide ongoing mentoring and technical supervision to PSS focal points.

Protection and Referral

Support community awareness on protection risks affecting vulnerable groups. Maintain updated mapping of available MHPSS, health, legal, and protection services. Establish and maintain safe referral pathways. Coordinate referrals with appropriate service providers. Ensure confidentiality and survivor-centered approaches where applicable.

Coordination and Reporting

Coordinate closely with the Legal Mentor and Community Mobilizers. Participate in relevant coordination mechanisms as required. Maintain appropriate activity and referral records. Prepare MHPSS activity reports and contribute to project reports. Ensure PSEA, safeguarding, Do No Harm, and confidentiality principles are integrated into all activities.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Master’s degree in Psychology, Psychosocial Support, Public Health, Mental Health, Social Work, or a related field preferred.

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Public Health, Social Work, or a relevant discipline may be considered with additional relevant experience.

Minimum 4 years of relevant experience with a Master’s degree or 6 years with a Bachelor’s degree.

Demonstrated experience implementing community-based PSS/MHPSS programmes.

Experience in PFA, stress management, counselling, or psychosocial support.

Experience providing training and capacity building to community volunteers/focal points.

Experience working on protection-related programmes is highly desirable.

Experience with GBV, safeguarding, and survivor-centered referral approaches is an advantage.

Training/certification and registration/roster status with the relevant MHPSS coordination mechanism in Afghanistan is required/preferred in line with project requirements.

The interested candidates should submit their update Cover letter and CV. Applications should clearly indicate the vacancy number and job title in their email "subject" line. Otherwise, their applications will not be considered. do not require to attached. Note: Only short-listed candidates will be invite for interview.