Background/IRC Summary:
Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps
people to survive and rebuild their lives. 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.
The IRC is working in Libya since August 2016, targeting the most vulnerable non-displaced, IDPs, refugees and
migrants in hard-to-reach areas. According to assessments, healthcare is considered the priority need in Libya, most
urgently in terms of quality health staff, medicines and supplies. There are significant gaps in the response, according to
Libya’s Ministry of Health (MoH), the Libyan Red Crescent, UN agencies, and international NGOs. IRC’s team in Libya
has the specific goal of reaching those in the hardest hit areas to beneficiaries of all ages and gender, both Libyans and
third-country nationals. The health activities will be focused on supporting essential primary health care.
Storm Daniels hit East Libya in September 2023, causing widespread devastation and displacement of thousands of
people. The storm caused heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding, has led to mass destruction and loss of lives. The
impact of the storm on mental health has been significant, with many residents experiencing trauma, anxiety, and stress
due to the loss of their homes and livelihoods. The lack of access to basic services and resources has also exacerbated
mental health issues in the affected communities. Humanitarian organizations are working to provide support and
assistance to those affected by the storm, including mental health services and psychosocial support.
Major Responsibilities:
• Adhere to internationally recognized best practices for evidence-based psychological interventions and the
management of clients with mental health concerns. This includes ensuring the confidentiality of clients and
respecting their decisions;
• Establish a safe space to conduct private and confidential sessions acceptable to those on the site and safely
accessible by women and children.
• Assess the client’s needs and presenting complaints and develop a care plan with the client based on those needs,
including referrals to other services;
• Provide age-appropriate culturally relevant individual and/or group psychological counseling for populations at
risk including but not limited to survivors of gender-based violence, asylum seekers, and unaccompanied minors;
• Support the client(s) coping process and mobilize their internal and external resources for processing extreme
adversity;
• Identify concerns related to and support adherence to referral protocols and guiding principles for gender-based
violence and bring these concerns to the Medical team leader & Psychiatrists.
• Maintain an effective working relationship and regular communication with other health and protection team
members working on the same project;

Maintain effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders including referral organizations community groups and other implementing partners;

• Complete daily case reports and data collection according to guidance provided by the health manager and the Mental Health Specialist.
• Attend regular supportive supervision conducted by the external psychiatrist;
• Refer patients to other health professionals whenever necessary;
• Provide psychoeducation sessions to the family members of clients when needed.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor to enable and develop IRC programs;
• Participate in weekly team meetings.
Staff management
The psychologist will not be line managing any internal staff.
Professional Standards:
The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.
Key Working Relationships:
Reports to: The position will report to the SMTL and will receive additional technical support from the Mental Health
Specialist.
Working Environment:
This position will be based in storm-affected areas in Al Bayda, Shahat and Derna municipalities.