Job with Save the Children in Yobe
Save the Children is a globally recognized humanitarian organization dedicated to improving the lives of children. Operating in the United States and across the world, the organization ensures children have a healthy start in life, access to quality education, and protection from harm. Through its long-standing commitment, Save the Children continues to transform children’s lives and shape a better future for communities worldwide.
As part of its ongoing humanitarian interventions, Save the Children is currently recruiting a qualified candidate for the position of Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officer in Yobe State, Nigeria. The role requires a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience and is designed to strengthen psychosocial support systems for children and caregivers affected by crises.
The MHPSS Officer will be responsible for implementing and overseeing psychosocial support activities, ensuring alignment with international standards such as the IASC MHPSS Guidelines and Child Protection Minimum Standards. The role focuses on delivering structured psychosocial support interventions, including group-based activities, individual support, and community-based programs such as child-friendly spaces and peer support groups. These interventions aim to promote resilience, wellbeing, and safe environments for children and adolescents.
A core aspect of the role involves identifying children and caregivers in need of mental health support, providing Psychological First Aid (PFA), and facilitating safe and confidential referrals to specialized services where necessary. The officer will work closely with Child Protection teams to integrate psychosocial support into case management plans while maintaining strict confidentiality and data protection standards.
The position also emphasizes integration with Education in Emergencies (EiE) programs by incorporating social-emotional learning and psychosocial activities into learning environments. Additionally, the MHPSS Officer will support teachers and community stakeholders in building their capacity to provide basic emotional support and promote positive coping strategies among children.
Capacity strengthening is a key responsibility, requiring the officer to train and mentor staff, volunteers, teachers, and partners on psychosocial support, stress management, referral pathways, and safeguarding practices. The role also includes promoting staff wellbeing initiatives to reduce burnout and secondary trauma.
Community engagement forms an essential part of the position, with responsibilities including raising awareness about mental health, reducing stigma, and encouraging community participation in creating protective environments for children. The officer will ensure that all messaging is culturally appropriate and sensitive to the local context.
The MHPSS Officer must ensure strict adherence to safeguarding and protection standards, including Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) policies, while applying “do no harm” principles in all interventions. Monitoring and evaluation tasks include tracking participation, assessing improvements in wellbeing, and contributing to learning and program adaptation through data-driven insights.
In addition, the role involves active participation in coordination platforms such as MHPSS Technical Working Groups and collaboration with government agencies, health services, and other stakeholders to strengthen referral systems. Accurate documentation, reporting, and information management are also critical components of the role.
During emergencies, the MHPSS Officer will provide rapid response support, establish safe spaces, and integrate psychosocial support into emergency education and protection interventions.
To qualify for this role, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field, along with at least three years of post-NYSC experience. Prior experience in MHPSS programming, Child Protection, and Education is essential. Fluency in English and Hausa, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently are also required.
The application deadline is 13th July 2026. Interested and qualified candidates can apply through the official Save the Children careers portal via the link
