Psychologist

Secours Islamique France (SIF) is a non-governmental organization based in France that promotes international solidarity. Founded in 1991, SIF intends to bring relief and protect the lives of those threatened by natural disasters, armed conflicts, or economic collapse. SIF intervenes in more than 30 countries around the world through emergency relief, recovery, and development aid. It carries out operations in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Its goal is to help people suffering throughout the world, regardless of origin, religion, or gender.

SIF is seeking a dedicated and passionate Psychologist, based in Beirut, with field visits as required.

Role Summary

The Psychologist is responsible for providing mental health and psychological support to children and families within the framework of SIF’s Child Protection program. The role ensures the delivery of high-quality, child-centered interventions that promote emotional well-being, resilience, and recovery, particularly in humanitarian settings. The Psychologist also contributes to staff capacity building, ensuring effective case management, referral pathways, and adherence to child safeguarding and mental health standards in line with SIF’s mission and humanitarian principles.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Line Management

• Report technically to the CP Technical Supervisor

2. Psychological Support and Community Based MHPSS

•  Provide individual and group counseling sessions for children and caregivers enrolled in both the PSS and Orphans Sponsorship programs ensuring confidentiality and professional ethics.
• Support the identification of children at risk and follow up on cases in close coordination with the CP Technical Supervisor.
• Ensure safe and timely referrals to specialized services when needed, maintaining clear documentation and tracking.
• Develop and apply evidence-based PSS methodologies tailored to children’s needs, including trauma-informed care approaches.
• Ensure confidentiality and ethical standards are maintained in all sessions.
• Conduct field visits to assess psychological needs in communities.
• Work closely with program teams to ensure integration of mental health and psychosocial support activities into overall child protection programming.

3. Capacity Building and Training

• Contribute to staff training and awareness-raising sessions by sharing practical expertise and case-based insights.
• Support Social Workers, Field Monitors, and community volunteers in applying child-centered psychosocial approaches.
• Provide feedback to the CP Technical Supervisor and Field Monitor to strengthen training content, curricula, and PSS tools.
• Facilitate trainings for internal protection staff and Partners/SDC Staff on psychosocial first aid (PFA), identification and assessment of people with psychological distress.

4. Program Quality and Learning

• Provide technical feedback on the effectiveness of PSS interventions and propose adjustments when needed.
• Work cross-functionally with Field Monitors to ensure that monitoring findings reflect children’s psychosocial needs and inform program improvement.
• Document lessons learned from counseling sessions and community-based activities to improve program quality.
• Ensure safeguarding, child rights, and “Do No Harm” principles are fully integrated into psychosocial activities.

5. Monitoring, Reporting, and Documentation

• Maintain accurate, confidential case files and counseling notes.
• Report regularly to the CP Technical Supervisor on progress, challenges, and observed trends affecting children’s well-being.
• Provide field-level inputs for donor reports, ensuring data is accurate and evidence-based.

The task list is neither exhaustive nor restrictive and is evolving according to the needs of the organization.

KNOWLEDGE/STUDY/DIPLOMA:

• Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialization in Child Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or related field.
• Valid license to practice Clinical Psychology in Lebanon, issued by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and registration with the Lebanese Syndicate of Psychologists.
• 2–3 years of professional experience in psychology, with at least one year in an INGO or humanitarian setting.
• Experience in PSS or Child Protection programs is essential.
• Advanced knowledge of child development, trauma-informed care, and psychosocial support methodologies.
• Fluent in written and spoken Arabic and English; French is a plus.

HARD SKILLS/SOFT SKILLS

Essential Hard Skills

• Strong knowledge of child-focused psychosocial support methodologies.
• Case management and referral systems for mental health and child protection.
• Ability to conduct individual and group counseling.
• Training and facilitation skills for staff and community capacity building.
• Familiarity with international standards (IASC MHPSS Guidelines, CPMS).

Desirable Hard Skills

• Knowledge of psychological first aid (PFA) and trauma counseling in emergency contexts.
• Experience designing tools and curricula for PSS interventions.
• Proficiency in MS Office and digital tools for case management and reporting.

Soft Skills

• Strong communication and active listening skills.
• Empathy, patience, and ability to engage with children and families.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Team player with ability to collaborate across departments.
• Problem-solving and adaptability in dynamic humanitarian contexts.
• High sense of confidentiality, responsibility, and ethical practice.
• Demonstrates strong alignment with humanitarian values and SIF’s mission.