Psychiatrist

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

 The position is based in Kherson, with frequent field travel to communities in Khersonskyi raion.

The Psychiatrist provides specialized psychiatric services as part of IRC's integrated humanitarian health programme, ensuring access to quality mental health care for conflict-affected and vulnerable populations. The role includes psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, treatment, medication management, and referrals, while working closely with psychologists, nurses, pharmacists, and other members of the multidisciplinary health team. The Psychiatrist contributes to emergency response activities, capacity building, and coordination with relevant health and protection actors to strengthen community-based mental health services.

RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Provide specialized psychiatric consultations and treatment to patients with moderate to severe mental disorders in community and home-based settings.

·       Assess clients' specific needs in collaboration with the Health Department team and develop individualized case management strategies accordingly.

·       Work closely with the Psychologists and Nurses to promote the physical and mental health and well-being of the most vulnerable patients through regular home visits and group activities.

·       Provide basic medical consultations and treatment for acute and chronic conditions when necessary, and ensure appropriate referrals to relevant healthcare providers or services.

·       Support the project's Pharmacist in the management of pharmaceuticals, including psychotropic medications.

·       Effectively manage emergency cases, make appropriate referrals.

·       Ensure accurate and timely documentation of services provided while maintaining client confidentiality.

·       Actively participate in supervision meetings with the MHPSS Manager and the MHPSS Specialist.

• Participate in emergency response activities as part of the multidisciplinary health team, providing psychiatric assessment and support during humanitarian emergencies and other urgent situations, as required.
• Provide psychiatric consultations and treatment to clients referred by IRC’s partner organizations.
• Participate in field missions and travel to remote and hard-to-reach communities to ensure the provision of psychiatric services to vulnerable populations.

·       Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor as necessary to support the objectives of the Health Department.

Concerning all client-facing staff:

•         Information sharing - Regularly share and discuss timely, accurate and relevant information in local languages with communities about: - access and eligibility to service, -expected staff behaviors and code of conduct, - community feedback, safeguarding mechanism and how to use them .

•         Facilitating participation - Identify and provide communities with opportunities to participate in and guide programs – from assessment and design through to monitoring and evaluation. Talk with communities about how they would like to be involved in decision-making and discuss with management how this can be facilitated.

•         Feedback collection and reporting - Establish or promote the formal feedback mechanism – aligned with organizational best practice – to capture, monitor, respond to and act on feedback and complaints from communities.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Higher education in Medicine with specialization in Psychiatry.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in psychiatry, including clinical and/or community-based practice.
• Previous experience working in health programmes and with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is an asset.
• Knowledge of and experience in clinical supervision, training, and/or coaching of healthcare professionals.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Demonstrated knowledge and application of the IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in Emergency Settings and other MHPSS best practices.
• Experience in assessment, programme development, monitoring and evaluation, as well as technical training and supervision using the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP).
• Strong understanding of protection principles, case management, and client-centred care in humanitarian settings.
• Fluency in Ukrainian and Russian is required; basic English language skills are desirable.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, with the ability to support data collection, maintain records, and prepare detailed weekly activity reports.

REPORTING STRUCTURE AND TEAM COLLABORATION

• Reports to: Health Manager, MHPSS Manager
• Direct reports: None
• Internal and external contacts: Health Department staff, other IRC departments, relevant healthcare providers, local authorities, partner organizations, protection actors, and other stakeholders operating in the area of responsibility.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

• This position is field-based, requiring frequent travel to project locations based on security situation. Office (or remote) work for documentation, administration, and other project needs is expected approximately one day a week.  
• Sometimes work on weekends may be required
• Work in the matrix organization
• Fast pace of working, multitasking and stressful work
• The organization cares about staff and provides flexible working options (start early-finish early, start later-finish later, remote work)

Staff can ask for accommodation in the workplace. Specific requests can be discussed with HR.

IRC employees are eligible to the following benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Hardship allowance (additional compensation for working in hazardous conditions)
• Purposeful job and development opportunities

• English classes and unlimited online training courses
• Life Insurance
• Medical insurance for staff and family members
• Free psychological support to employees and their family members
• 30 calendar days of annual vacation with flexibility beyond the legally set minimum requirements
• Up to 10 days of paid medical leave

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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Why Choose the IRC?

Work that has meaning: Every day at the IRC is a chance to make a difference through a purpose-driven career. Whether you're working directly with communities or providing support behind the scenes, you will be part of a dynamic team that is always innovating, scaling, and testing new and better solutions to ensure the best possible outcomes for the people we serve.

Global scale, dynamic workplace: At the IRC, we believe that the dynamic, global make-up of our team is our strength. When you join us, you're not just starting a job—you will be part of a global organization positively impacting millions of lives in over 40 get to work with colleagues from all around the world—working across time zones and regularly exchanging different ideas, perspectives and insights. You’ll join a team that is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.  

Challenging work, innovative solutions: We’re committed to excellence and innovation, and pride ourselves in setting industry-leading standards while practicing evidence and data-lead strategies. Come challenge norms, shatter conventions, and pioneer change while working on real, nuanced and complex issues we face in the world today.  

Community centered: We’re an empathetic community that truly cares for one another. Our comprehensive safety and security initiatives ensure a safe work environment, while our continuous learning and development programs provide ongoing opportunities for personal and career advancement.

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Our Typical Recruitment Process

The interview process typically includes three rounds, though the number may vary depending on the role and level of seniority. It usually begins with a conversation with our recruiting team to learn more about you and your goals. This is followed by an interview with a hiring manager or business stakeholder to explore your background and provide more insight into the role. The final round focuses on assessing your role-specific expertise and may be conducted as a panel interview to evaluate your cross-functional strengths. Before extending an offer, we generally conduct reference checks, and after an offer is made, a standard background check is completed. While we strive for consistency, the process may differ based on the role, business unit, location, job type, legal requirements, and other factors.

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