MHPSS and Protection Programme Manager Sokoto

Company Overview
Action Against Hunger is an international humanitarian organization committed to ending world hunger. For almost 45 years, across countries, we have been working to fight undernutrition and support communities affected by crisis across the globe.

We carry out innovative, lifesaving programs in Health, Nutrition, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, Food Security and Livelihoods and Social Protection.

Action Against Hunger began operations in Nigeria in 2010 in response to the high rate of chronic malnutrition in Northern Nigeria, focusing on integrated programming. Action Against Hunger currently implements multi-sectorial humanitarian and development interventions in Northeast and Northwest Nigeria, funded by AFD, EU/ECHO, French Government, GAC, GFFO, SIDA, US Government, and WAM Foundation.

Action Against Hunger is currently looking to fill the role of a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and Protection Programme Manager whose primary role is to implement and monitor the MHPSS, Protection and Care Practices project/s, following ACF’s strategy and aligning with international standards and national policies


Position Details

Reporting to: Field Coordinator
Proposed start date: 5 January 2026
Work location: Sokoto, Sokoto State

Key Responsibilities:


Mission 1: To contribute to the analysis of the humanitarian context, to the intervention strategy and to the positioning of the MHPSS & Protection Department

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• For analysis of the MHPSS humanitarian situation and of the context of intervention in a continuous, systematic and satisfactory way in its area of intervention. Integrate this analysis and monitoring in the APRs each month
• For participating in definition of the strategy over its area of intervention and the sectoral strategy at the national level, if requested
• For the implementation of the assigned project consistent with ACF policies and positioning documents, the national strategy and other legal texts of the technical ministry/ministries in charge of the sector, the key international documents of the sector (ACF, SPHERE, IASC and WHO Standards, mhGAP, PM+, Thinking Healthy, etc.)
• For mapping other actors and potential partners in the area with the aim of improving coordination and avoiding duplication of efforts
• For promoting transversal integration of the MHPSS&P department with the other departments in collaboration with the Field Coordinator
• For management of crosscutting issues in the MHPSS responses (Protection, Gender, Disability, etc...)

• For implementation of the MHPSS&P project, consistent with the logical framework of the intervention, the budget, the ACF logistical and administrative procedures
• For coordination and supervision of training and supportive activities at PHCs and hospital level, of training and supportive activities at CBOs and community level, of referral system building activities
• For organizing workshops involving authorities, partners and communities in connection to the project
• For identification of the technical constraints linked to implementation of his/her projects and for the proposal of innovative technical solutions to respond to its constraints
• For implementation of the technical recommendations in his/her project (Field Coordinator, Head of Department, Technical Advisor…)
• For monitoring of his/her project using the MHPSS&P indicators, the internal APR monitoring tools, regular presence in the field, an updated planning, monthly analysis of budgetary monitoring
• For donor and ACF visibility on the sites of the project
• For writing within the deadlines of the MHPSS&P parts of external and internal reports to be submitted
• For identification and implementation of the safety measures for the teams and the populations (training places, community work sites…)

• For the recruitment and initial training of the team on ACF MHPSS&P ways of work and Projects Cycle Management tools
• For the management of his/her team (leadership, motivation, team meetings, individual action plans, work schedules, conflicts, etc.)
• For the performance evaluation of the team members
• For the continuous development of the skills of the members of his/her team, through identification of needs, training plans and weekly clinical supervision
• For the training on basic skills (like PFA) for others ACF departments

• For supervising the quality of the project implemented in line with the technical and management standards of the ACF’s project cycle management
• For promoting and contributing to the evaluation of the impact of the project (internal needs assessments and external evaluation)
• For promoting and contributing to learning and improvement of quality (external evaluation and joint visits)
• For implementing the complaint mechanisms focusing on the transparency and ethics of projects in particular with assisted populations
• For capitalization of the project’s experience, lessons learned, programme data and documentation of the innovations carried out (learning reports, formalize methodologies, hand over report at the end of the assignment)
• For transmission and development of the technical and operational knowledge acquired in his/her programme
• For contributing to ACF’ communication actions (photos, testimonies, etc.)

• Ensure gender and protection mainstreaming and monitoring (including GBV and child protection integration), into sectors, programmes and activities, by respecting ACF standards and monitoring these aspects with dedicated indicators
• Support the MHPSS&P team and ACF teams in specific child protection and SGBV activities through trainings, supervisions and monitoring; as well by conducting gender and protection assessments and analysis.

• For coordinating his/her activities with the other sectors and ACF departments for rationalized use of the resources and maximum integration
• For participation at the request of the Country Director and the Field Coordinator to visits of donors, if needed
• For ACF’s representation to MHPSS working group, Health cluster, child protection and GVB sub clusters
• For undertaking relationships with the partners (mapping, identification and selection), the authorities, the agencies of the United Nations and the NGOs in his/her sector in collaboration with the Field Coordinator
• For the contribution to the process of selection, formalization and strengthening of the capacities of the partners (local NGO or Community-based Organization, national and private authorities, etc...)
• For strengthening the capacities of the partners in MHPSS according to a joint plan and the objectives set for the project

• Ensure data confidentiality, ownership of project beneficiaries and ACF
• Guarantee the confidentiality of clinical interviews / individual or group counselling with the psychologists in charge as relevant

• This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and the employee will also perform other related tasks as required and responsible for reporting and communication of progress and achievement of the specific assigned task;
• Maintenance of high technical standards;
• Conduct all duties in a professional manner following ACF Nigeria mission staff regulations, ACF mandate and charter including promotion of gender equality.

• Degree in clinical psychology, psychology, mental health counselling or public health, master’s degree is a preference
• Minimum of 4 years professional experience, including at least 3 years in humanitarian field experience/INGO setting and at least 1 year in a managerial role
• Strong knowledge of mental health service organization in public health and community settings; skilled in applying international guidelines (mhGAP, PM+, MHPSS IASC, WHO) and integrating care into primary health systems.
• Proven experience in training and clinical supervision of health workers and community members; excellent program management skills across diverse contexts (urban, rural, volatile, emergency)
• Exposure to humanitarian contexts with vulnerable populations (IDPs, refugees, host communities) and adherence to community-based guidelines.
• Familiarity with logistics, finance, and HR procedures; strong computer literacy and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; fluent in English and Hausa; diplomatic, professional, and transparent.
• Highly adaptable, autonomous, and resilient under pressure; willing and able to travel to remote areas with limited services.

• 100% health care coverage
• Free and direct access to Talent Soft e-learning platform
• Maternity or Paternity leave
• Compassionate leave for a hospitalized child
• Creche facilities for babies