Job Description

INTRODUCTION

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), an international non-governmental organization (NGO), has been providing relief and development services in the Horn of Africa since 1997. DRC promotes and supports solutions to the problems faced by refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and migrants. The organization has offices across the region, and has been operational in Ethiopia since 2009. With funding from bilateral and multilateral donors, DRC is currently implementing a range of activities across Ethiopia including WASH and shelter provision, child and youth protection, gender-based violence response, awareness-raising of migration risks, protection monitoring of migration routes, and livelihoods support for returning migrants or those at-risk of migration.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Protection officer (PSS) under the direct supervision of Protection Team Leader in Somali region will be responsible for organizing and supervising all l, psychosocial support (PSS) including awareness creation, and awareness activities for children, youth and adults within DRC integrated Community Centers in different IDP sites in Somali region as well as supervise DRC’ Integrated Community Centre volunteers conducting the activities. The protection officer PSS will develop activity planning and monitor the implementation of a psychosocial program in the Integrated community center. He /she will ensure psychosocial care is integrated as holistic care within the DRC protection Program as well as to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to seek essential supports for the IDPs with psychosocial needs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical Responsibilities:

• Develop Community-based outreach programs to promote awareness of appropriate coping strategies in response to psychosocial issues identified
• Safely identify and mobilize community members to participate in activities at the community center;
• Ensure CB PSS is delivered in line with global minimum standards and DRC guidelines
• Ensure DRC ICC are safe spaces to provide community-based PSS (CB PSS) and identify and train community focal points and Community Based Group (CBG) members to deliver CB PSS.
• Raise awareness about the activities in the community center with the community including with community leaders and focal points;
• Assist the community volunteers (CVs) in the identification of beneficiaries in need of counseling and ensure individual or group support for identified beneficiaries
• Promote the use of community-based approaches, including clear involvement of IDPs in PSS programs
• Safely identify and refer members of the community who require additional assistance and services to specialized services with defined referral pathways and Standard Operating Procedures, with a particular focus on high risk cases
• Train volunteers and/or train trainers in community-based protection and psychosocial support approaches and interventions such as psychological first aid and counseling
• Support community initiatives, actively encouraging those that promote community and family support for all affected community members, including people at greatest risk.
• Provide coaching, mentoring and training to CB PSS facilitators

Reporting

• Participate in activity reporting and lesson learning.
• Ensure the proper documentation of data collected (hard and soft copies) during CB PSS (attendance sheets, permission slips, parental consent, referrals, etc.)
• Participate in the preparation of accurate reports for all Psycho-social related activities
• Collect monthly data and prepare narrative reports to provide updates of the project indicators submit to Protection team leader

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.  

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, , or another related field.
• Minimum of 2+ years’ direct experience on PSS
• Experience implementing Youth Empowerment Programming, Child-Friendly Spaces, Case Management, Psychosocial programming for people affected by disaster conflicts such as refugees or IDPs
• Familiarity with IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings
• Strong understanding of and working experience with IDP protection (such as community-based protection, child protection, and SGBV prevention and response).
• Excellent knowledge of Child Protection standards and basic principles.
• Proven experience in facilitating trainings
• Excellent knowledge of safe identification and referral principles

Desirables:

•  Prior experience of working in Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) projects

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit updated CV and cover letter explaining their motivation and why they are suited for the post.

We only accept applications sent via our online-application form on www.drc.ngo under Vacancies.

Please note that we receive applications up to January 11, 2021.

For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult www.drc.ngo.

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap.

Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, colour, race, marital status or other protected characteristics

We encourage only qualified Ethiopian Nationals to apply. DRC considers all applicants based on merit.