Danish Refugee Council

Position: Protection Specialist - Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

Job Time: Full-Time

Job Type: Contract

Place of Work: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Posted date: 2 hours ago

Application Deadline: Feb, 16/2022 (14 days left)

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

Under the supervision of the protection manager, the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Specialist will oversee the implementation of the technical aspects of an MHPSS response focused on Eritrean Refugees and other vulnerable groups in Addis Ababa. The MHPSS Specialist will be responsible for the design and implementation of the MHPSS components, including staff training, development of tools, quality assurance of mentorship, and socio-emotional learning sessions for children. The MHPSS Specialist will also be responsible for providing group and individual counseling to individuals needing one-to-one psychosocial support and mental health care. The MHPSS Specialist will also facilitate a comprehensive mental health assessment to determine a client’s well-being, psychosocial stressors, and, coping mechanisms and provide appropriate support for clients needing counseling services.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Programming & Operations

• Provide group and individual counseling to individuals needing one-to-one psychosocial support and mental health care.
• Facilitate a comprehensive mental health assessment to determine a client’s well-being, psychosocial stressors, and coping mechanisms and provide appropriate support for clients needing counseling service.
• Design a holistic and comprehensive community-based psychosocial support program based on assessment findings and existing capacities, customized to the local context.
• Conducting training to build the capacity of DRC and partners staff on PFA and PSS in line with relevant international guidelines and standards.
• Technically support and ensure the quality of peer mentorship programs for youth and socio-emotional learning sessions for children.
• Technically support the implementation of early childhood development and recreational activities for children and psychosocial support for women within the safe space framework. 
• Assist in setting referral pathways, receive PSS referrals (internal/external), follow up on referrals, and provide feedback on actions taken
• Participate in MHPSS coordination meetings, case management meetings, and individual meetings related to MHPSS
• Coordinate with relevant institutions (i.e. mental health clinics/hospitals) for beneficiaries that need intensive specialized treatment
• Maintain program records and documentation as per project management minimum standards, including maintaining the confidentiality and security of MHPSS client data.
• Carry out any additional protection activities as assigned by the protection Manager and protection team leader

Reporting

• Prepare and submit a comprehensive report as required on activities conducted under the responsibility of the position.
• Support regular donor and PMT reporting

Coordination

• Represent DRC in engagement with the target community and their representatives, local gov’t structures, and humanitarian agencies operating in the target area with the guidance and leadership of the protection manager.
• Collaborate with DRC country protection program, Ethiopia migration program, and other DRC sectorial programs towards integrated programming;

Experience and Technical Competencies: (include years of experience)

• Master’s degree in mental health, counseling, or related field of study with a specialization in areas such as clinical psychology and counseling psychology.
• Short-term training in psychotherapeutic approaches is desirable.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience and at least two years of experience implementing MHPSS programming in humanitarian settings;
• Demonstrated experience in the provision of counseling service
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement capacity building training of staff on MHPSS
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain working relationships across the organization and with stakeholders;
• Integrity, strong work ethic, and ability to consistently meet deadlines under pressure;
• Commitment to learning and implementing organizational policies and procedures;
• Full proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.

Education (include certificates, licenses, etc.):

• Master’s degree in mental health, counseling, or related field of study with a specialization in areas such as clinical psychology and counseling psychology.

Languages: (indicate fluency level)

• Proficiency in written and spoken English and Amharic is required
• Proficiency in Tigrigna is desired

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

• Striving for Excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: Acting in line with DRC's vision and values

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 based on age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, color, race, marital status, or other protected characteristics

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

DRC as an employer

By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of around 8000 employees in 40 countries. We pride ourselves on our:

• Professionalism, impact & expertise
• Humanitarian approach & the work we do
• Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution
• Culture, values & strong leadership
• Fair compensation & continuous development

DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct about DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. DRC conducts thorough background checks as part of the recruitment process.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply!

How to apply

CLICK HERE

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