Context of the mission

Médecins du Monde (MDM) is an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) involved in humanitarian interventions, operating in Ethiopia since 1986 in different types of health projects from long-term interventions to emergency response.

In June 2017, MdM conducted an exploratory mission along the Addis Ababa (AA) to Djibouti corridor, focused on the Afar region (zone 1). The assessment fed into the development of a proposal for Sex Workers/GBV/SGBV for the project entitled“Reducing SGBV against Sex Workers along the AA to Djibouti Corridor focused in Afar region Zone 1. The project is implemented in collaboration with the regional authorities and the MdM local partner Nikat association.

MEDECINS DU MONDE (MDM) invites you, the qualified candidates, to apply for the following position

Hierarchical & Functional links

The MHPSS officer will be based at the Semera field office with frequent travel to the project sites (Asayita, Dubti, Logia, Duchoto and Mille).

The mental health psychosocial officer will work under the direct supervision, the responsibility and the authority of the field coordinator. This job description may be subjected to permanent modification following the evaluation of the activities.

Essential Duties and responsibilities

Under the supervision of the field coordinator (plus technical link with the medical coordinator and deputy medical coordinator based in AA), the psychosocial officer has the responsibility to:

• Implementation of the activities according to the logical framework: counselling, identify GBV cases, creating links with similar organization and partners working on MHPSS, training, IEC tools etc.
• Assess sex workers’ needs, their personal situation and, strengths in order to develop plans to improve their well-being
• Determines the state of wellbeing of the sex worker's situation by interviewing the client; assessing psychological, emotional, and social information; making on-site visits.
• Coaches and supervises peer educators in their community-based activities (lay counselling &support group sessions) at project sites in coordination with Community worker.
• Co-designs and co-animates psychosocial and recreational and group activities with the FSW beneficiaries and the DIC (Drop-in Centre) officer at the Logia DIC. Those activities aim to create awareness about MH and psychological needs and develop positive copying mechanisms, self-care and community care practices and promote positive self-esteem among FSWs
• Offers individual counselling for cases self-referred or referred by the PE (Peer Educator) or health care providers at the DIC in Logia and the different program sites.
• Supports the DIC psychosocial activities e.g. individual counselling, group counselling sessions or support groups for special needs e.g. PLHIV or GBV survivors, risk reduction sessions
• Organizes, facilitates, and conducts specific trainings on GBV issues/MHPSS/PFA for Sex workers & health care workers according to the needs
• Obtains assistance for sex workers by referring them to community resources; arranging for appointments; establishing rapport with other agencies.
• Maintains records of cases by documenting the beneficiaries’ situation and own‘s actions, adhering to data protection regulations
• Monitors planned actions through regular follow-up.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of FSWs’ personal information receiving PSS services
• Contributes to the team effort by accomplishing interrelated results as needed.
• Follows up with beneficiaries to ensure that their situations and wellbeing has progressed
• Participates in coordination meetings at field level
• Reports on MHPSS activities in the monthly progress activities report
• Performs any other task assigned by the field coordinator.
• Participates in demand creation activities to increase service utilization
• Collects and documents testimonies from FSWs on their vital experiences.

Duty station:  Based at Semera field office with a frequent travel to the project sites (Asayita, Dubti, Logia, Duchoto and Mille).

Required Number: One

Employment Term: Until June 30, 2022 with possibility extension

Possible start date: immediately

Transportation allowance -1,300

Hard ship Allowance -30% of Basic salary 

Reports to: Field Coordinator 

Job Requirements

Expected Profile

• Essential - Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
• Essential - At least 2 years’ experience working as a counsellor
• Essential – Experience working with vulnerable community groups sex workers.
• Experience in working with international humanitarian organizations is a plus.
• Working knowledge of local languages (Afar Tigrayan, Amharic, Oromo) is an asset.
• Experience of program planning, implementation and report writing is an asset.
• Being available within short period will be considered
• Experience on organizing and facilitating workshops and trainings
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills and the ability to establish a smooth working relationship with FSWs, other team members and other stakeholders.
• Understands the harm reduction approach that MdM promotes
• Proven knowledge and experience in developing and supporting community mobilization projects.
• Regional experience preferred.
• Familiar with standards and guidelines for GBV prevention and response programming and coordination activities.
• Familiar with international humanitarian operations, coordination structures, and the mandates of donors, UN agencies, and other NGOs
• Strong organizational and team working skills
• Good cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Ability to work under pressure and with limited supervision

How to Apply

Interested applicants are required to fill the application form at the following link CLICK HERE , confirming all the information that are provided in this form is true and accurate, and submit their CV along with cover letter through mdm.recruitment2022@gmail.com with the subject MHPSS Officer - Semera .

NB : Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply