Job Title: Protection Specialist - Mental Health and Psychosocial Support – Re-Advertised

Duty Station: Okugo Refugee Camp/Dimma, Gambella

Application Deadline: May 11, 2022

Employment Category: G2

Reporting To: Protection Manager

Direct Reports: N/A

Unit/Department: Protection

Start of Contract & Duration: 10 Months

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 and Djibouti, 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 ROLE: 

Working under the direct management of Protection Manager, the Protection Specialist - MHPSS will be responsible and accountable for designing and implementation of MHPSS components of DRC’s programming, particularly in line with GBV and CP activities. Furthermore, he/she is responsible for the capacity building of DRC protection staff on IASC MHPSS Guideline and Psychological First Aid and will provide individual and group therapeutic services for persons with MHPSS needs, based on a comprehensive mental health assessment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Programming

• Provide group and individual counselling 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 client’s needing counselling service. .
• Design a holistic and comprehensive community based psychosocial support program based on assessment findings and existing capacities, customized to the local context.
• Conducting trainings to build the capacity of DRC and partners staff on PFA and PSS in line with relevant International guidelines and standards.
• Technically support and mentor for GBV officers and assistants based on a mentoring plan developed in coordination with the GBV team leader.
• Collect and ensure the quality of data on mental health issues and to strengthen the analysis and comprehension of the refugees needs.
• Ensure that the service provision and follow up of beneficiaries is adequate
• Ensure the monitoring of the operational quality, effectiveness and access to the GBV/CP implementation program to meet beneficiary needs
• Participate and contribute on GBV safety audit activities
• Provide support, monitor and analysis for Implementation of Individual GBV Safety Plans
• Participate in relevant coordination meetings, case management meetings, and individual meetings with relevant institutions related to MHPSS
• Maintain program records and documentation as per project management minimum standards, including ensuring data protection standards are in place to maintain the confidentiality and security of MHPSS client data
• Conduct assessment on psychosocial stressors and traditional coping mechanisms in Okugo refugee camp and the surrounding community, and support the design and proposal development for a community-based MHPSS program

Job Requirements

Experience and Technical Competencies: (include years of experience)

• Master’s degree in mental health, counselling or related field of study with a specialization in areas such as clinical psychology and counselling psychology. .
• Short term trainings 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 provision of counselling 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.):

• M.A in mental health, counselling or related field of study with a specialization in areas such as clinical psychology and counselling psychology

Languages: (indicate fluency level)

• Proficiency in written and spoken English and Amharic is required
• Proficiency in Anuak and/or Murle is preferred 

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

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 via THIS LINK 

Note: Women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap. We encourage only qualified Ethiopian Nationals to apply. DRC considers all applicants based on merit

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, color, race, marital status or other protected characteristics