Title: Protection Specialist - Mental Health and Psychosocial Support - Re-advertised 

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Employment Category: G2

Reporting To: Protection Manager

Direct Reports: N/A

Unit/Department: Protection

Start of Contract & Duration: 12 Months

Re-Posting date: May 6, 2022

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 counselling 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 client’s needing counselling service.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Programming & Operations

• 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 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 child hood 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 of 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;

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.):

• Master’s degree 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 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

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 forward the application and CV, in English through the stated website no later than May 20, 2022.

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.