ABH Partners Plc is a leading consultancy and human resources sourcing firm in Ethiopia with about 15 years of experience in supporting the implementation of development programs and projects. ABH exists to fuel synergistic societal growth by harnessing local knowledge and international standard. Dedicated to the betterment of societal development, technical assistance, and knowledge management, ABH has gained credibility and industry experience in the development sector in general. On behalf of its client, ABH partners would like to invite applicants who meet the below requirements to apply for the position of PSYCHOLOGIST

Background and justification

The humanitarian situation in drought affected zones in Ethiopia is dire due to failure of the main production season, and severely deteriorating household food security. In all disasters, the risks and impacts of gender-based violence (GBV) increase. Displacement arising from families’ movements in search of food, water and viable means of livelihood as well as safety and security continues to worsen   the protection of children, adolescents and women. As a result, both caregivers and children experience psychological distress and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) is highly needed. Based on promising results achieved through deployment of mental health and psychosocial support frontline workers, UNICEFE will activate a rapid deployment of these MHPSS workers as part of the drought response. This requires the presence of multi-disciplinary MHPSS teams composed of psychologists and social workers at drought affected sites and health facilities including one stop centers to provide first line services such as screening, identification of cases, provision of first line help such as psychological first aid and administration of other psychological interventions and provision of social services.

For this assignment, all professionals will be rigorously vetted by the School of Psychology at Addis Ababa University, based on basic competencies. The vetted candidates will then be contracted by ABH Partners as consultants and deployed in appropriate government structures and facilities. ABH Partners has contractual agreement with UNICEF to deploy consultants in Government structures. 

Job Purpose: Provide holistic psychological and mental health services in the context of psychological distress induced by emergencies in drought affected areas focusing on fostering wellbeing and building resilience of individuals?

Required No: Thirty Five (35)

Location: Oromia and SNNP Regions

Duration: Contract

Starting Date: Immediately after contract agreement concluded

Job Description:-

• The psychologist will have the following duties and responsibilities.

• Screen and assess clients with MHPSS needs through appropriate assessment techniques including interviews, case histories, and observations.

• Design, implement and review standard and contextual MHPSS interventions that can help those in disastrous circumstances to recover from crisis and build their skills of resilience

• Provide psychological first aid to individuals exposed to emergency situations. 

• Examine vulnerabilities clients subjected to GBV at the emergency sites and develop safety plans.

• Keep records and documents on assessment and intervention plans and practices.

• Monitor the progress, relevance and effectiveness of interventions and their congruence with counseling goals through discussion with the clients and supervision reflection

• Identify issues and potential risks of the clients including GBV that are beyond the scope of one’s own role and refer them appropriately within the case management framework.

• Ensure that the information is kept confidential and the services are provided based on ethical principles.

• Work in collaboration with psychiatric nurses/psychiatrists and social workers in relevant coordination and supervision sessions.

Job Requirements

• First  Degree or above in Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Developmental Psychology

• Minimum of 2-year experience in child protection or GBV-related work, preferable as a direct service provider

• Specialized experience in community based psychosocial support interventions particularly as it relates to GBV;

• Excellent written, verbal communication skills in English and local language

• Computer literate (Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications).

• Knowledge about GBV and its causes and consequences as well as a survivor-centered approach

• Familiarity with the IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings, IASC Minimum Standards on Gender-based Violence in Emergencies and the IASC Minimum Standards on Child Protection in Emergencies

• possess in-depth knowledge of emotional and behavioral disorders and psychological theories

Other Skills:-

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills

• Empathy and sympathy (Social Skill)

• Social responsibility

• Keen observation

• Written and verbal communication

How to Apply

Required documents to Apply: 

• Cover letter indicating the position that the applicant is applying for and preferable region of deployment

• Updated Curriculum vitae (CV)

Qualified and interested applicants can apply as soon as possible through the link: CLICK HERE