The Center for Victims of Torture works toward a future in which torture ceases to exist and its victims have hope for a new life. We are an international nonprofit dedicated to heal survivors of torture and war trauma. We provide direct care for those who have been tortured, train partners around the world who can prevent and treat torture and war trauma, research and advocate for human rights and end the practice of torture. We are headquartered in Minnesota, USA with offices in Africa and the Middle East.

This is a full time position based in Alemwech refugee site, Amhara, Ethiopia. Travel to additional CVT field centers as necessary. The position holders will report to the Psychotherapist/Trainers clinically, and to the Fin/HR Officer administratively. 

 Counselors will have the following major duties and responsibilities among others: 

• Attend, participate in, and utilize material covered in intensive initial and ongoing trainings. 

• Provide psychosocial counseling and psychological first aid (PFA) to, IDPs and host communities. 

• Provide assessment, individual and group counseling sessions as assigned by the Psychotherapist/Trainer

• Complete quarterly reports, progress notes, and treatment plans on time. 

• Sensitize, solve problems, dialogue and mediate with the wider population about issues of war, torture, trauma and SGBV. 

• Expected to become proficient with CVT’s data collection tools, conduct and submit assessments and reports in a timely and accurately. 

• Work closely with the database staff to ensure quality reporting. 

• Act as cultural and linguistic interpreters. 

• Ensure all work with clients is confidential and that ethical practices are observed. 

• Assist in designing, planning, implementing and facilitating of external trainings for numerous target groups. 

• Develop new and strengthen existing referral systems with other organizations in Shire. 

• Liaise with other stakeholders and partner organizations as deemed necessary. 

• Engage in quality self-care through supervision, debriefings, and other shared sessions. 

• Assist with any other related activities as deemed necessary by the Psychotherapists. 

• This profile can be modified to adapt it to the project context in light of the project needs  

Location: CVT Healing center in Alem-wech refugee site, Amhara, Ethiopia. Travel to additional CVT field centers as necessary

Duration: Initial contract through August 31, 2023 (60 business days of probationary period) and with a possibility of continuation thereafter depending on the funding availability.  

Supervisor: Psychotherapist/Trainer 

Job Requirements

Qualifications:  

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, or other related fields. 

• Must have one-year experience in similar settings in an international NGO (GBV experience desirable). 

• Must be fluent in English, Amharic and Tigrigna, written and spoken.

• Strong administrative skills 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including empathic listening. 

• Ability to communicate in a highly professional manner with clients, community members, colleagues, and professional partners 

• Able to work independently, self-motivated 

• Ability to meet deadlines 

• Problem solving and conflict resolution skills 

• Able to maintain confidentiality 

• Good team player: able to take direction and work collaboratively with others 

• Result oriented 

• Flexible and able to adapt to change 

• Very good level of self-organization 

• Ability to promote the values of equality, non-discrimination, and human rights for all 

• Computer skills highly desirable 

General conditions

• Maintain neutrality regarding any sensitive issues such as religion, ethnicity, disability, minority or

• political affiliation 

• Strong commitment to serve beneficiaries of CVT’s project regardless their religion, gender, minority affiliation or ethnic/political background

• Is strictly committed to respect CVT’s confidentiality policy and refrain from using any information that s/he will know about a client outside of CVT

• Will not approach (potential) beneficiaries for their involvement in non-CVT activities without prior approval of CVT supervisor.

• Keep absolute confidentiality on all information managed. Obligated to report any information to the supervisor when the security of CVT staff and/or of CVT beneficiary might become an issue.

• This job profile can be adapted and changed according to the evolution of CVT activities.

How to Apply

Please write an English letter of application stating clearly, what motivates you to apply for the above position and how your qualifications and experience are relevant to the post. Include a copy of your CV, application letter, and the names and contact information of three references. Do not bring original documents, as these will not be returned to you. Submitting false information will result in your application being disqualified.  

Please submit applications with the subject title “Counselor Position Application [Your Name]”:  

• Addis, Gambella and Tigray: please apply in CVT Addis, Gambella, Sekota, Dabat, and Shire Offices 

• Please e-mail applications to MTesfahun@CVT.ORG. E-mails with subject line CVT Counselor and attachments should not exceed a total of 1MB.  

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a written exam and interview. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.  

Closing date for applications: February 26, 2023 before 5:00pm 

Exam date: written and interview exams will be administered the weeks of February 27 respectively.  

Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.