The Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing trauma rehabilitative services to survivors of gross human rights abuses, including torture and works towards a future in which gross human rights violations cease to exist and victims have hope for a new life. We are headquartered in Minnesota, USA with offices in Africa and the Middle East. We work locally, nationally and internationally through programs that provide trauma rehabilitative services, technical assistance and capacity building to human rights activists, civil society organizations, and local service providers around the world who can prevent and treat gross human rights abuses, and advocate for human rights and an end to gross human rights violations.

This is a full-time position based in Debre Birhan, Amhara, Ethiopia with travel to additional CVT field centers as necessary. The position holders will report to the Psychotherapist/Trainers clinically, and to the Area Manager administratively.

Terms of Employment: Initial contract is from October 07, 2024 through to May 31, 2025 with 60 business days probationary period. Possibility of continuation thereafter will be dependent on the funding availability.

Counselors will have the following major duties and responsibilities: 

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

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

• Conduct relevant assessments, provide individual and group counseling sessions as assigned by the Psychotherapist/Trainer. 

• Complete clinical activity reports and updates, 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, PHI policy, conduct and submit assessments and reports in a timely and accurately. 

• Work closely with the d M&E staff to ensure quality and timely reporting. 

• Act as cultural and linguistic interpreters when needed. 

• 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 Debre Birhan. 

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

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

• Attend to any other duties assigned by the Psychotherapist/Trainer. 

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

General 

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

2. Is committed to respect CVT’s confidentiality policy and refrain from using or sharing any information regarding CVT operations or beneficiaries without prior approval. 

3.  Is obligated to report to the supervisor any information concerning the security and safety of CVT staff and/or of CVT beneficiary. 

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 in humanitarian sector. 

• GBV response and prevention experience is desirable. 

• Experience in Debre Birhan desirable. 

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

• Required: Computer literacy in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook). 

• Required: Fluency in English and Amharic is must. Knowledge of Afaan Oromo is an added advantage. 

• Required: Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability to work in challenging areas, changing conditions, procedures and/or policies and required tasks.

• Required: Good communication, organizational, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

• Required: Should be a self-starter and consistently uphold ethical practice. 

• Required: Ability to work independently and in a team member. 

• Required: Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in the implementation of project activities, including a commitment to confidentiality, diversity, equity and inclusion and the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. 

• Preferred: Experience working in the Amhara Region, with a strong preference for candidates who have lived and worked with the IDPs in Debre Birhan.

General 

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

   1. Is committed to respect CVT’s confidentiality policy and refrain from using or sharing any information regarding CVT operations or beneficiaries without prior approval. 

   3. Is obligated to report to the supervisor any information concerning the security and safety of CVT staff and/or of CVT beneficiary. 

How To Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should email a copy of their CV and  application letter, clearly articulating in  English motivation for applying, qualifications and experiences that are relevant to the position to EMbatha@CVT.ORGand copy  cvtethr@cvt.org , with the subject title “Counselor, [Your Name].” CV should include the names and contact information of three work related referees.  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview process. 

Closing date for applications: September 18, 2024 before 5:00pm 

Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. 

CVT has a zero tolerance to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of beneficiaries. Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) is everyone’s responsibility and all staff are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct, that enshrines principles of PSEA, always (both during work hours and outside work hours).