Title: Protection Assistant-PSS

Contract Type: National Contract

Location:  Afar, Ethiopia

Employment Category:  I2

Salary Range: As per the organization scale

Reporting To:  Protection Manager

Posting date: January 24, 2025

Required Employee: 1               

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. DRC Ethiopia began operations in 2009 and has been responding to the needs of refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and vulnerable host communities ever since.  DRC Ethiopia currently has programs implemented through five area offices (AO) in Gambella, Tigray, Somali (Jijiga & Dollo Ado) and Afar regions, as well as its country office (CO) in Addis Ababa.

 Under the supervision of protection officer, the protection assistants _PSS, will be responsible for assisting protection activities. The protection assistant_PSS provides support to individual, group and families accessing the psychosocial services. This role helps ensure clients receive the appropriate resources, referrals and follow-up to address their mental health, emotional and social needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate PSS and other materials into local languages;

• Assist protection officer/PSS/ in facilitating group and individual counseling sessions based on DRC’s PSS SOPS and other PSS guidelines

• Conduct intake assessment to gather information about clients’ needs and concerns

• Provide resources and referral information to connect clients with relevant service providers and accompany the clients if necessary

• Participate in creation and distributing of communication materials needed for Information Communication and Education (IEC), like mental health leaflets or other education brochures.

• Facilitate culturally appropriate recreational services to help PoCs in processing distressing feelings and serve as a positive distraction from crisis at hand 

• Assist peer mentorship and socioemotional programs

• Properly document activities by ensuring confidentiality

• Carry out other tasks directed by the supervisor

DRC’s core competencies: 

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.  

• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.  

• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.  

• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.

• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.  

Job Requirements

• 1-year experience relevant experience to the position

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Knowledge of community resources and social service programs related with mental health, protection, housing etc.

• Proficiency in basic computer skills and data entry

• Previous experience in mental health, protection or community-based setting is an asset.

EDUCATION: (include certificates, licenses, etc.)

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional training or certificate in human services or related field is preferred.

 LANGUAGE: (indicate fluency level)

• Proficient of English language

• Knowledge of local language is an advantage

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit an updated CV and cover letter explaining their motivation and why they are suited for the post. 

The recruitment process will follow a rolling basis, meaning applications will be reviewed as they are received. We encourage interested candidates to apply early, as the vacancy may close once a suitable candidate is identified.

We accept applications sent via our online-application form on THIS LINK

Please forward the application and CV, in English through the specified application method later than January 30, 2025.

We strongly encourage female candidates to apply for the position!

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 gendergap.
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 Nations to apply. DRC considers all applicants based on merit.