Protection Assistant- PSS

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, dedicated to helping refugees and displaced persons. Established in 1956, DRC operates in multiple countries around the globe, focusing on providing assistance and protection to those affected by conflict and displacement. The organization employs thousands of staff members and collaborates with local communities, governments, and other NGOs to deliver effective humanitarian aid. DRC's mission is to ensure that displaced individuals can lead dignified lives and have access to essential services, safety, and opportunities for recovery and reintegration into society.

Job Overview:
The Protection Assistant- PSS role is crucial for the implementation of psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support activities in Sanja, Ethiopia. This position focuses on providing non-specialized individual and group counseling, trauma healing sessions, and capacity-building trainings aimed at vulnerable groups. The Protection Assistant will work closely with local communities, authorities, and partners to enhance psychosocial support interventions and improve the safety and dignity of affected populations. Under the technical supervision of the Protection team leader, the Protection Assistant will support community-based and individual psychosocial support activities for various demographics, including children, youths, adults, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and survivors of violence. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying individuals in need of focused services and facilitating referrals in accordance with established guidelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Protection Assistant- PSS include:

• Program Implementation: Support the delivery of structured and non-structured psychosocial support activities for diverse groups, including children, adolescents, women, men, and caregivers. Facilitate group sessions such as life skills training, peer support groups, and community-based PSS sessions. Provide basic individual psychosocial support in line with PSS principles. Organize awareness sessions on stress management, coping mechanisms, and positive parenting. Conduct community dialogues and psychoeducation sessions. Plan and provide capacity-building training for community leaders on basic psychosocial support principles.
• Case Support and Referrals: Identify individuals showing signs of distress and provide psychological first aid (PFA) for those facing stressful situations. Ensure safe and confidential referrals to health, protection, legal, and other relevant services. Maintain confidentiality and adhere to survivor-centered approaches.
• Community Engagement: Collaborate with community leaders, caregivers, volunteers, and facilitators to promote psychosocial well-being and mobilize community participation in PSS activities.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate attendance records, activity reports, and monitoring tools. Support data collection while ensuring confidentiality and data protection standards. Provide regular updates on activities, challenges, and progress.
• Coordination and Capacity Building: Plan and conduct trainings for community volunteers and caregivers on basic PSS concepts. Coordinate with other protection team members for integrated service delivery. Participate in team meetings and capacity-building activities.
• Logistics/Finance: Proactively plan and coordinate logistics for staff movements and initiate procurements related to PSS activities. Perform any other duties assigned by the Emergency Response Manager relevant to achieving protection objectives.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Protection Assistant- PSS position should possess the following qualifications: - A minimum of 1 year of experience in psychosocial support, protection, child protection, or community-based programs. - Experience working with vulnerable populations, including children and survivors of violence, is considered an asset. - Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or a related field. Relevant certifications or licenses in psychosocial support or related areas will be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires at least 1 year of relevant experience in psychosocial support, protection, or community-based programs. Experience working with vulnerable populations, particularly children and survivors of violence, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Amharic is mandatory, with excellent skills in speaking, reading, and writing in both languages. Proficiency in additional local languages may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for a duration of 10 months, classified as a National Contract under Band I2 – Non-Management. The designated duty station is Sanja, Ethiopia, with a start date of August 1, 202

• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National employees. The application process requires all applicants to upload a cover letter and an updated CV (not exceeding three pages) in English. Applications sent via email will not be considered, and the closing date for applications is July 9, 202
• DRC is committed to gender equality and encourages women candidates to apply, as well as qualified Ethiopian nationals. The organization values diversity and is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect.