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, providing assistance to those affected by conflict and displacement. The organization focuses on various sectors including protection, livelihoods, and emergency response, and employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working tirelessly to uphold the dignity and rights of vulnerable populations. DRC is committed to promoting gender equality and diversity within its workforce, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and fairness, regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Protection Assistant-PSS will play a crucial role in implementing psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support activities in Dabat, Ethiopia. This position is centered around providing non-specialized individual and group counseling, conducting trauma healing sessions, and facilitating capacity-building trainings aimed at enhancing the well-being of vulnerable groups. The Protection Assistant will collaborate closely with local communities, authorities, and partners to strengthen psychosocial support interventions, thereby enhancing the safety and dignity of affected populations. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying individuals in need of focused services and supporting referrals in accordance with established protection and psychosocial support guidelines. The position also involves contributing to broader protection activities that DRC is implementing in the area, ensuring a comprehensive approach to community support.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main duties and 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 psychosocial support sessions. Provide basic individual psychosocial support in alignment with established PSS principles. Organize awareness sessions on stress management, coping mechanisms, and positive parenting. Conduct community dialogues and psychoeducation sessions to promote mental health awareness.
• Case Support and Referrals: Identify individuals exhibiting signs of distress and provide psychological first aid (PFA) to those facing stressful situations. Ensure safe and confidential referrals to appropriate specialized mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) service providers. Maintain confidentiality and adhere to survivor-centered approaches at all times.
• 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 adherence to data protection standards. Provide regular updates on activities, challenges, and progress to the Protection team.
• Coordination and Capacity Building: Plan and conduct training sessions for community volunteers, facilitators, and caregivers on basic psychosocial support concepts. Coordinate with other protection team members to ensure integrated service delivery. Participate in team meetings and capacity-building activities.
• Logistics/Finance: Plan and coordinate logistics for staff movements and initiate procurements related to PSS activities. Perform any other duties as assigned by the Protection Manager or Emergency Response Manager that align with the achievement of 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.
• A commitment to upholding the principles of confidentiality and ethical conduct in all interactions.

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 mental health will be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in psychosocial support, protection, child protection, or community-based programs. Experience working with vulnerable populations, particularly children and survivors of violence, is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of psychosocial support principles and practices.

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, enhancing communication with diverse community members.

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 Dabat, 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 in English, ensuring that the CV does not exceed three pages. Applications sent via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is July 9, 202
• DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing and encourages women candidates to apply. The organization values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer, promoting an inclusive environment based on mutual respect.