Protection Assistant- PSS

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, dedicated to helping displaced people and communities affected by conflict and disaster. Established in 1956, DRC operates in multiple countries around the globe, providing assistance to refugees, internally displaced persons, and other vulnerable populations. With a mission to protect the rights of displaced people and provide them with the necessary support to rebuild their lives, DRC employs thousands of staff members and collaborates with various partners to deliver effective humanitarian aid. The organization is committed to promoting gender equality and diversity within its workforce, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or identity.

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 Debark, Ethiopia. The primary focus of this position is on providing non-specialized individual and group counseling, facilitating trauma healing sessions, and conducting capacity-building trainings aimed at enhancing the psychosocial well-being of vulnerable groups. The Protection Assistant will work closely with local communities, authorities, and partners to strengthen the psychosocial support interventions and enhance the safety and dignity of affected populations. This role requires a compassionate and proactive individual who can identify individuals in need of focused services and support referrals in accordance with established protection and psychosocial support guidelines. The position also involves contributing to other protection activities that DRC is implementing in the area, ensuring a holistic approach to community support.

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 various demographics, 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 accordance with established 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. Ensure safe and confidential referrals to appropriate specialized mental health and psychosocial support 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 members to participate in psychosocial support 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 training sessions for community volunteers 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 and movements of staff, initiate procurements, and ensure execution under psychosocial support activities.
• Other Duties: Perform any other duties as assigned by the Protection Manager or Emergency Response Manager relevant to achieving protection objectives.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Protection Assistant- PSS position should possess the following qualifications:

• 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 effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards 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 mental health or psychosocial support are also 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, as well as the ability to engage effectively with diverse community members.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Amharic is mandatory, with excellent skills in speaking, reading, and writing in both languages. Additional language skills relevant to the local context may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The contract length for this position is 10 months, and it is classified as a National Contract under Band I2 – Non-Management. The designated duty station is Debark, 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, and the closing date for applications is July 9, 202
• DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing and encourages women candidates to apply to bridge the gender gap. The organization values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees.