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, providing assistance and support to those affected by conflict and displacement. The organization focuses on various sectors including protection, livelihoods, and emergency response, and employs thousands of staff worldwide, working tirelessly to uphold the rights and dignity of vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Protection Assistant – PSS role is crucial for the Danish Refugee Council's operations in Hudet, Ethiopia. This position is designed to support the protection activities under the supervision of the protection officer. The primary focus of the role is to assist individuals, groups, and families in accessing psychosocial services, ensuring that clients receive the necessary resources, referrals, and follow-up to address their mental health, emotional, and social needs. The Protection Assistant will engage in various activities, including translating materials into local languages, facilitating counseling sessions, conducting intake assessments, and providing information about available resources. This role is vital in creating a supportive environment for persons of concern (PoCs) and helping them process distressing feelings through culturally appropriate recreational services. The Protection Assistant will also be responsible for documenting activities while maintaining confidentiality and will carry out additional tasks as directed by the supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Protection Assistant – PSS include:

• Translating PSS and other materials into local languages to ensure accessibility for clients.
• Assisting the protection officer and PSS in facilitating both group and individual counseling sessions in accordance with DRC’s PSS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines.
• Conducting intake assessments to gather comprehensive information about clients’ needs and concerns.
• Providing clients with resources and referral information to connect them with relevant service providers, and accompanying them when necessary.
• Participating in the creation and distribution of communication materials for Information Communication and Education (IEC), such as mental health leaflets and educational brochures.
• Facilitating culturally appropriate recreational services to help PoCs process distressing feelings and serve as a positive distraction from their current crises.
• Assisting in peer mentorship and socio-emotional programs to foster community support.
• Properly documenting all activities while ensuring confidentiality is maintained.
• Carrying out other tasks as directed by the supervisor to support the overall protection efforts.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Protection Assistant – PSS position include:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with clients and team members.
• Knowledge of community resources and social service programs related to mental health, protection, and housing.
• Proficiency in basic computer skills and data entry to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Previous experience in mental health, protection, or community-based settings is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to perform the role effectively.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional training or certification in human services or a related field is preferred, as it provides a foundational understanding of the issues faced by clients and the services available to them.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant experience in mental health, protection, or community-based settings. This experience is essential for understanding the complexities of the role and effectively supporting clients in need of psychosocial services.

Languages:
Proficiency in the English language is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Additionally, proficiency in Affan Oromo and Somali is required to effectively communicate with the local population and ensure that services are accessible to all clients.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for a duration of 7 months, classified as a National Contract under Band I2 – Non-Management. The organization is looking to fill three positions at the Hudet duty station, with an expected start date as soon as possible. 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 (no longer than four pages) in English, as applications sent via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is December 16, 202

• The Danish Refugee Council is committed to gender equality and encourages women candidates to apply to help bridge the gender gap. The organization values diversity and is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees, ensuring that no discrimination occurs based on age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, color, race, marital status, or other protected characteristics. Only qualified Ethiopian nationals are encouraged to apply, and all applicants will be considered based on merit.