BLP Technical Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a humanitarian organization established in 1946, dedicated to helping people forced to flee. With a mission to protect the rights of displaced individuals and provide them with the necessary support, NRC operates in over 30 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on various sectors, including education, shelter, and livelihoods, and employs thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to deliver aid and support to those in need. NRC's Better Learning Programme (BLP) is a key initiative aimed at providing psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support to children in crisis-affected communities, ensuring that they have access to quality education and the necessary resources for recovery and learning.

Job Overview:
The BLP Technical Officer plays a crucial role within NRC's Education core competency, focusing on the implementation and monitoring of the Better Learning Programme (BLP). This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about improving the educational experiences of children affected by crises. The officer will be responsible for providing technical support to various Area Offices, ensuring that the BLP is executed in accordance with established guidelines and proposals. The role involves mapping capacity building needs, training educators and staff, and ensuring that the programme is inclusive of vulnerable populations, including girls and children with disabilities. The BLP Technical Officer will also contribute to the development of training materials and support the integration of BLP into broader educational strategies, ensuring that the programme is effectively documented and disseminated.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The BLP Technical Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Providing technical support and monitoring the implementation of the BLP across various Area Offices.
• Mapping capacity building needs and implementing tailored capacity building packages for education staff and teachers.
• Monitoring programme quality using existing tools and guidelines, and providing implementation support to ensure adherence to programme log frames and proposals.
• Training teachers, school counselors, and education staff on identifying and addressing signs of stress, trauma, and mental health issues among learners.
• Supporting the mainstreaming of BLP into the Education strategy and contributing to the BLP Action Plan for 2026 and beyond.
• Managing the annual BLP calendar, including training sessions, distributions, surveys, and reporting.
• Collaborating with partners and Education Authorities to support the white label approach.
• Conducting research and evidence-based learning to inform programme development and advocacy initiatives.
• Providing guidance to the Ministry of Education and other agencies in implementing BLP. 1
• Developing and improving training materials for ongoing professional development of education staff. 1
• Conducting regular field visits to provide supervision and support for BLP programmes. 1
• Mapping staff capacity needs and delivering on-the-job training and mentoring. 1
• Participating in technical steering committee meetings and collaborating with stakeholders to contextualize BLP. 1
• Supporting proposal development and reporting requirements related to BLP activities. 1
• Acting as the technical lead for upcoming BLP partnerships, ensuring quality monitoring and capacity building. 1
• Collaborating with professionals, including school counselors and social workers, to provide comprehensive support for learners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in the field of mental health and psychosocial support, preferably within a humanitarian or recovery context. A certified Master Trainer with a proven track record in developing and delivering capacity building initiatives on BLP is essential. Strong presentation skills and documented results related to the position's responsibilities are required. Experience in both group and individual counseling, as well as designing and facilitating mental health and psychological support training, is crucial. The ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community groups, is also necessary.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in clinical psychology or a related field is required for this position, with a Master's degree preferred. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in mental health principles and practices, equipping the candidate with the knowledge necessary to support the BLP effectively.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in mental health and psychosocial support, particularly in contexts that involve humanitarian response or recovery efforts. This experience should include a strong focus on capacity building and training within educational settings, as well as a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within NRC and with external partners. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly local languages spoken in Kenya, would be considered an asset and beneficial for effective communication with diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may require frequent travel to project sites to provide support and supervision. The BLP Technical Officer will be expected to adhere to NRC's code of conduct at all times, both in and outside of work. The role may involve working with vulnerable populations, and the officer must demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable individuals.