Psychosocial Counselor

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian organization that has been operational since 1956, dedicated to assisting refugees and displaced persons worldwide. DRC's mission is to promote the rights and well-being of people affected by displacement, ensuring their safety and dignity. The organization operates in over 40 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to provide support and assistance to vulnerable populations. DRC's strategic framework, known as Strategy 2025, emphasizes localization and collaboration with local partners to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of humanitarian responses. The organization is committed to fostering synergies in programming and advocacy, particularly in areas affected by displacement, to promote the protection of rights and peaceful coexistence.

Job Overview:
The Psychosocial Counselor position at DRC is crucial for providing day-to-day management and psychosocial support to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and other vulnerable individuals in Kakuma and Kalobeyei. The role is designed to address the mental health needs of GBV survivors and Persons of Concern, ensuring that they receive comprehensive care and support. The Psychosocial Counselor will work closely with various protection officers and community organizations to implement effective case management and psychosocial interventions. This position requires a strong commitment to ethical practices, confidentiality, and the application of a survivor-centered approach in all interactions. The Psychosocial Counselor will also be responsible for training and supervising GBV Para-Counselors, ensuring that they are equipped to respond effectively to cases of GBV and provide necessary support to survivors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Psychosocial Counselor will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Case Management: Providing comprehensive psychosocial counseling to GBV survivors, ensuring confidentiality and ethical practices. Conducting assessments and counseling sessions at both individual and group levels, documenting client data accurately, and updating the GBVIMS regularly. Participating in the development of case management monitoring tools and preparing reports for psychosocial activities.
• Coordination and Networking: Maintaining and strengthening networks with other service providers to ensure quality support for GBV survivors. Actively participating in case conferences and inter-agency meetings, and collaborating with prevention teams to address the needs of at-risk groups.
• Community Engagement and Outreach: Conducting sensitization sessions on trauma and GBV, facilitating support groups, and engaging community leaders to strengthen support structures for survivors.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Assisting in the preparation of reports and using data collection tools to submit assessments in a timely manner. Ensuring that Core Humanitarian Standards are integrated into project implementation.
• Staff Management and Development: Supervising Para-Counselors, conducting performance evaluations, and providing training and mentorship to enhance their skills in case management and counseling.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong set of qualifications, including:

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in providing psychosocial counseling to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to listen empathetically and communicate professionally with clients and partners.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to work effectively in challenging environments.
• A commitment to upholding high ethical and professional standards, including confidentiality and respect for human rights.
• Experience working in a refugee context is highly desirable, as is the ability to promote equality and non-discrimination.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Bachelor’s degree in psychology or counseling. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of mental health issues faced by survivors of GBV and for providing effective psychosocial support.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of relevant experience in providing psychosocial counseling, particularly to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Candidates should demonstrate a strong ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and possess excellent communication skills to engage effectively with clients and community members.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English and Swahili is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages spoken within the refugee community may be considered an asset, enhancing communication and support for diverse populations.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 1.5 months, with salary and conditions in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council's terms of employment for national staff. The employment category is Band I2, and the position reports to the Protection Team Leader. The role does not qualify for accommodation, and the key stakeholders include internal DRC staff and external partners such as local government authorities and other NGOs. DRC is committed to gender equality and encourages female candidates and those from minority groups to apply. Applications must be submitted via the online application form on the DRC website by the deadline of 2nd February 2026.