Psychosocial Counselor

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian organization that has been operational since 1956, dedicated to helping refugees and displaced persons. DRC's mission is to promote and protect the rights of displaced people and to provide them with the necessary support to rebuild their lives. The organization operates in multiple countries across the globe, focusing on providing assistance in conflict-affected areas. DRC has a strong commitment to localization, as outlined in its Strategy 2025, which emphasizes collaboration with local partners to ensure effective and sustainable responses to displacement crises. The organization employs thousands of staff worldwide, working in various sectors including protection, livelihoods, and education, among others. DRC's Kenya program specifically aims to strengthen collaboration with local actors and promote the protection of rights in displacement-affected areas, particularly in Kakuma and Kalobeyei, where many refugees reside.

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 populations in Kakuma and Kalobeyei. The role involves addressing the mental health needs of GBV survivors and Persons of Concern, ensuring that they receive appropriate care and support. The Psychosocial Counselor will work closely with various protection officers and assistants to ensure effective case management and the provision of training and supervision to GBV Para-Counselors. The position requires a strong focus on confidentiality, ethical practices, and the implementation of survivor-centered approaches in all interactions. The counselor will also be involved in community engagement, outreach, and the development of psychosocial interventions tailored to the needs of the refugee community, thereby fostering a supportive environment for survivors and promoting their rights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Psychosocial Counselor will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Case Management: Providing psychosocial counseling to GBV survivors, ensuring a survivor-centered approach, conducting assessments, and maintaining confidentiality. Documenting client data accurately and updating the GBVIMS regularly. Participating in the development of case management tools and preparing reports on psychosocial activities.
• Coordination and Networking: Strengthening networks with service providers to ensure quality support for GBV survivors, 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: Preparing timely reports and assessments, using data collection tools, and ensuring quality reporting in collaboration with refugee staff.
• Staff Management and Development: Supervising Para-Counselors, conducting performance evaluations, providing training and mentorship, and organizing capacity-building forums on GBV case management and counseling techniques.

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.
• A strong commitment to ethical standards and confidentiality, with problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• A collaborative spirit, able to work effectively in a team and engage with various stakeholders in a challenging environment.
• A dedication to promoting equality, non-discrimination, and human rights for all individuals.

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, particularly in the context of trauma and gender-based violence. Candidates should have a solid foundation in psychological principles and counseling techniques to effectively support survivors and facilitate their recovery.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 2 years of relevant experience in providing psychosocial counseling, particularly to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Experience working in a refugee context is highly desirable, as it equips candidates with the necessary skills to navigate the unique challenges faced by displaced populations. Candidates should demonstrate a good ability to work collaboratively within a team and possess strong 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 these languages is crucial for effective communication with clients, community members, and professional partners. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they relate to the local refugee population.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 9.5 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, with direct reports being Para-Counselors. The role is based in Kakuma, which does not qualify for accommodation. The organization emphasizes gender equality and encourages female candidates and those from minority groups to apply. The application process requires candidates to submit a cover letter and CV, along with contact details for three professional referees. Applications must be submitted via the DRC online application form by the deadline of 2nd February 2026.