Protection Assistant - MHPSS

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 over 40 countries, providing assistance to millions of people affected by conflict and displacement. The organization focuses on various sectors, including protection, livelihoods, and humanitarian response, with a mission to ensure safety, dignity, and sustainable solutions for those in need. DRC employs thousands of staff members globally, working collaboratively with local communities and authorities to deliver effective humanitarian aid and support.

Job Overview:
The Protection Assistant - MHPSS position is crucial for the implementation of psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support activities in Humera and Mai Cadra, Ethiopia. The role is designed to provide non-specialized individual and group counseling, trauma healing sessions, and capacity-building training, with a strong emphasis on the inclusion of vulnerable groups. The Protection Assistant will work closely with local communities, authorities, and partners to enhance psychosocial support interventions and improve the safety and dignity of affected populations. Under the technical supervision of the Protection Manager or Emergency Response Manager, the Protection Assistant will support community-based and individual psychosocial support activities for various demographics, including children, youths, adults, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and survivors of violence. The position aims to provide basic psychosocial support, facilitate group activities, identify individuals in need of focused non-specialized services, and ensure proper referrals in accordance with established protection and MHPSS guidelines. Additionally, the role involves identifying and providing direct assistance to individuals with specific needs and contributing to other protection activities implemented by DRC in the area.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main duties and responsibilities of the Protection Assistant - MHPSS include:

• Program Implementation: Support the delivery of structured and non-structured psychosocial support (PSS) activities for diverse groups, including children, adolescents, women, men, and caregivers. Facilitate group sessions such as life skills training, peer support groups, child-friendly space activities, and community-based PSS sessions. Provide basic individual psychosocial support in line with PSS principles. Organize awareness sessions on stress management, coping mechanisms, and positive parenting. Conduct community dialogues and psychoeducation sessions. Plan and execute community sensitization initiatives on stress, trauma, and coping strategies. Provide capacity-building training for community leaders and structures on psychological first aid (PFA) and basic psychosocial support principles.
• Case Support and Referrals: Identify individuals exhibiting signs of distress, provide psychological first aid for those facing stressful situations, and refer them to appropriate specialized MHPSS service providers. Ensure safe and confidential referral of cases to health, protection, legal, and other relevant services, maintaining confidentiality and adhering to survivor-centered approaches.
• Community Engagement: Collaborate with community leaders, caregivers, volunteers, and facilitators to promote psychosocial well-being and mobilize community members to participate in PSS activities.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate attendance records, activity reports, and monitoring tools. Support data collection while ensuring confidentiality and adherence to data protection standards. Provide regular updates on activities, challenges, and progress.
• Coordination and Capacity Building: Plan and conduct training and orientations for community volunteers, facilitators, and caregivers on basic PSS concepts. Coordinate with other protection team members to ensure integrated service delivery. Participate in team meetings, supervision sessions, and capacity-building activities.
• Logistics/Finance: Monitor financial commitments and expenditures against budgets, providing timely feedback on budget follow-up. Plan and coordinate logistics and movements of staff across operational areas, initiate procurements, and ensure their execution under PSS activities. Perform any other duties assigned by the Protection Manager or Emergency Response Manager relevant to achieving protection objectives.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Protection Assistant - MHPSS position include:
- A minimum of 1-2 years 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 understanding of psychosocial support principles and practices, as well as familiarity with protection frameworks and guidelines.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and engage effectively with community members and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, or a related field. Relevant certifications or licenses in psychosocial support or related areas are also beneficial. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in understanding psychological principles, social dynamics, and community engagement strategies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 1-2 years of relevant experience in psychosocial support, protection, child protection, or community-based programs. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with vulnerable populations, including children and survivors of violence, demonstrating the ability to provide effective support and interventions in challenging environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all documentation and communication will be conducted in English. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the Humera region is highly desirable, as it will facilitate better communication and engagement with community members. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to connect with diverse populations.

Additional Notes:
The position is a national contract with a duration of 5 months, classified under Band I2 – Non-Management. The designated duty station is Humera, and the start date is as soon as possible. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National employees. All applicants must submit a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is February 10, 202

• DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels and encourages women candidates to apply to bridge the gender gap. DRC is an equal opportunity employer, valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. The organization does not discriminate based on age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, color, race, marital status, or other protected characteristics, and strongly encourages qualified Ethiopian nationals to apply.