Protection Assistant – Psychosocial

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 in various forms including protection, shelter, and livelihood support. The organization is known for its commitment to delivering impactful humanitarian solutions in challenging environments, with a mission to ensure that displaced people can rebuild their lives and regain their dignity. DRC employs thousands of staff worldwide and collaborates with local and international partners to address the needs of vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Protection Assistant – Psychosocial position is crucial for the implementation of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) activities that are integrated within Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Child Protection (CP) programming. This role is part of the Mobile Response Team (MRT) and involves significant field travel, approximately 80%, to reach hard-to-access and emergency-affected locations in South Sudan. The PSS Facilitator will work closely with GBV and Child Protection Officers to deliver structured psychosocial support services, ensuring that interventions are safe, confidential, and culturally appropriate. The position requires a proactive approach to contribute to emergency protection response efforts and to adapt MHPSS interventions to the evolving needs of the communities served.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Protection Assistant – Psychosocial include supporting the implementation of structured psychosocial support activities during mobile missions, facilitating group-based PSS sessions for various demographics including women, girls, boys, and caregivers, and providing Psychological First Aid (PFA) to individuals in distress. The role also involves assisting GBV and CP Officers in delivering safe and culturally sensitive MHPSS interventions, organizing expressive and recreational activities to enhance emotional wellbeing, and identifying individuals who require specialized mental health or protection services. Additionally, the PSS Facilitator will contribute to rapid protection assessments, support community sensitization on stress management, and maintain strict adherence to safeguarding principles and confidentiality.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Protection Assistant – Psychosocial position should possess a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in MHPSS, community-based psychosocial activities, or protection programming within humanitarian settings. A diploma or degree in Psychology, Social Work, Social Sciences, Education, or a related field is preferred, although completion of secondary education with relevant MHPSS or protection training is acceptable. Candidates should also have basic knowledge of IASC MHPSS Guidelines and Psychological First Aid principles, experience facilitating group-based activities, and strong interpersonal and facilitation skills. The ability to work in emergency and hard-to-reach environments, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive situations with professionalism is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a diploma or degree in Psychology, Social Work, Social Sciences, Education, or a related field. Candidates who have completed secondary education along with relevant MHPSS or protection training, including certifications and licenses, are also considered acceptable. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 1-2 years of relevant experience in MHPSS, community-based psychosocial activities, or protection programming in humanitarian settings. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to work effectively in challenging environments and to engage with vulnerable populations, particularly in emergency situations.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of local languages is considered an added advantage, as it can enhance communication and rapport with the communities served.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for a duration of 6 months, with a band classification of I

• The work location is primarily in Juba, with 80% of the role involving field travel to various locations. The start date for this position is as soon as possible (ASAP). Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies, which include striving for excellence, collaborating with relevant parties, taking the lead in initiatives, effective communication, and demonstrating integrity in all professional conduct.