Protection Assistant – Pediatric Counsellor

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading humanitarian organization that has been working to support refugees and displaced persons since its establishment in 195

• With a mission to protect the rights of displaced people and provide them with the necessary support to rebuild their lives, DRC operates in over 40 countries worldwide. The organization employs thousands of staff members and collaborates with various local and international partners to deliver effective humanitarian assistance. DRC is committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability and integrity in its operations, ensuring that the needs of vulnerable populations are met with respect and dignity.

Job Overview:
The Protection Assistant – Pediatric Counsellor plays a crucial role in enhancing the mental health and overall well-being of vulnerable children in Dadaab, particularly those who have experienced trauma, abuse, or other protection risks. This position emphasizes the delivery of consistent, child-centered psychosocial care through various methods such as counseling, therapy sessions, and close follow-up. The counselor is responsible for tailoring support to meet the unique needs of each child, working closely with community structures, caregivers, and other protection actors to strengthen case management systems and promote child protection standards. The role also involves contributing to coordination efforts, documentation, and capacity building of frontline workers to ensure timely and holistic responses to children's needs, aligning with program and donor expectations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Case Management: Facilitate and conduct professional counseling services for children with protection concerns, including play and art therapy, individual and group sessions, and psycho-education sessions. Ensure regular follow-up visits to monitor rehabilitation and reintegration of clients, documenting any changes. Participate in data analysis and dissemination of information to stakeholders. Support the preparation of accurate reports for all psychosocial activities. Ensure child survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) receive appropriate care and follow-up. Document counseling services in accordance with DRC's broader Case Management and CPIMS protocols. Facilitate direct counseling services for unaccompanied minors (UAMs), separated children, and other vulnerable children identified by social workers and partners. Participate in monthly Child Friendly Spaces (CFS) coordination meetings and advocate for improvements in systems affecting child safety and well-being. Conduct counseling follow-ups for children referred for Best Interest Determination (BID) processes and update their information for BID panel meetings. Facilitate play and art therapy and psychoeducation sessions at the CFS and community level. Ensure proper management of child-friendly spaces and the smooth running of psychosocial activities. Participate in crisis response and provide crisis counseling during emergencies, ensuring follow-up support. Empower and support structures that enable children and caregivers to participate in decision-making and understand their rights through dissemination of child-friendly information. Submit timely reports to the Protection Team Leader.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or Counseling Psychology. They must be a licensed counselor registered with a relevant counseling body, such as the Kenya Counsellors and Psychologist Association. In-depth technical expertise in case management and psychosocial support, particularly pediatric counseling for children at risk, is essential. Candidates should have experience in providing trauma counseling and establishing community-based child protection networks. Knowledge of international and national child protection standards and instruments is required, along with excellent analytical and writing skills, cultural sensitivity, and respect for diversity. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish effective working relationships with local partners and stakeholders are crucial.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or Counseling Psychology is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively support and counsel vulnerable children facing various challenges.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience in providing psychosocial support and counseling to children who are survivors of trauma, SGBV, and other at-risk children. Experience as a licensed counselor is mandatory, along with a proven ability to work as part of a team and lead efforts towards achieving results. Familiarity with community-based child protection networks and the ability to work in field settings are also important.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken English and Swahili is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with children, caregivers, and other stakeholders in the community.

Additional Notes:
The position is a 7-month contract with a 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 role reports to the Protection Team Leader. The position is expected to be available starting June 202

• DRC is committed to gender equality and encourages female candidates and those from minority groups to apply. All staff are required to contribute to DRC's Humanitarian Accountability Framework, which outlines global accountability commitments.