About the job
The Psychosocial Officer is responsible for leading the conduct of individual and group psychosocial support activities that are in line with layer two of Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Network (MHPSS). The post holder will plan with, capacity-build and provide technical guidance to the protection team in implementing recreational, life skills and other psychosocial support activities while linking with existing family and community support structures and coordinating with other DRC projects that promotes social cohesion.
Reporting lines
- Reports to: Protection Team Leader and Protection Manager
- Subordinates: None
Duties and Responsibilities
- Guide the design and support facilitation of collective social activities for vulnerable men, women, boys, and girls;
- Build the capacities of the team in organizing and implementing community-based psychosocial activities, such as life-skills and recreational activities;
- Provide group and individual counseling sessions, according to the identified needs;
- Manage (identify, counsel, refer) individual protection cases, including maintaining strict protocols for confidentiality and consent.
- Update case files on individual developments, following DRC Standard Operating Principles (SOPs) and ensuring beneficiary data is protected.
- Contribute to developing and maintaining service mapping and referral pathways.
- Report on special needs cases and advise on type of assistance, following discussion with beneficiaries.
- Refer – in coordination with the Protection and/or Legal Officers – protection cases to relevant partners for adequate assistance, and update the database on cases referral and follow up.
- Prepare psycho-social assessments and reports to facilitate the production of internal analysis reports with respect to client confidentiality and DRC SOPs
- Contribute to capacity building of local organizations, community groups, and stakeholders on psychosocial needs and activities for beneficiaries
- Advocate on behalf of clients, make direct interventions with other actors or other organizations, where appropriate;
- Organize, lead, participate in awareness raising activities related to protection and access to services.
Other
- Any other duties as may be assigned by the Line Manager;
- Conduct duties in accordance with DRC Iraq program Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs);
- Conduct duties in strict accordance with DRC Code of Conduct and the principle of confidentiality.
- Ensure transparency and DRC’s positive regard and reputation within communities.
- This position requires travel between base/sub offices/community centers/mobile centers, and will also require participation in community outreach.
About you
Essential Qualifications and Experience:
- University degree in psychology, social sciences or other closely relevant field, or undergraduate degree with demonstrated strong experience;
- Relevant professional experience of not less than 2 (two) years, with emphasis on psychological counselling work in relation to vulnerable populations;
- Familiarity/prior experience with DRC and its persons of concern (including internally displaced persons, refugees, returnees) would be a distinct advantage;
- Familiarity/prior experience with NGO sector would be an advantage.
- Excellent spoken and written English and Arabic and relevant computer skills.
- Full respect for client/organization confidentiality.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills and respect for people with special needs and other vulnerability.
- Ability to work in a multicultural context as a flexible and respectful team player.
Preferred Qualifications and Experience:
- Advanced university degree would be an asset.
- Report writing skills.
- Experience of work in the UN or NGO or voluntary sector is preferred but not essential.
Competency profile:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills;
- Experience in individual and collective counseling;
- Psychosocial background;
- Understanding of confidentiality principle;
- Good knowledge and understanding of local communities and customary rules;
- Punctuality and respect for applicable rules and procedures;
- Independent work, i.e. with minimal supervision and under pressure;
- High regard toward preserving confidentiality of work-related information and data;
- Self-motivation, goal/result-orientation and team work;
- Flexibility, creativeness, tolerance and maturity.
- Computer/IT literacy (OS Windows/Vista/Linux, MS Office, Internet etc.);
Languages:
- Spoken and written Arabic and English.
Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:
- Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
- Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
- Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
- Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
- Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.
We offer
DRC will offer the successful applicant a contract until 31-December-2017, renewable dependent on both funding and performance. You must be available to start work from 1-July-2017.
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to www.drc.ngo under Vacancies. This position will be placed at level C1
Application process
Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the apply button.
All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV only applications will not be considered.
If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please contact job@drc.dk
Applications closes on 10-April-2017. The interviews are expected to take place from 25 to 27 June 2017.
