Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Protection Assistant – PSS for our operations in North Area Office – Mekelle, Tigray.
About the job
Under the supervision of the protection team leader the protection Assistant (PSS) is responsible for providing compassionate, trauma informed psychosocial support and services to individuals, families and groups facing challenging life circumstances. The officer works closely with clients to assess their needs, develop care plan and coordinate access to relevant community resources and mental health services. This position plays a crucial role in promoting the overall well-being and resilience of the client
Your main duties and responsibilities will be:
- Provide individual psychosocial support to DRC people of concern.
- Support the designing and delivery of psychoeducational awareness sessions (both content and materials) on psychosocial topics, including stress management, available mental health services, and coping skills.
- Collaborate with other service providers, such as healthcare professionals and social workers, and make appropriate referrals and follow-up when needed.
- Foster community participation and engagement in psychosocial support activities, encouraging the active involvement of individuals, families, and community stakeholders.
- Identify and support, including through awareness and capacity-building, local resources, such as community-based organizations or volunteers, to enhance the availability of community-based psychosocial support
- Participate in capacity-building sessions as needed and required.
- Contribute to developing and continuously updating a service mapping system detailing available services and assistance in DRC’s areas of operation.
- Any other duties that may be assigned by the Protection team leader, relevant to achieving protection objectives.
Experience and technical competencies:
- 2-years work experience in a related field
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Experience in providing psychosocial support related activities in humanitarian organizations
- Previous experience working with IDPs and returnees - preferable
- Knowledge of community resources and social service programs related to mental health, protection, etc.
- Full proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel; proficiency in Activity info and other data collection/analysis tools desirable
EDUCATION: (include certificates, licenses, etc.)
- First degree in psychology, social work or other relevant fields
LANGUAGE: (indicate fluency level)
- Proficient of the English language
- Knowledge of the local language is an advantage
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 uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
We offer
Contract length: 6 Months
Contract Type: National Contract
Band: I2 – Non-Management
Designation of Duty Station: Mekelle
Start date: ASAP
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National employees
Application process
All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Working at DRC
Help applying
DRC as an employer
Founded in 1956, DRC Danish Refugee Council is Denmark’s largest, and a leading international NGO. We have continuously been ranked as one of the best NGOs in the world - and are one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. In over 30 countries, we protect, advocate and build sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities.
By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of over 6,000 employees. We pride ourselves on our:
- Professionalism, impact & expertise
- Humanitarian approach & the work we do
- Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution
- Culture, values & strong leadership
- Fair compensation & continuous development
DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.
Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants based on individual merit and qualifications, regardless of personal characteristics or attributes. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce, aiming for a 50% balance of men and women in management roles and ensuring that at least 50% of management roles are filled by national staff. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is crucial for achieving our organizational goals and making a positive impact on the communities we serve.