Protection officer-PSS Full Time

Title: Protection officer-PSS

Contract Type: National Contract

Location:  Sheraro (North Ethiopia)

Employment Category:  H2

Salary Range: As per the organization scale

Reporting To:  Protection Manager

Posting date: January 17, 2025

Required Employee: 1                

INTRODUCTION

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), an international non-governmental organization (NGO), has been providing relief and development services in the Horn of Africa since 1997. DRC promotes and supports solutions to the problems faced by refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and migrants. DRC Ethiopia began operations in 2009 and has been responding to the needs of refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and vulnerable host communities ever since.  DRC Ethiopia currently has programs implemented through five area offices (AO) in Gambella, Tigray, Somali (Jijiga & Dollo Ado) and Afar regions, as well as its country office (CO) in Addis Ababa.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

The protection officer PSS is responsible for providing compassionate, trauma informed psychosocial support and services to individuals, families and group facing challenging life circumstances. The officer work 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.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessment to identify client’s need, strengths and area of concern.
• Develop individualized care plans in collaboration with clients, setting realistic goals and outlining appropriate interventions.
• Provide individual or group-based counseling, emotional support and crisis intervention to clients based on DRC PSS’s SoPs’ and other relevant guides
• Collaborate with other protection team (such as case management and legal officers) to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
• Assist clients in navigating and accessing community resources such as specialized mental health services, financial assistance, housing support and social services.
• Prepare/adopt IEC materials appropriate to the context
• Plan and lead overall peer mentorship and socio emotional learning programs
• Advocate for the clients need and right, ensuring they receive the necessary support and services.
• Maintain detailed and confidential client’s records, documenting progress and interventions.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to stay up-to-date with best practices in psychosocial support.
• Supervise and coach protection assistants PSS
• Carry out other tasks directed by the supervisor

DRC’s 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.

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

• 2-years work experience in a related field
• Experience in providing psychosocial support related activities in humanitarian organizations
• Previous experience working with IDPs and returnees – preferable
• 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.)

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, sociology, social work or other related fields from recognized institution.

LANGUAGE: (indicate fluency level)

• Proficient of English language
• Knowledge of local language (Tigrigna) is highly desirable