Protection Officer (MHPSS)

Purpose of the Role

The Protection Officer – MHPSS will be responsible for the implementation of psychosocial support (PSS) activities in Malakal Static Operation, with a focus on delivering non-specialized individual and group counselling, trauma healing sessions, awareness raising, and capacity-building trainings. The position will ensure the inclusion and participation of vulnerable groups, including children, youth, adults, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).

Under the technical supervision of the Protection Coordinator/Protection Team Leader, the Protection Officer – MHPSS will support the delivery of community-based and individual psychosocial support interventions, provide basic psychosocial support services, facilitate group activities, identify individuals in need of focused non-specialized support, and ensure safe and confidential referrals in line with established protection and MHPSS guidelines. The role will also contribute to strengthening community structures and promoting psychosocial wellbeing through engagement with communities, local authorities, and partners. Additionally, the position is expected to support other protection activities implemented by DRC in the area.

Key Responsibilities

1. Program Implementation

• Support the delivery of structured and non-structured PSS activities for children, adolescents, women, men, and caregivers.
• Facilitate group sessions such as life skills activities, peer support groups, child-friendly space activities, and community-based PSS sessions.
• Provide basic individual psychosocial support in accordance with PSS principles.
• Plan and organize awareness sessions on stress management, coping mechanisms, and positive parenting.
• Organize community dialogues and psychoeducation sessions.
• Conduct community sensitization on stress, trauma, and coping mechanisms.
• Plan and deliver capacity-building trainings for community leaders and structures on Psychological First Aid (PFA) and basic psychosocial support principles.

2. Case Support and Referrals

• Identify individuals showing signs of distress, provide Psychological First Aid (PFA), and refer them to appropriate focused or specialized MHPSS service providers.
• Support safe and confidential referral of cases to health, protection, legal, and other relevant services using the established referral pathway.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to survivor-centered approaches at all times.

3. Community Engagement

• Work closely with community leaders, caregivers, volunteers, and facilitators to promote psychosocial wellbeing.
• Mobilize community members to actively participate in PSS activities.

4. Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate attendance records, activity reports, monitoring tools, and Means of Verification (MOVs).
• Support data collection while ensuring confidentiality and compliance with data protection standards.
• Provide regular updates on activities, progress, challenges, and lessons learned.

5. Coordination and Capacity Building

• Plan and conduct trainings and orientations for community volunteers, facilitators, and caregivers on basic PSS concepts.
• Coordinate with other Protection team members to ensure integrated and complementary service delivery.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision sessions, and capacity-building activities.

Experience and Technical Competencies

Essential

• Minimum of 2 years of community-based training experience involving human rights and/or protection, including protection monitoring.
• Strong understanding of human rights and protection principles.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with ability to work effectively with people from diverse cultures, genders, and backgrounds.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and contribute to achieving results.
• Ability to remain productive under pressure, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines.

Desirable

• Strong commitment to human rights and protection principles.
• Familiarity with customary laws, judiciary systems, and legal developments in South Sudan.
• Previous experience delivering and supervising trainings at different scales and with various partners.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• Basic protection and human rights training background.
• Positive and proactive attitude. 

 Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, Political Science, Law, Development Studies, International Development, Social Studies, or a related field is highly preferred.

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