PSS Officer x2

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Overall purpose of the role

Under the direct management of the protection manager and technical supervision of the MHPSS specialist/Protection coordinator, the PSS officer will be responsible for the implementation of DRC PSS activities including facilitating group PSS sessions and one on one stress management/counselling sessions. Under the technical support of the MHPSS specialist, the PSS officer will lead on adjusting the content of the sessions to respond to different PSS needs based on the evolving context. The PSS officer will also be responsible for making referrals including both to external providers as well as DRC protection or other teams; supporting on PSS assessments under the leadership of the MHPSS specialist, support on ongoing DRC protection monitoring activities.                              

Duties and Responsibilities

PSS program:

• Plan, prepare and deliver series of structured group PSS sessions, one off sessions to beneficiaries, in line with DRC guidance/ manuals and under the technical supervision of the MHPSS Specialist. Ensure sessions are appropriate for different age, gender groups and diversity profiles.
• Prepare daily plans prior to every PSS session in line with the existing PSS curriculum; prepare appropriate materials and/or visual aids in advance of the sessions.
• PSS Case Management: Where beneficiaries who are participating in psychosocial group activities are identified as being in need of additional individual or case management PSS services, the PSS officer will assess protection issues, develop and implement case plans including full documentation of cases, follow up, individual psychosocial care and referral. For this purpose, conduct individual assessments under the guidance/supervision of the MHPSS specialist, to identify psychosocial stressors and needs and identify a response/ intervention plan for people identified.
• Refer clients to other specialists or other institutions for further assistance, when necessary, in line with the available local referral pathways, to ensure effective and efficient case management process. Respond and mitigate protection concerns, including through referring cases of vulnerable people through safe referral pathways to other DRC departments.
• Conduct PSS awareness sessions on how to identify symptoms of distress and how to access relevant services, and PSS outreach activities among communities/local authorities to romote the value and importance of PSS services in coordination with the protection manager.
• Provide continuous psycho-social support via regular follow-up meetings, establishing a relationship built on trust and respecting confidentiality protocols.
• Contribute to regular reporting, programme and proposal development, providing insight and analysis on PSS issues, challenges, gaps and best-practices
• Support the Protection manager to map service networks for referrals.
• Upload all the PSS activities in DRC trackers/ IM systems on a weekly basis in accurate and timely manner.
• Perform other duties, as required by the supervisor in order to support the protection program.

Protection monitoring and assessments:

• Monitor protection concerns in target locations.
• Conduct individual interviews for protection monitoring following DRC’s questionnaire guides and in adherence to DRC SOPs and DRC’s overall methodology and sampling approach.
• Ensure monthly data collection for protection monitoring as per targets established together with the manager/ protection coordinator.
• Ensure that the interviews are submitted on KOBO in Arabic or English and that the quality of the information submitted is complete and as accurate as possible. Be responsible for triangulating information obtained through the interviews to ensure that it is accurate. Ensure that all interviews are submitted through the KOBO link in a timely manner each week.
• Proactively inform the protection coordinator and/or protection manager on any new emerging protection concerns that require attention. Should persons at risk be identified through protection monitoring activities, ensure they are adequately supported through referrals or direct case management support. Respond and mitigate protection concerns, including through referring cases of vulnerable people through safe referral pathways to other DRC departments.
• Under the guidance of the MHPSS specialist, support in data collection for PSS needs assessments when and if required.

Experience and technical competencies:

• 2-3 years Working experience with INGOs/NGOs in the same or similar roles (protection officer, social worker etc).
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, proven self-initiative and problem-solving abilities
• A commitment to protecting human rights
• Experience working at the community level and with groups necessary
• Experience working with people from different backgrounds.  
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and a part of a team
• Willing to work extra hours and available at the weekend for emergency cases
• Capacity to work under pressure
• Ability to set priorities and show initiative, to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Languages

• Fluency in Arabic [ESSENTIAL].
• Good knowledge of English is preferred, but not essential.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s 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: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: 12 months, pending funding confirmation of UNFPA funds..

Position Band:  This position will be placed at Non-Management band (H)

Start date: February 20, 2025

Duty station: Gaza

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Nationals.

Application process

Interested to apply? 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.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right of conducting tests and interviews before the closing date, and can close the advertisement earlier in case of finding a suitable candidate.

Closing date for applications: February 09, 2025

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.