Protection Assistant - PSS

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a qualified Protection Assistant- PSS for our operations in Debark Ethiopia.

Instruction for applicants:
All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV in English. Please ensure that your CV does not exceed three pages. Applications with CVs longer than the specified limit may not be considered

Overall purpose of the role

The Protection assistant-MHPSS will be responsible for implementation of psychosocial support activities in Debark, with a focus non-specialized individual and group counselling, trauma healing sessions, capacity building trainings, and ensuring the inclusion of vulnerable groups. The PSS assistance Officer will work closely with local communities, authorities, and partners to strengthen Psychosocial support-PSS intervention and enhance the safety and dignity of affected populations.

Under the technical supervision of the Protection team leader the protection assistant-PSS supports the implementation of community-based and individual psychosocial support activities for children, youths, adults, PWDs and survivors of violence. The role focuses on providing basic psychosocial support, facilitating group activities, identifying individuals in need of focused non-specialized services, and supporting referrals in line with established protection and PSS guidelines. The position will, furthermore, be tasked to identify and provide direct assistance and support to people with specific needs. Additionally, the position is expected to contribute to other protection activities that DRC is implementing in the area.

 Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Key Responsibilities:

 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, peer support groups, child-friendly space activities, and community-based PSS sessions.
• Provide basic individual psychosocial support in accordance with PSS principles.
• Plan and organizing awareness sessions on stress management, coping mechanisms, and positive parenting.
• Organize community dialogues and psychoeducation sessions.
• Plan and Conduct community sensitization on stress, trauma, and coping mechanisms
• Plan and provide capacity building training for community leaders and structures on PFA, basic psychosocial support principles etc.

Case Support and Referrals:

• Identify individuals showing signs of distress, provide psychological first aid- PFA for individual who faces stressful situations and refer them to the appropriate focused specialized MHPSS service providers.
• Support safe and confidential referral of cases to health, protection, legal, and other relevant services using the referral pathway.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to survivor-centered approaches at all times.

Community Engagement:

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

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintaining accurate attendance records, activity reports, and basic MOVs and monitoring tools.
• Support data collection while ensuring confidentiality and data protection standards.
• Provide regular updates on activities, challenges, and progress.

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 service delivery.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision sessions, and capacity-building activities.

Logistics/Finance

• Plan and coordinate proactively logistics and movements of staff from and to different operational areas
• initiate procurements and ensure their execution under the PSS activities
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the Protection manager/Emergency Response Manager, relevant to the achievement of protection objectives.

Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum 1 year of experience in psychosocial support, protection, child protection, or community-based programs.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, including children and survivors of violence, is an asset. 

EDUCATION: (include certificates, licenses, etc.)

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Sociology or a related field.

LANGUAGE: (indicate Fluency level)

• Excellent skills in speaking, reading and writing English and Amharic

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: 10 Months

Contract Type: National Contract

Band: I2 – Non-Management

Designation of Duty Station: Debark, Ethiopia

Start date:  1st August 2026

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 three pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered

Please ensure that your CV does not exceed three pages. Applications with CVs longer than the specified limit may not be considered.

Closing date for applications: July 9, 2026

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

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap.
Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, colour, race, marital status, or other protected characteristics

We strongly encourage female candidates to apply for the position!

We encourage only qualified Ethiopian Nations to apply. DRC considers all applicants based on merit.

 

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