Protection Assistant-Psychosocial counselor – LGBTIQ+

Contract

This is a DRC - National contract. More about DRC - National contracts.

About DRC The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian, non-governmental and non-profit organization, founded in 1956, that works in more than 35 countries around the world. DRC is one of the largest protection actors in Kenya, actively coordinating and advocating for improving the protective environment for refugees and host communities. DRC implements Protection monitoring, Child Protection and GBV prevention and response programmes in its areas of operation to address protection issues faced by displaced and non-displaced at-risk groups and individuals. The programme also aims to identify and build synergies with DRC´s Economic Recovery sector to facilitate durable solutions and Humanitarian Disarmament & Peace Building activities to enhance to respond to the needs of communities affected by acute crisis as well as those in protracted displacement situations.

Overall purpose of the role: The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has enshrined localisation in its Strategy 2025 through its “Go Local” principle, which aims to engage local partners through “principled, equitable and collaborative partnerships in pursuit of a relevant, effective and sustainable response.” DRC’s Kenya programme has articulated broader localisation objectives through its strategic priorities for 2023, which include the aims to strengthen DRC Kenya’s collaboration with local actors, foster synergies around programming and advocacy, and promote the protection of rights and peaceful coexistence in displacement-affected areas.

The purpose of this post is to provide day to day management and psychosocial support and related activities in Kakuma and Kalobeyei. In particular, the person is responsible for addressing mental health needs of LGBTIQ+ GBV survivors and Persons of Concern. In collaboration with the Protection Officer (LGBTIQ+), S/he will be in charge of the provision of training and supervision of the GBV Para-Counselors, to respond to cases of GBV in the camp and ensure effective case management. S/he will work and liaise closely with the Protection Officer (LGBTIQ+), Protection Officer GBV Response (Psychosocial Counsellor), Protection Assistant GBV Response-(Psychosocial Counsellors (LGBTIQ+), Protection Assistants GBV Response (Psychosocial Counsellors), Protection Officer GBV Prevention, Protection Assistant GBV Prevention and Refugee Led Organizations (RLOs) on documentation of program activities as per the donor requirements..

Duties & Responsibilities: Case Management

• Provide comprehensive case management psychosocial counseling to LGBTIQ+ GBV survivors focused on the survivor centered approach.
• Provide assessment and counseling both at individual and group level as the situation demands.
• Ensure all work with LGBTIQ+ GBV survivors is confidential and that ethical practices are observed.
• Document client data accurately in the intake forms and ensure they are under lock and key.
• Ensure that the GBVIMS is accurately updated on a regular basis.
• Participate in the interpretation of the analyzed data on trends and work with prevention team to disseminate information to all relevant stakeholders.
• Participate in the development of the case management monitoring tools and systems and ensure that all staffs that are required to utilize it are trained on the correct way of handling the systems.
• Participate in the preparation of accurate reports for all Psycho-social related activities.
• Participate in design of case management and psychosocial projects.

Coordination and Networking

• Maintain and strengthen existing networks through other service providers at the camp level, to ensure that LGBTIQ+ GBV survivors receive quality services and support both at the agency levels.
• Actively participate in scheduled meetings such as the Case Conferences, safe haven inter-agency meetings and as assigned.
• Strengthen existing referral systems and identify new networks to work with to ensure holistic support to the clients.
• Work in close collaboration with the prevention team to ensure ongoing needs of at-risk groups, women and girls are being met in the prevention related activities.
• In collaboration with other partners, design psychosocial interventions within the refugee community focusing on the psychosocial needs of adults, youth and children.
• Participate in conducting trainings for partners on relevant organizational development areas and support peer learning between DRC and other partner agencies.

Community Engagement and Outreach

• Conduct sensitization, dialogue and mediation sessions with the wider population about issues of trauma and GBV.
• Facilitate formation of support groups for survivors of GBV and other vulnerable groups.
• Identify and strengthen Community structures through engaging community leaders, camp management and other stakeholders to ensure that the survivors receive adequate support at the community level.
• Support the Protection Officer GBV Prevention and Protection Assistant GBV Prevention and RLOs in dissemination of relevant information during the Community GBV prevention forums and meetings.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Assist in preparing daily, monthly, quarterly and annual reports, progress notes, and treatment plans on time.
• Use appropriate data collection tools and submit assessments and reports in a timely and accurate manner.
• Work closely with the refugee staff to ensure quality reporting.
• Assist in the designing, planning, implementing and facilitating of external trainings for numerous target groups.
• Ensure Core Humanitarian Standards are mainstreamed in the day to day project implementation.
• Attend relevant training forums relevant to the job.
• Assist with any other related activities as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Staff Management and Development

• Provide supervision to the Para counsellors and ensure effective provision of Psycho-social services.
• Conduct continuous performance/evaluation for the Para counsellors working under her/him.
• Engage in quality self-care through supervision, debriefings, and other shared sessions.
• Conduct regular formal and on-job training and mentorship to Para-Counsellors on areas related to Case Management, Counselling and other related topics to enhance professionalism.
• Conduct regular case conference meetings with the Para-counsellors both at individual and group levels.
• Organize for external capacity building forums on GBV Case Management and Therapeutic Counselling techniques

Experience and technical competencies:

• 2 years’ experience in providing psychosocial counseling to LGBTIQ+ survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
• Good team player; able to take direction and work collaboratively with others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including empathic listening.
• Ability to communicate in a highly professional manner with clients, community members and professional partners.
• Able to complete required reporting and documentation within the set deadlines.
• Highly motivated, creative, and compassionate person who is dedicated to ensuring that models of best practice are utilized.
• Able to uphold high ethical and professional standards.
• Able to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality.
• Problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work in a challenging environment.
• Ability to promote the values of equality, non-discrimination, and human rights for all.
• Experience working in a refugee context is highly desirable.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work or other Social Science related field

Language:

• Written and spoken fluency in English and Kiswahili

Key stakeholders: Internal & External

• Protection team, DRC Kakuma Staff

About you: 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: You act in line with our vision and values.

Conditions

• Contract: One-year contract with possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and other conditions are offered in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment.
• Availability: July 2024
• Duty station: Kakuma Refugee camp

Application and CV: Only motivated applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications, sent together with a CV, will be considered. DRC only accepts applications sent via our online-application form on www.drc.ngo under Vacancies. Please remember to upload both a letter of application and your CV and do not attach any written recommendations. Please submit your application and CV in English no later than 15th June, 2024

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, Female candidates and those from minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

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, color, race, marital status or other protected characteristics. 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. Visit drc.ngo to read more about what we do to secure robust safeguarding mechanisms. If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport