Psychosocial Support Associate

Overview

Provide structured, non-clinical psychosocial support to refugees and asylum seekers.

You have:

• 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
• Professional license/registration to practice psychology or counseling
• Training in child and adolescent mental health, psychosocial support in emergencies, and trauma-informed care
• Certification in Psychological First Aid (PFA) or MHPSS in emergencies
• Previous working experience in humanitarian field

Deadline for Applications

September 1, 2025Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

E (most hardship)Family Type (not applicable for home-based)

Non Family with Residential LocationStaff Member / Affiliate Type

UNOPS LICA6Target Start Date

2025-10-01Terms of Reference

The PSS Counsellor will provide structured, non-clinical psychosocial support to refugees and asylum-seekers, with a focus on survivors of GBV, individuals affected by trauma, and those with protection-related concerns. The role aims to enhance emotional well-being and resilience through tailored interventions, referrals, and direct support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver individual and group counselling sessions for survivors of GBV, torture, trauma, attempted suicide, child abuse (both survivors and perpetrators if family members or caregivers), substance dependency, and other psychosocial challenges.
• Receive referrals via RAIS or internal UNHCR systems and act promptly based on the urgency of each case.
• Prepare monthly reports outlining beneficiaries’ psychosocial status, progress, and identified needs, ensuring strict confidentiality and adherence to ethical standards.
• Facilitate referrals to specialized external service providers (e.g., mental health centers, psychiatrists, social workers) when additional support is required.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments in support of protection interventions.
• Support GBV prevention and response mechanisms through survivor-centered counselling, awareness-raising, and referrals.
• Conduct participatory awareness sessions on coping strategies, GBV prevention, and access to services.
• Provide psychosocial support sessions to UNHCR personnel as part of staff well-being initiatives, when requested.
• Assist with the integration of PSS into emergency preparedness and response planning.
• Assist with capacity strengthening regarding PSS.
• Assist with documenting better practices and lessons learned.
• Assist in efforts to enhance the technical integrity of PSS services and their alignment with the standards and policies of the Ministry of Health and other line ministries, UNHCR, or with internationally recognized guidance.
• Assist with collaboration with UN partners regarding PSS, including inter alia the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and UN Population Fund (UNFPA).
• Assist in facilitating community participation in designing and implementing PSS programs, including vulnerable groups.
• Support compliance with, and integrity of, all relevant Administrative Instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs) and alert the manager of any potential issues.
• Perform other related duties as required. Key Competencies: -Strong counselling and psychosocial support skills
• Ability to work with survivors of trauma, including children and vulnerable groups
• Excellent communication and cross-cultural sensitivity

Minimum Qualifications: Education & Professional Work Experience: Years of Experience / Degree Level For G6/LICA6 - 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Desired Candidate Profile: • Professional license/registration to practice psychology or counseling, Training in child and adolescent mental health, psychosocial support in emergencies, and trauma-informed care is strongly preferred, • Certification in Psychological First Aid (PFA) or MHPSS in emergencies and previous working experience in humanitarian field would be an asset. * Pervious work experience involving child- and adolescent-focused approaches is an asset .

Female Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.Standard Job Description

Required Languages

English,

Arabic,

Desired Languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community, CL-Needs Assessment and Response Analysis, CO-Cross-cultural communication, MD-Health Information Systems (HIS), PR-Community-based Protection - Community engagement and capacity building, WB - Community Services/Social Work, WB - Psychosocial risk assessment and recommendation of mitigating measuresEducation

Bachelor's, High school diploma (Required)Certifications

Work Experience

Other information

No written test will be conducted as part of the recruitment process.This position doesn't require a functional clearance Remote

No

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Potential interview questions

Added 10 months ago - Updated 10 months ago - Source: unhcr.org