Psychosocial Support Officer | Assosa

Vacancy Announcement For Psychosocial Support Officer

Job Title: Psychosocial Support Officer

Department: Program

Duty Station: Assosa

Duration: One (1) year with possibility of extension

ORGANIZATION:

Finn Church Aid (FCA) is Finland?s largest international aid organization. We operate in 12 countries, where the needs are most dire. We work with the poorest people, regardless of their religious beliefs, ethnic background or political convictions. FCA work is based on promotion of human dignity and fundamental human rights and freedom, and FCA?s operations are guided by equality, non-discrimination, and responsibility. FCA specializes in three thematic priority areas: Right to Peace (R2P), Right to Livelihood (R2L), and Right to Quality Education (R2QE). In Uganda, FCA works across multiple sectors, including education, peace, and livelihood in both humanitarian and development.

Primary purpose of the position: The Psychosocial Support Officer is responsible for the social, psychological and emotional support of the supported beneficiaries. Providing guidance and counseling for project target beneficiaries (i.e. children, youth, and the vulnerable) and undertakes regular follow ups. coordinate and orient staff and beneficiaries on the referral pathways and SOPs in the respective settlements. coordinate, supervise and implement all project activities in accordance with the project description and budget provisions.

Supervisor: MFA Humanitarian Project Manager

Main tasks

Project Cycle Management

• Lead the detailed planning, proper implementation, coordination and monitoring of psychosocial activities of the project.
• Plan jointly with other project staffs for the realization of project objectives and goals
• Collaborate with the Supervisor to prepare an individual work plan based on the annual plan.
• Plans, coordinates, implements, supervise, monitor and evaluate project activities in a participatory manner;
• In consultation with relevant departments, issues supply requisitions to initiate the procurement of required project items/supplies in line with FCA policies, guidelines and procedures;
• Regularly monitor activities and provide feedback to staff to ensure high quality

Implementation of program activities

• Contribute to data entry and analysis of gathered information
• Ensure timely referral and follow up of cases in need of further support, and their proper documentation.
• Prepares case stories and reports in liaison with relevant officers and partners as required by the project
• Contribute to routine reports including donor reports and progress against targets.

Capacity building, awareness and school support

• Facilitate activities that raise awareness about psychosocial wellness and resiliency, such as through Case conferencing Forum in schools to discuss gaps in children?s wellbeing
• Build the capacities of teachers, SMCs, and community members to facilitate participatory and inclusive psychosocial activities, including holding joint Education/CP Case Management training.
• Undertakes close follow-up/monitoring visit among learners, teachers, community members, community leaders, religious leaders and other stakeholders through group meetings, brainstorming sessions, Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) among other methods on psychosocial activities.
• Liaises and consults regularly with the relevant local authorities, community leaders, partner organizations, collaborating/implementing partners, and other stakeholders where appropriate in relation to planning, designing and implementation of all psychosocial activities under the project;
• Provides guidance and counselling for learners, teachers
• Attend meetings, trainings, as advised by supervisor and share feedback.

Competence, experience, skills, knowledge needed

• BA/Masters degree in Applied Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Social Work, or related fields
• 5+ years of progressively responsible work experience in areas such as Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), Psychological First Aid (PFA), Trauma-informed care case management, training others in MHPSS, or designing psychosocial programs and psycho-social support services in a humanitarian context
• Strong capacity and experience with planning, organizing and coordination
• Results and performance oriented
• High capacity for taking initiatives and working independently
• Experience working with children, specific needs groups, case follow up and education institutions
• Knowledge of child protection principles
• Strong aptitude for teamwork and flexibility; dynamic, proactive attitude and self learning
• Good organizational skills and capacity to work independently, if necessary and/or required
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels.
• Knowledge of the available referral pathway and strong coordination with other Psychosocial Support partners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Problem solving and conflict resolution skills

Impact

• Contribution to the overall delivery of work of FCA in FCA ETCO Addis Ababa, B/Gumuz team Physical and psychological burden imposed
• Willing to work for long hours and travel to project areas when necessary Interaction skills needed
• Good communication skills