Psychosocial Support Project Officer – National Position

Responsible to:- Project Manager

Place: Kakuma Refugee Camp (Non-family duty station)

Starting date: 17th February 2025

Closing date for applications: 22nd January 2025 (Due to the urgency of the position applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis)

THE ORGANIZATION

“Outraged by the injustice faced by people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, we aspire to a world of solidarity and inclusion, enriched by our differences, where everyone can live in dignity”

Handicap International Federation operating name Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is an independent and impartial aid and development organisation with no religious or political affiliations operating in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster. We work alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable people to help meet their essential needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights. Currently the organization is in 60 countries, 22 are in the African continent with over 200 projects globally

For further information about the association: www.hi.org.

JOB CONTEXT:

HI has been present in Kenya since 1992 and is part of the East African Regional Program, including Rwanda and Uganda. The Kenya operations include Health and Rehabilitation, Social and Economic Inclusion, Inclusive Education, Protection, and Inclusive Humanitarian Action. Projects are within the Dadaab Refugee Camp and host communities in Garissa Region, Kakuma Refugee Camp & Kalobeyei Settlement Scheme, Turkana West Region, and greater Nairobi.

The project “Support for Persons with Specific Needs in Kakuma and Kalobeyei” aims to enhance the inclusion, participation, and accessibility of forcibly displaced persons (FDPs), including persons with disabilities, older persons, and other vulnerable groups. The initiative focuses on improving access to learning, employment opportunities, quality rehabilitation, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services, and assistive devices.

Based in Kakuma, the Psychosocial Support Officer will coordinate and support Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services for the camp and host community in collaboration with the HI multidisciplinary team and partners. Under the supervision of the Project Manager (PM) and with technical and quality-related guidance from the Regional Rehabilitation Specialist (RRS), and MHPSS Specialist, they will oversee, coach, and support Community Psychosocial Workers to ensure appropriate psychosocial interventions are delivered to beneficiaries, caregivers, and teachers.

The Psychosocial Officer will uphold the HI Code of Conduct and Policies on Child Protection, Safeguarding, and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, ensuring adherence to ethical standards. He/She will contribute to the project’s quality implementation through timely reporting to the PM and actively work towards enhancing the well-being and resilience of the targeted populations.

YOUR MISSION:

Roles/Responsibilities

Key Role:

• The Psychosocial Support (PSS) officer is responsible for supporting and coordinating MHPSS services and inclusive case management in the camp and host community in collaboration with the HI multidisciplinary team and partners in Kakuma-Kalobeyei Camp. The Project Manager (PM) supervises the position, with an indirect link to the Regional Rehabilitation Specialist (RRS) for technical and quality-related support.
• capacity building and follow up on the pre-identified caregivers of persons with moderate/mild
• The PSS officer supervises, coaches, and supports the work of the Community Psychosocial Workers to ensure appropriate psychosocial intervention is provided to the camp’s beneficiaries, caregivers, and teachers.
• The PSS officer upholds the HI Code of Conduct and Policies on Child Protection, Safeguarding, and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in the Workplace and the Community and contributes to project quality implementation through timely reports to the PM.

Responsibility 1: Delivery of direct Psychosocial Support (PSS) services to people with and without disability in the refugee camp with the Community Workers (CWs) and community volunteers– 40%

• Develop content and facilitate training for the pre-identified caregivers of persons with moderate/mild mental health illnesses
• Develop psychosocial plans and goals based on the groups’ needs of beneficiaries and families
• Review case files for re-assessment and discharge according to the degree of improvement and achievement of rehabilitation goals.
• Follow up on internal and external referrals made and coordinate results with the members of the multidisciplinary team and partners.
• Supervise the centre-based and community workers in delivering psychosocial support and community integration of persons with disabilities and their families/caregivers.
• Follow up and support the activities of CW and host community volunteersin the community
• Participate and contribute to the monthly/quarterly multidisciplinary case meetings organized with PM and RRS.

Responsibility 2: Support the sustainability of learning and skills to the Community Psychosocial Workers and partners – 25%

• Conduct training needs assessments, design, develop, facilitate training to caregivers/CWs, and follow up learning in the field.
• Submit all training plans and reports to PM for review and validation.
• Mentor and coach CWs on the job, ensuring effective utilization of knowledge and skills learned.
• Provide regular performance reports for CPWs based on their task.
• Participate in the recruitment, training, and mentorship of new refugee CWs, with the HR department and project team.

Responsibility 3: Coordination and collaboration with partners in quality service delivery and disability inclusion – 15%

• Coordinate the interdisciplinary approach through Action Plans for Psychosocial services delivery with HI-internal projects.
• Contribute to preparing annual international celebration calendars with the team and partners.
• Coordinate and promote synergies of HI psychosocial workers and those of other partners for smooth implementation and better teamwork and the community level to avoid dublication.
• Coordinate and promote synergies of HI rehabilitation workers and those of other partners for smooth implementation of activities and better teamwork at the community level.
• Represent HI in the refugee camps’ different thematic working groups (Child protection, Health, MHPSS, GBV, Shelter, WASH, and Youth Protection) and provide feedback to the PM.

Responsibility 4: Contribute to HI project quality standards – 20%

• Contribute to developing and managing the budget allocated for psychological/psychosocial activities.
• Contribute to monthly, quarterly, and annual technical reports on psychological or psychosocial-related progress, indicators, and data.
• Support documentation and sharing of impact/success stories and best practices to promote learning
• Conduct and submit monthly/quarterly performance evaluations of the CRW.
• Participate in the data collection and reporting process by ensuring tools are used correctly by the Therapist and CRW.
• Participate in the project’s overall implementation and achieving objectives, anticipating any responsibilities assigned by the Project Manager.

YOUR PROFILE :

Educational background and experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology from a recognized university, clinical experience is a plus.
• At least 4 years of work experience in a private or public rehabilitation institution (experience in the humanitarian/refugee context is an added advantage) with experience in management and supervision
• Experience in the use of community-based approaches for the management of psychosocial and mental health issues.
• Experience in Training design and development
• Experience in Case Management is an added advantage.

Technical Competencies

• Knowledge on gPM+
• Knowledge of case management and disability inclusion.
• Knowledge of WHO mhGAP guidelines and training manual
• Knowledge of IASC MHPSS and Humanitarian Action guidelines

Cross-Cutting Skills

• Communication
• Problem-Solving
• Interpersonal skills
• Facilitation skills
• Mentoring and coaching
• Stress management

Computer Skills

• Very good Knowledge of MS Office Suite

Language skills

• English and Kiswahili