PSYCHOSOCIAL OFFICER

About Premier Urgency International

Première Urgence Internationale (PUI) is a non-governmental, non-profit, non-political and non-religious international aid organization. Our teams are committed to supporting civilians’ victims of marginalization and exclusion, or hit by natural disasters, wars and economic collapses, by answering their fundamental needs. Our aim is to provide emergency relief to uprooted people in order to help them recover their dignity and regain self-sufficiency. 

PUI works in 10 areas of intervention and distinguishes itself by the implementation of an integrated approach in its response. This method aims to identify and understand the needs of all those affected by a crisis. Our teams come together to bring a rapid global response to the basic needs of populations affected by humanitarian crises to help them regain independence and dignity. 

PUI in Ethiopia:

Although PUI has not been operational particularly in Ethiopia, the organization has long time presence in East African region, mainly in Sudan and South Sudan. 

Following the north Ethiopia conflict, which erupted in 2020, and the reports of recurrent drought, which is affecting the life and livelihood of millions in different regions of Ethiopia, PUI decided to contribute its part to address the humanitarian needs triggered by both manmade and natural disasters. For this reason, PUI has been registered with FDRE Authority for Civil Society Organization (ACSO) since June 22, 2022 to enable the organization to operate legally in the country. Since then, PUI has been doing needs assessment in different regions of the country to identify gaps in order to decide where to put its effort for optimum results. Following some of these assessments, PUI has decided to implement its first project in Afar and Benishangul Gumuze region where the consequences of the recent conflict and the ongoing drought has significantly affected the population of the region.

PUI is also actively looking for more partners to respond to more humanitarian needs in other regions of the country which were affected by conflict and natural disasters.   

General Assignments / Scope of the Role:

To lower the magnitude of severe acute malnutrition in children under five years old, as well as in expectant and nursing mothers; promote community protection and prevention against violence, exploitation, and abuse based on gender.

Summary of Task and Responsibilities

Mentor health workers and counseling services at the community and health facility 

• Establish dedicated child friendly spaces in the supported health facilities.

• Work closely with nutrition and food assistance team to achieve the objective of the project 

• Provision of Psychosocial stimulation as part of the treatment of SAM for children with severe acute malnutrition

• Ensure and encourage home-based stimulation services by caregivers.

• Provide individual and group need-based counseling on optimal MIYCN practices for caregivers of children 0-23 months and PLWs and Baby Friendly Space Services

• Capacitate government HWs and HEWs on the skill of counseling services in optimal breastfeeding during emergency. 

• provided information and support on SGBV prevention and risk mitigation. 

• Capacity Building on GBV Case Management & Psychological First Aid (PFA)

• Conduct Community Consultations with Women, Girls and Local Organizations

• Provide psycho-social support, and psychological first aid to survivors who have experienced psychological trauma, torture, gender-based violence GBV, domestic violence, and when necessary to survivors of natural disasters.
• Work in collaboration with PHCC and health post staff to receive referred beneficiaries, ensure follow up of referred PSS/ PFA beneficiaries, and guide health facility staff on PSS.
• Provide screening and assessment of psychological trauma.
• Sensitize, psycho-educate, problem solving, dialogue and mediate with the beneficiary’s population about issues of war, torture, trauma, violence and GBV
• Ensure all work with clients is confidential and that ethical practices are observed in the culturally appropriate way, especially concerning gender sensitivities.
• Perform community awareness on trauma and psychosocial support to beneficiaries and community leaders.
• Refer patients when needed to more specialized services in link with health PM.
• Perform case follow-up and case management when there is a need.
• Develop an action plan for the follow-up patients. 
• Engage in self-care through supervision, debriefings, and other shared sessions.

Planning and organization of activities

• Ensure the follow-up of the activity schedule in collaboration with his line supervisor;
• Participate in weekly meetings and adapt the activity schedule to possible changes in context;
• Supervise the PSS team and set up clear and objective goals.
• Participate in the development and implementation of any medical activity that is part of the PUI program or in response to an unforeseen situation;

Represent the organization to partners

• To present the project and ensure the link with the various local partners;
• Ensure a good relationship between the team and the target population;
• Collaborate with other actors working in the different under supervision.
• Elaborate on the reports necessary for the project: supervision report, monthly reports etc....

Other tasks

• Participate in PUI project team meetings and strategic thinking.
• Participate in meetings organized by PUI.
• Contribute to the safety monitoring of the zone by reporting to his/her line supervisor any safety-related constraints.

OUR COMMITMENTS

• Première Urgence Internationale sees diversity of nationalities, genders, beliefs, profiles and statuses among its Human Resources as a major asset for its humanitarian action, and therefore compels itself to the strict observance of the principle of non-discrimination throughout its recruitment process.  

• Première Urgence Internationale applies a policy of  zero tolerance towards exploitation, sexual abuse and mistreatment, in all its forms, of women, children and all other vulnerable persons. It engages all its staff to promote, disseminate and respect the principles set out in its ethical charter.

• Please note that Première Urgence Internationale shall not in any case request a financial contribution for administrative costs related to recruitment. Any such information would be fraudulent, please disregard it. 

Availability: As Soon As Possible

Salary Scale: As per the organization salary scale

Contract Duration: 6 months with possibility of extension

Required Qualifications and Professional Experience

• Master’s or bachelor’s Degree in psychology or in any health discipline plus diploma in psychology. 
• Similar experience of 5 years for first degree or 3 years for MSc. 
• Experience in humanitarian works.
• Work experience in Afar, Abala zone.
• Knowledge of computer tool.
• Knowledge of the community of Afar.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Good communication skills, diplomacy, and a solution-oriented attitude 
• Curiosity and interest in the organization's activities
• Good ability to manage deadlines in emergency response contexts (stress resistance)
• Honesty, integrity
• Adaptability, flexibility
• Autonomy, sense of initiative and anticipation
• Punctuality
• Excellent communication skills in English, Afar, Amharic and any other local language 

How To Apply

If you are interested, please send your application composed of none returnable CV, Covering Letter with “PSYCHOSOCIAL OFFICER” written in the subject line, and three references, applicants to the following addresses:

                                                        Through www.ethiojobs.net And/or In person at PUI office in Abala, Afar.  

Deadline: Wednesday July 24 2024

NB: Only short listed applicants will be, communicated on and selection process includes technical test and an interview.

Female Candidates are Highly Encouraged to Apply