Psychosocial Support (PSS) Technical Officer in Global Communities

Background

Since 2022 Global Communities is implementing the Community-Led Emergency Action and Response (CLEAR) program with support from the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA) to respond to humanitarian needs in Ukraine. The program is designed with the goal of saving lives, reducing suffering, and addressing needs while supporting communities to lead their own response.

Job Summary

Global Communities is seeking a qualified Psychosocial Support (PSS) Technical Officer to support the Senior Protection Manager in overseeing the PSS and other Protection activities where relevant provided under GC’s CLEAR program. This will include working with LNGO and CSO partners to respond to the PSS needs of those affected by the conflict in Ukraine such as psychological distress and anxiety as a result of conflict issues such as displacement, family separation, ability to meet basic needs and violence. The role is responsible for overseeing partner implementation of PSS programming and outreach, and providing training and capacity building to partners to support communities, with a focus on older persons, PwD, LGBTQIA+ individuals, adult men and other vulnerable or marginalized individuals such as those in the Roma community, as well as frontline workers that are themselves in need of humanitarian assistance but continue to serve their community. PSS programming will include psychological first aid, referrals, information sessions, recreational and structured PSS, cash for protection, and case management. This position reports to the Senior Protection Manager.

Essential Responsibilities

The PSS Technical Officer will be responsible for the following:

• Prepare and maintain/update detailed work plan(s) that support and achieve planned activities;
• Conduct capacity building sessions and training according to the capacity building plan established by the Senior Protection Manager;
• Provide direct support to Protection partners in implementing activity plans that respond to case trends and identified needs;
• Ensure all activities run according to minimum standards and best practices and are appropriate for the context, in line with minimum standards for MHPSS, CP, GBV and humanitarian principles;
• Implement standardtools to gather, assess and utilize data on community needs and partner services, including through safety audits and Focus Group Discussions;
• Coordinate the distribution of Recreational PSS Kits to partners and communities, in line with GC policies and in coordination with the GC protection team;
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders including community leaders and other implementing partners;
• Develop and maintain referral maps in close coordination with the GBV Prevention and Empowerment Technical Officer and others;
• Prepare and submit weekly, monthly and three-month work plans in a timely manner, and incorporate supervisor feedback as requested;
• Oversee the quality of information/data collection and advocacy related to protection and PSS gaps and services and review M&E findings;
• Develop materials around lessons learned and best practices and disseminate to partners and relevant GC departments;
• Coordinate closely with the MHPSS Technical Working Group, Protection Cluster and other relevant coordination groups as agreed with the Senior Protection Manager;
• Engage with Ministry of Social Protection and other Government representatives to understand and coordinate with available GBV services.

Position Requirements

Education

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required; degree in social sciences, psychology, social work, international development or other related field is preferred.

Experience

• A minimum of 1 to 2 years’ experience in counselling and Protection programs;
• Knowledge of humanitarian and protection principles and standards, as well as Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA);
• Familiarity with the IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings and other international best practices on PSS;
• Past work with local NGOs and/or international donor funded programs preferred;
• Experience with capacity building, mentorship, or training preferred;
• Remote management experience preferred.

Skills

• Commitment to the principles of confidentiality, survivor-centered approach, and Do No Harm;
• Strong time management, multi-tasking and problem solving skills, and the attention to detail necessary to meet deadlines for multiple projects in a fast-paced environment;
• Commitment to confidentiality and survivor-centered approach;
• A team player who can work collaboratively and with people of diverse backgrounds;
• A strong understanding of the Ukraine context;
• Computer literacy, familiarity with word processing, excel and PowerPoint, and command of database applications is required;
• Excellent writing and presentation skills;
• Ability and willingness to travel (up to 25%) to difficult and challenging environments for trips ranging from one to six weeks.

Language

Professional proficiency in written and spoken English, and Ukrainian and/or Russian. Must be able to read and interpret documents, and communicate with others as necessary to perform job duties effectively.

Global Communities is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability. 

Global Communities is committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all staff, representatives, partners, participants, and anyone with whom Global Communities interacts worldwide, especially children and adults at risk. All Global Communities staff and representatives are explicitly prohibited from engaging in any activity that may result in any kind of breach of our safeguarding policies. In addition, it is Global Communities’ policy that it is the responsibility of anyone engaged with Global Communities to proactively build a safe and supportive environment in our work. All our staff and representatives are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with this commitment and obligation.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

[email protected]