Psychosocial Support Expert
Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Psychosocial Expert (Specialist)
About the job
Under the supervision of the Program Manager and in close collaboration with the GBV Specialist and other service providers, the Psychosocial Support Expert is responsible for delivering mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services to GBV survivors and strengthening community-based psychosocial response mechanisms across the project operation zones under the World Bank-funded Somalia Education for Human Capital Development Project (SEHCD). This includes Banadir region, Southwest State, Hirshabelle State, Galmudug State, Puntland, and Jubaland State.
This role is contingent upon the successful securing of funding for the project.
Responsibilities:
- Provide individual and group counseling sessions for GBV survivors, ensuring a trauma-informed approach.
- Develop and implement psychosocial intervention plans tailored to the needs of survivors.
- Conduct capacity-building sessions for staff, teachers, and community focal points on psychological first aid (PFA) and trauma-informed care.
- Support the development and strengthening of referral pathways and community-based psychosocial support networks.
- Collaborate with GBV case managers, legal experts, healthcare specialists, and local authorities to ensure a holistic case management approach.
- Provide technical input for the development of training materials, information, education, and communication (IEC) resources on MHPSS and GBV prevention.
- Conduct risk assessments and community consultations to identify key psychosocial challenges and propose intervention strategies.
- Ensure compliance with confidentiality, ethical guidelines, and survivor-centered approaches in all MHPSS activities.
- Support the project in monitoring and evaluating psychosocial interventions, submitting reports on key performance indicators (KPIs) and well-being outcomes.
- Participate in awareness-raising activities to reduce stigma and promote access to mental health services for survivors.
- Engage in regular learning and capacity-building activities to enhance best practices in psychosocial support for GBV survivors
About you
To be successful in this role we expect you to have: -
- Minimum of 6 years of experience in psychosocial support and mental health services.
- Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Psychiatry, or Mental Health.
- Additional certifications in trauma counseling, gender-based violence response, or clinical psychology are desirable.
- Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care, GBV case management, and mental health interventions.
- Experience working in emergency settings, humanitarian contexts, or with vulnerable populations.
- Proven ability to design and deliver training and capacity-building programs.
- Knowledge of community engagement and survivor-centered approaches.
- Familiarity with grievance redress mechanisms (GRM) and ethical reporting of GBV cases.
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:
- Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
- Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
- Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
- Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
- Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
We offer
Contract length: 12 months subject to funding.
Band: NM-G
Work location: Somalia
Start date: TBD
Reporting to: Program Manager
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contract.
Application process
All Applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Closing date for applications: 15th April 2025
For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit our website drc.ngo.
Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment regardless of personal characteristics or attributes.
Working at DRC
Help applying
DRC as an employer
Founded in 1956, DRC Danish Refugee Council is Denmark’s largest, and a leading international NGO. We have continuously been ranked as one of the best NGOs in the world - and are one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. In over 40 countries, we protect, advocate and build sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities.
By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of around 8000 employees. We pride ourselves on our:
- Professionalism, impact & expertise
- Humanitarian approach & the work we do
- Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution
- Culture, values & strong leadership
- Fair compensation & continuous development
DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.
Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants based on individual merit and qualifications, regardless of personal characteristics or attributes. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce, aiming for a 50% balance of men and women in management roles and ensuring that at least 50% of management roles are filled by national staff. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is crucial for achieving our organizational goals and making a positive impact on the communities we serve.