Psychosocial Social Support Officer at the International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, IRC offers life-saving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in more than 40 countries and in 22 U.S. cities, IRC restores safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted by conflict or disaster. IRC leads the way from harm to home.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: Psychosocial Social Support Officer

Requisition ID: req17167
Location: Damaturu, Yobe
Employment Type: Full-Time
Sector: Women Protection & Empowerment
Employment Category: Fixed Term
Open to Expatriates: No

Contextual Background

• The IRC has been present in Nigeria since 2012 when the organization responded to flooding in Kogi state. In February 2014 the IRC moved into Adamawa State in NE Nigeria to provide humanitarian interventions through a multi-sectoral, integrated approach for conflict affected populations.
• IRC Nigeria now operates a country office in Abuja and field offices in Mubi and Yola of Adamawa State, Bama, Maiduguri, Gwoza and Monguno of Borno state and Damatru of Yobe State. Currently, IRC Nigeria implements programs; primary health care, nutrition, environmental health, Women’s Protection and Empowerment, Protection, Child Protection, Education, food security & livelihoods.

Job Overview / Summary

• Under the management of the Program manager The Yobe WPE Psychosocial Officer will coordinates with WPE Case Workers in responding to the psychosocial needs of GBV survivors and support community sensitization effort that prevent and respond to all forms of GBV in Yobe State.
• The Psychosocial Officer assesses and plans response mechanism that meet the needs of women and children who are affected by GBV.
• She will provide technical support to adolescent girl’s assistant and ensure that the Girl Shine Curriculum is implemented accordingly.

Major Responsibilities
Psychosocial Support:

• In collaboration with WPE Case workers, identify psychosocial needs of women and girls and share information with WPE Manager to support these needs.
• Work with WPE Case Workers to ensure that survivors’ cases are followed-up and survivors decisions and best interest are prioritized for effective service delivery
• Work closely with GBVIMS Officer to capture survivors’ information in the database and use report to advocate for material and psychosocial support for at risk women and girls.
• In collaboration with WPE Case Workers, develop and revise work plan that includes list of items and budget needed to meet the psychosocial needs of women and girls accessing the WGSS.
• Ensure an improve services delivery on PSS at the safe spaces working with the community and working group
• Conduct capacity building training on Psychosocial support services with GBV partners and other sectors within IRC.
• Take the lead in the implementation of the Women Rise Curriculum in Yobe State.
• Provide technical support to the women’s network and other women’s group at the WGSS.

Planning and Coordination:

• In collaboration with community outreach team, assist and support community mobilization and sensitization highlighting the importance of psychosocial support to survivors of GBV.
• Take lead in the capacity building of adolescent girls mentors on Girl Shine Curriculum
• Coordinate with relevant partners and develop psychosocial strategies that meet different needs of women and girls. Advocate with other partners on behalf of GBV survivors
• Conduct FGD with parents/caregivers of adolescent girls that have benefited from our program on the impact made .
• Represent the IRC WPE in community meeting as required and maintain positive relationship with Community leaders, Local community structures and groups at various levels.
• Provide regular update on the psychosocial support activities conducted at the WGSS.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attend and participate in regular team meetings
• facilitate PSS trainings and attend trainings as required
• Compile and submit weekly and monthly reports on timely manner
• Participate in the development of procurement and spending plans and work plans to ensure the successful implementation of programs and contribute to program proposal development.
• Ensure supplies/resources for GBV prevention activities and other program activities are requested on a timely manner for timely implementation of program activities.
• Any other duties as required.

Position Key Relationships:

• Reports to: WPE Manager
• Indirect/Technical Reporting: WPE Coordinator
• Position directly Supervises: Adolescent Girls Assistant
• Key Internal Contacts: WPE Response Team and Other IRC sector’s staff,
• Key External Contacts:  WGSS beneficiaries, Community members, and other NGOs staff

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Counseling or other related fields with GBV experience;

Work Experience:

• Counselling, experience in women and girls safe space management, engaging women and girls on PSS activities, Teaching or community level engagement experience, including experience working with women and girls preferred
• Must have worked in the same or similar capacity for at least 2 years

Demonstrated Technical Skills:

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and respect for clients at all times is essential.
• Ability to lead, train, supervises, facilitate and motivate other GBV staff in their respective tasks in a professional, respectful and supportive manner.
• Positive and professional attitude, able to organize, maintain composure and prioritize work under pressure, work overtime when necessary and be able to coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail.
• Ability to write clear and concise reports in English would be an added advantage
• Community mobilization and training experience with a reputable organization/civil society organizations
• Clear understanding, including demonstrated positive attitudes on gender inequality, and issues surrounding violence against women and girls is STRONGLY preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of issues affecting women and girls, including gender based violence.

Demonstrated Managerial / Leadership Competencies:

• Ability to work as a member of a team is essential
• Positive and professional attitude, able to organize, maintain composure and prioritize work under pressure, work overtime when necessary and be able to coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail.

Languages: 

• Ability to communicate in English, Hausa, Kanuri and local dialects spoken in the Yobe.

Computer / Other Tech Requirements:

• Full professional competency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel and PowerPoint, is an advantage.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply