Vacancy Announcement

Psychosocial Support Officer – Qualified Psychologist, Counsellor or Social Worker

Position:                                               Psychosocial Support Officer (PSS) Officer
Number of position:                          1 (One)
Duration of the contract:                 6 Months (with poss. Extension)
Based in:                                               Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh                                                         
Reporting to:                                       Head of Sub Regional Office, Cox’s Bazaar

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is seeking a qualified Psychologist, Counsellor, or Social Worker to take on the role of Psychosocial Support Officer (PSS) to support with the Population Movement Operations (PMO) in Cox’s Bazar.

The Psychosocial Support Officer will be responsible for providing support to Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) to manage and effectively implement the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) components of the Emergency Plan of Action for the Population Movement response. He/she is expected to ensure that BDRCS interventions promote the psychosocial wellbeing of arrivals and psychosocial support is mainstreamed in various sectors.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support to BDRCS in implementing MHPSS component of the Emergency Plan of Action for the Population Movement response.
• Organize, coordinate, and monitor MHPSS activities, such as psychoeducation, psychological first aid, and recreational activities at field level.
• Incorporate MHPSS into other operational interventions, but not limited to mobile medical clinics, field hospitals, distribution sites, information hubs, among others in an integrated approach.
• Manage Child friendly spaces and other safe spaces for women, men, boys and girls
• Manage and supervise psychosocial volunteers and their activities
• Conduct mental health referrals if needed
• Conduct PSS trainings on psychosocial interventions and self and team-care strategies sessions for PSS and other volunteers at BDRCS
• Ensure appropriate representation and coordination with the relevant Sectors/Clusters and Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners
• Assist BDRCS in capacity development at community and branch level in MHPSS.
• Work in close coordination with the BDRCS counterparts, ensuring capacity building, coaching and mentoring
• Under the guidance of Emergency Health Delegate, promote, and where possible facilitate, the integration and mainstreaming of MHPSS initiatives into relevant regular BDRCS programmes.
• Act as a technical reference point for BDRCS in the area of MHPSS
• Work with the Health, Nutrition and WASH sectors and colleagues to ensure appropriate contingency plans in place for potential disease outbreaks and preparedness for cyclone season
• Any other duties required.

Education Requirements:
Undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience in psychology, counselling, education or social work. A Diploma or training in humanitarian assistance would be preferable.

Experience:

• At least three years of experience in the area of mental health and psychosocial support services
• Experience of working in humanitarian assistance, preferably in an emergency response setting
• Programme management experience
• Experience of teaching and conducting trainings on psychosocial topics
• At least three years of experience in the area of mental health and psychosocial support services
• Experience of working in humanitarian assistance, preferably in an emergency response setting

Knowledge and Skills:

• Volunteer management skills
• Facilitation and training skills
• Knowledge with child protection, SGBV prevention and response, violence prevention and mental health and psychosocial support intervention and activities in emergencies
• High degree of discretion, tact and sensitivity in dealing with stakeholders at all levels and beneficiaries.
• Ability to work with complete integrity and confidentiality
• Ability to work within a multi-cultural and multidisciplinary environment.
• Proficient in computer literacy (use of Microsoft Office applications)

Languages:

• Fluently spoken and written English
• Fluently spoken and written Bangla, good understanding of Chittagong dialect

Competencies:
Professionalism, Communications, Collaboration and teamwork, National Society and customer relations,
Building alliances, Accountability, Creativity and innovation.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are requested to submit a full CV and cover letter outlining their suitability to the role to [email protected]

Please note that this position will remain open until filled. IFRC reserve the right to fill the role prior to the advertisement end date. As such, candidates are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

About Us:

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation. The IFRC Country Office in Bangladesh has worked alongside the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) for more than 30 years in humanitarian fields including disaster management, with a focus on the cyclone early warning and response programme in the coastal belt, and disaster preparedness and response during natural disasters.

The IFRC is an equal opportunity employer