Counselors (2 Positions)

Organization:

The Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) is an international nonprofit organization providing trauma healing services to survivors of war and human rights violations. Headquartered in Minnesota, USA, with offices in Africa and the Middle East, CVT works locally and globally to deliver trauma rehabilitation, build the capacity of service providers and human rights defenders, and advocate for the prevention and end of gross human rights abuses. CVT has been operating in Ethiopia since 2013.

Summary: CVT is seeking mental health counselors to provide Level II–IV MHPSS services to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities affected by conflict-related trauma and displacement. The counselors will be part of an ECHO-funded project and will be based in Shire, Endabaguna, Sheraro, or Mai-Tsebri, depending on program needs. They will work closely with trauma-informed physiotherapists and a social worker to deliver interdisciplinary care. The role also includes coordination with consortium partners through Community Resource Centers under the Area-Based Approach (ABA).

Main Responsibilities:

Counselors will have the following major duties and responsibilities, among others:

• Participate in intensive initial and ongoing trainings and apply the knowledge and skills gained.
• Provide psychosocial counseling and psychological first aid (PFA) to IDPs, returnees, and host communities.
• Conduct assessments and provide individual and group counseling sessions as assigned by supervisors.
• Prepare and submit quarterly reports, progress notes, treatment plans, and assessments accurately and on time.
• Sensitize communities, facilitate dialogue, and mediate on issues related to war, torture, trauma, and SGBV.
• Use CVT’s data collection tools effectively and collaborate with database staff to ensure high-quality reporting.
• Serve as cultural and linguistic interpreters when required.
• Uphold confidentiality and ethical standards in all client and beneficiary interactions.
• Contribute to the design, planning, implementation, and facilitation of external trainings for diverse target groups.
• Support the development and strengthening of referral systems with other organizations in Shire, Endabaguna, Sheraro, or Mai-Tsebri.
• Liaise and coordinate with stakeholders and partner organizations as needed.
• Promote staff-care and self-care practices and facilitate related training, mentoring, and consultative workshops for implementing partners.
• Engage in quality self-care through supervision, debriefing, and shared sessions.
• Carry out other related duties as assigned by the Psychotherapist/Trainer or Associate Psychotherapist/Trainer.
• This profile may be modified to adapt to project needs and context.

Qualifications:

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Psychiatry, Social Work and other related fields of study.
• At least 2 years’ experience in similar settings in an international NGO (experience working with GBV survivors is desirable). Previous work experience with CVT Ethiopia strongly preferred.
• Valid professional license and registration.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Fluency in English, Amharic and Tigrigna (written and spoken).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including empathic listening.
• Ability to communicate professionally with clients, communities, colleagues, and partner organizations.
• Ability to form partnerships and establish respectful and productive relationships with partner agencies of varying size and experience.
• Ability to work independently; self-motivated with strong organizational skills.
• Results-oriented and able to meet deadlines.
• Able to maintain confidentiality.
• Strong team player with problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Flexible and adaptable; willing to travel, including to rural areas.
• Commitment to promoting equality, non-discrimination, and human rights for all.

General Conditions:

1. Maintain neutrality regarding sensitive issues such as religion, ethnicity, disability, minority status, or political affiliation.
2. Demonstrate strong commitment to serving CVT beneficiaries regardless of religion, gender, minority affiliation, or ethnic/political background.
3. Strictly adhere to CVT’s confidentiality policy; refrain from using any client information outside of CVT.
4. Do not approach beneficiaries for involvement in non-CVT activities without prior approval from a CVT supervisor.
5. Maintain absolute confidentiality on all managed information; report any concerns to a supervisor when beneficiary or staff safety may be at risk.
6. This job profile may be adapted according to the evolution of CVT activities.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Work Environment:

• Office environment with regular travel to operational sites.
• Position is based in Shire, Endabaguna, Sheraro, or Mai-Tsebri, with potential travel to other sites in Tigray.

Physical Demands:

• Regularly required to talk, hear, and see.
• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, climb stairs, use hands for tasks, and reach with arms.
• Must be able to lift and carry heavy supplies on occasion.
• Requires car travel for up to 6 hours per one-way journey.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Travel:

• Regular travel within Tigray, depending on project development and security conditions.

Terms of Employment: December 22, 2025 – March 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension pending funding availability