Protection Assistant – PSS | Mekelle

Location: Mekelle, Ethiopia

Deadline: 22 Oct 2025

Job Description

About the job

Under the supervision of the protection team leader the protection Assistant (PSS) is responsible for providing compassionate, trauma informed psychosocial support and services to individuals, families and groups facing challenging life circumstances. The officer works closely with clients to assess their needs, develop care plan and coordinate access to relevant community resources and mental health services. This position plays a crucial role in promoting the overall well-being and resilience of the client

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

• Provide individual psychosocial support to DRC people of concern.
• Support the designing and delivery of psychoeducational awareness sessions (both content and materials) on psychosocial topics, including stress management, available mental health services, and coping skills.
• Collaborate with other service providers, such as healthcare professionals and social workers, and make appropriate referrals and follow-up when needed.
• Foster community participation and engagement in psychosocial support activities, encouraging the active involvement of individuals, families, and community stakeholders.
• Identify and support, including through awareness and capacity-building, local resources, such as community-based organizations or volunteers, to enhance the availability of community-based psychosocial support
• Participate in capacity-building sessions as needed and required.
• Contribute to developing and continuously updating a service mapping system detailing available services and assistance in DRC’s areas of operation.
• Any other duties that may be assigned by the Protection team leader, relevant to achieving protection objectives.

 

Experience and technical competencies:

• 2-years work experience in a related field
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience in providing psychosocial support related activities in humanitarian organizations
• Previous experience working with IDPs and returnees – preferable
• Knowledge of community resources and social service programs related to mental health, protection, etc.
• Full proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel; proficiency in Activity info and other data collection/analysis tools desirable

 EDUCATION: (include certificates, licenses, etc.)

• First degree in psychology, social work or other relevant fields

  LANGUAGE: (indicate fluency level)

• Proficient of the English language
• Knowledge of the local language is an advantage

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: 6 Months

Contract Type: National Contract

Band: I2 – Non-Management

Designation of Duty Station: Mekelle

Start date:  ASAP

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National employees

 

HOW TO APPLY

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English through: >>https://drc.ngo/job?id=174540. Applications sent by email will not be considered.