Psychosocial Support Officer at the Center for Community and Health Development International (CHAD INT'L)

The Center for Community Health and Development International is a non-discriminatory, non-governmental organization with a mandate to improve the health and quality of life of Nigeria's rural children and women. CHAD was established in 2002 by a group of women from different religious and ethnic background in Gombe state, North East Nigeria.

To complement our effort, we seek a competent person to fill the position below:

Job Title: Psychosocial Support (PSS) Officer

Location: Borno
Project Type: Fixed
Starting Date: ASAP

Job Overview

• CHAD International has been implementing multiple projects that incorporate comprehensive psychosocial support (PSS) services to support conflict-affected children, women, and youths.
• The activities will be well-integrated into North-eastern Nigerian protection system and humanitarian coordination practices and guidelines. The activities will be carried out in Borno State areas according to the evolving needs of the project.
• Through the overall coordination of the Project Manager and direct technical supervision from the Coordinator, the PSS officer will be expected to provide psychosocial and/or psychological interventions in an individual or group format, support the overall objective of mainstreaming consistent PSS services into our child protection programme; design / adapt tools to map, analyses and address causal factors of psychosocial distress to the survivors.
• The PSS Officer will also be expected to frequently participate at relevant coordination meetings, support the Child protection manager to mentor and/or build the capacity of the Project Team.

Key Responsibilities
Project implementation:

• As directed by the Project Manager, the post holder will actively contribute to mainstreaming PSS activities into the weekly, monthly and quarterly work plans; and initiate/establish PSS activities.
• To strengthen and supports community-based psychosocial wellbeing of conflict-affected survivors (Children, women, youths) and their families, especially those who experience rejection, stigmatization, reintegration and other challenges.
• Build partners’ or team capacity to provide safe and appropriate PSS services to conflict-affected survivors.
• Collaboratively explore and identify potential risk factors influencing the psychosocial distress of the survivors.
• Conduct specific child-focused activities for psychosocial well-being and building resilience of most vulnerable and at-risk children and adolescents by ensuring a variety of activities that include active games, sports, expressive/creative activities, life skills, educational activities.
• Mobilize adolescent boys and girls to launch empowering activities that suit their interest, promote their psychosocial well-being and create an opportunity for their direct social engagement at community level.
• Provide basic counselling sessions to support children and their caregivers to better cope with difficulties, distress and enhance their resilience.
• Identify vulnerable children and adults in a need of protection or support and conduct referral to the case management team.
• Prevention, response and monitor the conflict context in activity sites and provide timely feedback to the protection Manager and the Project Coordinator.

Activities / Impacts Monitoring and Reporting:

• As directed by the protection Manager and in collaboration with the project Coordinator, monitor implementation processes, ensure timely delivery of PSS activities across project locations.
• Prepare, review, and submit timely reports from analyzed tools and field feedback.
• Work closely with the M&E to ensure adequate reporting requirements where possible.
• Ensure relevant PSS tools and modules are in place and applied accordingly.
• Any other reasonable activities as determined by the Project’s leadership.
• Conduct emotional group support sessions for caregivers.
• Conduct awareness sessions on child protection issues and issues affecting the protection and well-being of children.  Establish and maintain positive and efficient relations with target beneficiaries, community members, humanitarian actors and all the other key stakeholders.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• University Degree in Psychology, Counselling, International relations or Social Sciences.
• At least 4 years of work experience in community-focused PSS and/or Protection programming / activities. 
• Creative thinking skill.
• Experience with NGO would be an asset.
• Excellent coordination and communication skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Good knowledge of Words, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work under pressure and in a high-risk security environment.

Language Requirements:

• Excellent ability to communicate in the English language (speak, read and write) is mandatory. Strong knowledge of Hausa, Kanuri, Shuwa and other native languages in Borno State will be of high advantage.

Application Closing Date
30th October, 2021.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and Cover Letter of not more than 4 pages addressed to "the Human Resouces Officer, Center for Community health and development (CHAD) International" via: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.

Note: Female applicant is strongly encouraged to apply.