Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) / Protection Assistant at the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international non-governmental organisation with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people. The organisation was founded in November 1980 and has a presence in over 50 countries. JRS undertakes services at national and regional levels with the support and guidance of an international office in Rome.

The style of JRS service is human and spiritual, working in situations of greatest need, seeking the long-term wellbeing of refugees and displaced persons, while not neglecting their immediate or urgent needs. JRS offers opportunities to a wide variety of staff, local and international, while maintaining a realistic and localised scheme of salary/stipend, insurance, etc.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) / Protection Assistant

Location: Dikwa, Borno
Job Type: Full Time

Job Summary

• We are recruiting for the position of MHPSS/Protection Assistant to be based in Dikwa LGAs of Borno State in preparation for anticipated funding from the European Commission Directorate for Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) for projects to be implemented in Dikwa and Monguno LGAs of Borno State, Nigeria.
• Under the direct supervision of the MHPSS and Protection Officer, the MHPSS Assistant of the Project will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality MHPSS and protection services to target beneficiaries, oversight, lead and coordinate protection activities (awareness creation, case management and referral).
• S/He will provide counseling, mentorship and guidance on the projects, in compliance with IASC MHPSS guidelines and JRS MHPSS strategy.
• The MHPSS and Protection Assistant will respect the principle of confidentiality of the information received during the activities.
• She/he will work closely with Community Based Volunteers in leading outreach and mobilization activities in Dikwa (Borno).

Key Responsibilities
Role / Mission:

• Establish and maintain a recordkeeping system to keep confidential information (including questionnaires, histories, critical incidents, and beneficiaries ‘communication) about beneficiaries.
• Ensure that JRS’s Mental Health and Psychosocial support approaches and interventions are delivered effectively.
• Develop appropriate referral pathways between case managers, partners, other organizations including specialized mental health and utilize these agreed referral pathways for critical incidents to ensure effective and efficient case management process.
• Contribute to writing of monthly summary report highlighting achievements against indicators, trainings conducted, lessons learned, challenges, and recommendations including success highlights, feedback from participants, and recommendations for the next stages of JRS’s program (sent to line supervisor).
• Attend MHPSS local coordination meetings for information sharing, and collaboration with other INGOs/ NGOs, sector working groups, government partners and other relevant stakeholders to develop, implement and monitor referral pathways for those in need of mental health and psychosocial support.
• Support psychosocial needs assessment among the affected populations using internationally validated tools.
• Make frequent site visits to facilities to ensure that appropriate care and training are being conducted.
• Ensure ethical and confidential data collection during, case management, monitoring and evaluation.
• Monitor the progress of the program and identify any delays that have been or may be expected.
• Ensure completion of 5 Ws of the Protection Cluster
• Ensures all protection concerns and/or complaints by IDPs are accurately assessed and recorded in the intake, either directly assisting and/or referring individuals to the appropriate service providers.
• Coordinates with service providers to strengthen referral pathways, including weekly referral/case meetings.
• Maintains and collects data in line with agreed procedures.
• Conducts PSN home visits, assesses needs, and ensures adequate referral/assistance is provided.
• Promote PSEA and safeguarding standards within JRS and amongst the beneficiaries it serves.

Required Profile
Qualification:

• Minimum of an HND / Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent in any related field.

Experience and Skills:

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience with at least 2 years in Protection and MHPSS Programing in INGOs.
• Significant previous experience in similar programming working with IDPs and Refugees.
• Good analytical and writing skills.
• Extensive knowledge of MS Office.
• Ability to work in stressful locations, under pressure.
• Experience in ECHO-funded projects is desirable.
• Excellent communication skills to manage relationships.
• Flexible and adaptable to the needs of the team and organization.
• Familiarity with IASC MHPSS guidelines and other international protocols
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Fluency in English Language; excellent written and oral communication skills, including facilitation and cross-cultural communication.
• Have a knowledge of Kanuri and Hausa languages.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational and time management skills
• The position is open to Borno State Indigenes.

Qualities:

• Adhere to JRS values and abide by the code of conduct and other policies.
• Proven work experience in multicultural and stressful environments.
• Trustworthiness, integrity, and accountability.
• Strong ability to work independently, organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to details.
• Ability to adapt to working conditions and tasks that may change with the reality of the field.
• Demonstrate leadership skills, active listening skills, initiative, and personal discipline.

Application Closing Date
7th May, 2023.