Psychosocial Officer , Kigoma , Tanzania

Position:                       Psychosocial Officer (05 posts)
Reports to:                   GBV Case Manager/Lead Counselor
Location:                      Mtendeli, Nduta , Nyarugusu, Kigoma Region

BACKGROUND
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) IRC Tanzania is present in the Kigoma Region, Northwestern Tanzania, providing services to refugees and host communities. Approximately 200,000 refugees, the vast majority from Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) receive protection and basic assistance in the areas of Child and Youth Protection and Development, Community Based Rehabilitation for persons with disabilities and special needs, , Education and Gender Based Violence / Women’s Protection and Empowerment (WPE). In addition, IRC implements child protection work in the host communities surrounding the camps, in Tanga region and in Dar es Salaam.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) seeks to recruit qualified, energetic and motivated candidates for the post of Psychosocial Officers to be based in Nduta, Mtendeli or Nyarugusu refugee Camps in Kibondo District.

Scope of work
The Psychosocial officers will be responsible for the provision of quality survivor-centered case management/psychosocial support services to GBV survivors in Nduta, Mtendeli or Nyarugusu refugee camp. She/he will be based in one of the camps in Kibondo and Kasulu districts Tanzania. The position reports to the Case Manager/ Lead Counselor and  works with a team of refugee para-counsellors.

Key Responsibilities
Case management/Psychosocial support
- Provide professional psychosocial and confidential services to survivors of GBV, grounded in the IRC’s holistic, survivor-centered case management approach.
- Facilitate access sexual assault survivors access to clinical care at the support centres
- Ethically and confidentially document client information through accurate filling of IRC provided intake forms and ensure confidential and safe storage
- Support the maintenance of the IRC’s case management system by maintaining client confidentiality
- Regularly update the GBVIMS data base with information collected in the intake forms during case assessment and action plan
Monitoring and evaluation
- Participate in interpretation of the analyzed data on GBV reporting trends to inform intervention areas
- Participate in the development of case management monitoring systems and ensure consistent use and application
- Participate in preparation of relevant reports regarding the IRC’s psychosocial activities.
Trainings and capacity building
- Provide ongoing couching and mentorship to refugee para-counsellors supporting case management services.
- Identify and build the capacity of community based groups to provide ongoing psychosocial support to GBV survivors to facilitate their long term recovery
- Participate in capacity building of other service providers and community based structures to ensure that survivors receive compassionate support

Coordination and Advocacy
- Make timely consent based interagency referrals for survivors in need of other services
- Participate in the interagency case review meetings as need be
- Follow-up with service providers, community based support groups and the survivors themselves to ensure GBV survivors receive timely support
- Coordinate discrete home visits by the refugee para-counsellors that minimize potential risks to survivors and the involved staff.
- Strengthen and maintain networks with community leaders, women leaders, service providers and camp management to ensure that survivors receive compassionate support from the community
- Participate in psychosocial assessment of women registering for women centre activities and support the women empowerment supervisor to run group therapy and psycho education activities at the women centre
- Coordinate other support services for individual survivors with other team members such as the legal officer for those in need of legal aid.
Administrative
- Maintain transparent and accountable records of beneficiaries issued with non-food items
- Identify material needs of GBV survivors and initiate purchase requests to respond to the needs in line with approved budgets.
- Support the lead counselor in managing assets/inventory assigned to the support centers
Required Qualifications & Competences
- Degree in counseling and/or psychology. Diploma holders with extensive work experience will be considered.
- Minimum 2 years of direct psychosocial/counseling experience with a reputable agency; experience working with survivors of violence preferred.
- Clear understanding of gender, abuse of power, and issues surrounding violence against women
- Able to maintain confidentiality, counseling ethics and uphold the rights of GBV survivors at all times.
- Positive, highly motivated, innovative, with strong organizational and inter-personal skills.
- Able to work as part of a team.
- Strong knowledge of computer applications, including MS Word and Excel.
- Willing to work in a remote location.
- Fluency in Swahili and English, knowledge of French a plus
- Be willing to follow the guiding principles  and code of conduct for humanitarian workers; Confidentiality, Safety, Respect and  Non-discrimination

How to apply:
Applications for the position must include:
i. A cover letter illustrating your suitability for the position against the listed requirements.
ii. Detailed curriculum vitae showing contact address, email, and day-time mobile phone number(s) and three (3) referees, ONE being your last employer.
iii. ONLY copies of academic and professional certificates.

Applications will be considered valid if sent/received before 1700hrs Saturday, April 22nd, 2016. Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.

Send your application to: John.Msinzo@rescue.org

IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.  IRC is an equal opportunity employer.