Psychosocial Support (PSS) Delegate, Afghanistan

Danish Red Cross and Norwegian Red Cross

Danish Red Cross (DRC) is one of the leading Red Cross contributors of technical advice on psychosocial support in Asia, MENA and Africa. In Afghanistan, DRC works in close cooperation with the Norwegian Red Cross (NorCross) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to implement a PSS, Youth and Volunteer Management programme and a Caring for Staff and Volunteers programme in several provinces. The PSS Delegate’s main tasks will be to provide technical advice and guidance on the psychosocial components within the programme as well as to support the development and strengthening of the PSS capacities of Afghanistan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) staff and volunteers. The delegate will be seconded to NorCross but will form part of the DRC community of PSS delegates and receive technical support from DRC MHPSS advisors.

Responsibilities

The PSS Delegate will refer to the NorCross Country Representative for Afghanistan with a technical reporting line to DRC MHPSS matrix coordinator.

The main tasks and responsibilities include:

• Support ARCS in establishing a PSS Unit and building institutional capacity on the PSS programmatic framework;
• Review and develop PSS tools and conduct trainings as per need;
• Support ARCS in establishing the Caring for Staff and Volunteers’ system, in close collaboration with the IFRC PS Centre and ICRC;
• Support the mainstreaming and integration of PSS into ARCS Health, Disaster Management and Youth & Volunteer Management Departments;
• Provide technical PSS support and guidance to other NorCross, ICRC and ARCS staff and volunteers;
• Support NorCross/DRC with reporting, assessments, development and revision of Concept Notes and programme documents within PSS for both emergency response and development programmes;
• Ensure solid and realistic plans for the implementation of the PSS programme activities and the development of ARCS PS capacities and strategic goals;
• Support cross-learning on PSS through the DRC MHPSS matrix.

Experience and qualifications

The applicant must have a relevant educational background preferably in the field of health, Psychology or Social Sciences and possess a minimum of 7 years professional experience in developing, technical managing and reporting on PSS programmes.

Experience from the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is required, as well as from working with partner senior level management from previous work with humanitarian organizations.

The applicant has practical experience and skills in mapping and analysis of PSS capacities and needs, as well as in developing training curriculum and awareness raising materials on PSS and youth. Experience in organizational technical capacity development is also an asset.

The applicant should have prior experience from working in a fragile and/or conflict context such as Afghanistan. A strong profile in training, mentoring and building capacities of staff and volunteers related to PSS is essential.

Furthermore, the applicant should have excellent communication, reporting, writing and networking skills, as well as excellent command of English and full proficiency in computer use.

Employment Conditions

The starting date is as soon as possible and no later than 1 February, and the contract period is 12 months.

Your formal duty station will be in Dushanbe, Tajikistan with frequent travels to Afghanistan (min 50% of working time). However, because of Covid-19 travel restrictions the Delegate is based permanently in Kabul for the time being. The position is a non-family position. While permanently based in Kabul, Afghanistan R&R entitlement applies.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the DRC Terms and Conditions for Delegates on Long Term Missions. The salary including all allowances and pension will be between DKK 42,500 – 45,000 per month, depending on qualifications and experience. Housing and insurance are covered by DRC.

For more information or questions on the position, please see Job Description or contact NorCross Country Representative, Heman Nagarathnam on [email protected] or DRC Programme Officer for Afghanistan, Luna Mariager on [email protected].

The deadline for applying for the position is 7 December 2020. Interviews are expected to be concluded before Christmas.