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Protection Assistant-Psychosocial counselor
Danish Refugee Council (DRC)
Full-time
Closing soon: 2 Feb 2026
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Posted 13 hours ago
Job Description

Overall purpose of the role
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has enshrined localisation in its Strategy 2025 through its “Go Local” principle, which aims to engage local partners through “principled, equitable and collaborative partnerships in pursuit of a relevant, effective and sustainable response.” DRC’s Kenya programme has articulated broader localisation objectives through its strategic priorities for 2023, which include the aims to strengthen DRC Kenya’s collaboration with local actors, foster synergies around programming and advocacy, and promote the protection of rights and peaceful coexistence in displacement-affected areas.

The purpose of this post is to provide day-to-day management and psychosocial support and related activities in Kakuma and Kalobeyei. In particular, the person is responsible for addressing mental health needs of GBV survivors and Persons of Concern. In collaboration with the Protection Officer GBV Response (Psychosocial Counsellor), S/he will be in charge of the provision of training and supervision of the GBV Para-Counselors, to respond to cases of GBV in the camp and ensure effective case management. S/he will work and liaise closely with the Protection Officer GBV Response (Psychosocial Counsellor), Protection Officer – LGBTIQ+, Protection Assistant GBV Response-(Psychosocial Counsellors (LGBTIQ+), Protection Assistants GBV Response (Psychosocial Counsellors), Protection Officer GBV Prevention, Protection Assistant GBV Prevention and Refugee Led and Women Refugee Led Organizations (RLOs/WRLOs) on documentation of program activities as per the donor requirements.

Responsibilities:
R1. Case Management:

  • Provide comprehensive case management psychosocial counseling to GBV survivors focused on the survivor centered approach.
  • Provide assessment and counseling both at individual and group level as the situation demands.
  • Ensure all work with GBV survivors is confidential and that ethical practices are observed.
  • Document client data accurately in the intake forms and ensure they are under lock and key.
  • Ensure that the GBVIMS is accurately updated on a regular basis.
  • Participate in the interpretation of the data analyzed on trends and work with prevention team to disseminate information to all relevant stakeholders.
  • Participate in the development of the case management monitoring tools and systems and ensure that all staff that are required to utilize it are trained on the correct way of handling the systems.
  • Participate in the preparation of accurate reports for all Psycho-social related activities.
  • Participate in design of case management and psychosocial projects.

R2. Coordination and Networking:

  • Maintain and strengthen existing networks through other service providers at the camp level, to ensure that GBV survivors receive quality services and support both at the agency levels.
  • Actively participate in scheduled meetings such as the Case Conferences, safe haven inter-agency meetings and as assigned.
  • Strengthen existing referral systems and identify new networks to work with to ensure holistic support to the clients.
  • Work in close collaboration with the prevention team to ensure ongoing needs of at-risk groups, women and girls are being met in the prevention related activities.
  • In collaboration with other partners, design psychosocial interventions within the refugee community focusing on the psychosocial needs of adults, youth and children.
  • Participate in conducting trainings for partners on relevant organizational development areas and support peer learning between DRC and other partner agencies.

R3. Community Engagement and Outreach:

  • Conduct sensitization, dialogue and mediation sessions with the wider population about issues of trauma and GBV.
  • Facilitate formation of support groups for survivors of GBV and other vulnerable groups.
  • Identify and strengthen Community structures through engaging community leaders, camp management and other stakeholders to ensure that the survivors receive adequate support at the community level.
  • Support the Protection Officer GBV Prevention and Protection Assistant GBV Prevention and RLOs/WLOs in dissemination of relevant information during the Community GBV prevention forums and meetings.

R4. Monitoring and Evaluation:

  • Assist in preparing daily, monthly, quarterly and annual reports, progress notes, and treatment plans on time.
  • Use appropriate data collection tools and submit assessments and reports in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Work closely with the refugee staff to ensure quality reporting.
  • Assist in the designing, planning, implementing and facilitating external training for numerous target groups.
  • Ensure Core Humanitarian Standards are mainstreamed in the day-to-day project implementation.
  • Attend relevant training forums relevant to the job.
  • Assist with any other related activities as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

R5. Staff Management and Development:

  • Provide supervision to the Para counsellors and ensure effective provision of Psycho-social services.
  • Conduct continuous performance/evaluation for the Para counsellors working under her/him.
  • Engage in quality self-care through supervision, debriefings, and other shared sessions.
  • Conduct regular formal and on-job training and mentorship to Para-Counsellors on areas related to Case Management, Counselling and other related topics to enhance professionalism.
  • Conduct regular case conference meetings with the Para-counsellors both at individual and group levels.
  • Organize for external capacity building forums on GBV Case Management and Therapeutic Counselling techniques.

Experience and technical competencies:

  • 2 years’ experience in providing psychosocial counseling to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
  • Good team player: able to take direction and work collaboratively with others.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including empathic listening.
  • Ability to communicate in a highly professional manner with clients, community members and professional partners.
  • Able to complete required reporting and documentation within the deadlines set.
  • Highly motivated, creative, and compassionate person who is dedicated to ensuring that models of best practice are utilized.
  • Able to uphold high ethical and professional standards.
  • Able to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality.
  • Problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
  • Ability to work in a challenging environment.
  • Ability to promote the values of equality, non-discrimination, and human rights for all.
  • Experience working in a refugee context is highly desirable.

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in psychology or counselling
  • Fluent in written and spoken English and Swahili.

DRC’s Core competencies:
All DRC roles require the post-holder to master the DRC’s core competencies below:

  • 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 DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Conditions:
Contract duration:
1.5 months contract. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council terms of employment for National staff.
Employment Category: Band I2
Reporting to: Protection Team Leader
Direct reports: Para-counselors
Availability: February 2026
Location: Kakuma (does not qualify for accommodation)
Key stakeholders:
Internal:
Protection, DRC Kakuma Staff.
External: Refugee and Host Community, Local government authorities, Other NGOs, Implementing partners

General
Commitments
:
DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework (http://www.drc.dk/HAF.4265.0.html)

Application Process:
Qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications, which should include a 1-page cover letter clearly stating their motivation, and qualifications and a CV. Applications should include contact details of three professional referees who have supervised the candidate in the last five years. One referee must be the applicant’s most recent manager. Only applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications will be considered.
We only accept applications sent via our online application form on www.drc.ngo under Vacancies. Applications should be sent no later than: 2nd February 2026.

Gender Equality:
DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, female candidates and those from minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

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This position is no longer open.