VACANCY – Psychosocial Support Officer

COUNTRY PROGRAM MISSION:

Alight Rwanda, formerly known as the American Refugee Committee, has been a trusted partner in humanitarian and development work since 1994. With a strong presence in all five refugee camps in Rwanda, Alight is dedicated to addressing the needs of refugees and host communities through programs in mental health, protection, livelihoods, health, and community development.

Guided by its people-centered approach, Alight Rwanda leverages innovative methodologies, such as the SASA! approach, and digital platforms to promote resilience, gender equality, and mental well-being. With robust partnerships and an in-depth understanding of the local context, Alight Rwanda consistently delivers impactful and sustainable programs that enhance the quality of life for the communities it serves.

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Psychosocial Support (PSS) Officer will provide high-quality psychosocial services to refugees and host community members. This role focuses on delivering group therapy sessions, individual counseling, and community-based psychosocial activities to promote mental health, well-being, and resilience. The PSS Officer will also lead capacity-building efforts for community actors to enhance their skills in providing trauma-informed and gender-sensitive care.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Psychosocial Program Coordination

• Oversee and coordinate all activities related to psychosocial support, ensuring programs align with organizational goals.
• Develop and execute work plans and activity plans for psychosocial support to meet annual goals.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of psychosocial activities, ensuring adherence to quality standards and national protocols.

 Psychosocial Support Services:

• Provide individual and group counseling sessions to individuals and communities affected by trauma, displacement, and crisis situations.
• Facilitate psychosocial support groups aimed at promoting resilience, emotional well-being, and community cohesion.
• Provide psychological first aid in emergencies and establish protocols for managing acute psychological distress.

Capacity Building and Staff Training:

• Build the capacity of psychosocial support staff, volunteers, and community leaders in delivering mental health support services.
• Conduct regular training and workshops on psychosocial support, stress management, and trauma-informed care.

Collaboration and Integration:

• Work closely with other project staff, including GBV prevention officers and SRH nurses, to ensure comprehensive service delivery.
• Build partnerships with local organizations, government agencies, and mental health specialists for resource sharing and coordinated care.
• Maintain accurate documentation of referrals and follow-up services.
• Coordinate with local health providers, community-based organizations, and authorities to ensure a holistic response to mental health needs.

Community Engagement

• Collaborate with community leaders, religious leaders, and teachers to integrate mental health and protection messages into their activities.
• Design and implement stigma-reduction campaigns, including art therapy workshops, community dialogues, and school-based psychosocial interventions.
• Support community-led initiatives like anti-GBV clubs, youth empowerment programs, and tailored economic empowerment activities with integrated MHPSS messaging.

Data Collection and Reporting:

• Monitor and evaluate the impact of psychosocial support programs through data collection, surveys, and feedback from beneficiaries.
• Prepare and submit timely reports on psychosocial support activities, including progress, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement.

 Awareness and Advocacy:

• Raise awareness about mental health issues and the importance of psychosocial support within the community and among stakeholders.
• Advocate for the integration of psychosocial support into broader humanitarian and development strategies.

Emergency Response and Crisis Management:

• Respond rapidly to emergencies by providing psychosocial first aid and support to individuals affected by disasters, conflict, or displacement.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams in the camp to ensure the psychosocial needs of emergency-affected individuals are met.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor, or any other Alight Senior Manager

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, Social Work, Mental Health, or a related field.
• Master’s degree or additional certification in trauma counseling, psychosocial support, or a related specialty is a plus.

Experience:

• At least 3 years of experience providing psychosocial support in humanitarian or development settings.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering group therapy sessions, community counseling, and trauma-informed care.
• Proven track record of conducting training for community actors or service providers.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Strong knowledge of mental health and psychosocial support principles, including Psychological First Aid and GBV response.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to provide empathetic and culturally sensitive support.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and collaborate effectively with different stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and respect ethical standards.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including refugees, host communities, and marginalized groups.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and collaborate effectively with different stakeholders.
• Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda; proficiency in French or other local languages is an asset.
• Proficient in using MS Office and other relevant tools for documentation and reporting.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work in remote and challenging environments.
• Commitment to the principles of confidentiality, protection, and inclusivity.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

Interested and qualifying candidates should submit applications to ALIGHT Rwanda Executive Director – to include 1 page Cover Letter, an updated CV (max. 3 pages), and three names (plus titles & contacts) of relevant professional referees, to include most current Employer/ Supervisor ( All in one document) – to the following email address only: RWJobs@WEAREALIGHT.ORG with the position applied for CLEARLY indicated in the subject line. The deadline for submission of applications is January 23rd, 2025 at 16:00hrs. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.