About us:
South Sudanese Women Building Association (SSWBA) is a Refugee Led, Non-profit Organization engaged in relief
and humanitarian initiatives to support women, youths, and refugees residing in the Kiryandongo refugee settlement
and the host community, through various demand-driven and human-centered programs. Our interventions focus on a
Participatory Integrated Development (PICD) approach. We harness IDEAS, INNOVATION, and INVESTMENT.
About the project
With support from YGlobal-Uganda, SSWBA will implement a project titled “Peace, livelihood, and Youth
Inclusive Policies in Northern Uganda” with the main objective of providing youth with livelihood opportunities
and enabling them to advocate for youth-inclusive policies and practices in Uganda. The project aims to foster peace
and social cohesion through comprehensive peacebuilding initiatives, robust advocacy efforts, and dedicated
psychosocial support involving the local communities.
Starting date: Immediately,
Duration: 6 months, with the possibility of extension based on the availability of funding and performance.
Application deadline: 3rd July 2024
Job Title: Mental Health Psychosocial Support(MHPSS) Counselors
Location: Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement
Job Summary
The Counselor will be responsible for providing direct psychosocial support and counseling services to individuals and
groups within the Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement. The role involves working closely with women, youths, and other vulnerable groups to promote mental well-being, social cohesion, and resilience. The Counselor will report directly to
the Project Coordinator and will play a crucial role in ensuring the effective delivery of SSWBA’s psychosocial support programs in the field.
Key Responsibilities
1. Counseling and Support:
o Provide individual and group counseling sessions to address the psychosocial needs of refugees and other vulnerable populations.
o Facilitate safe-space counseling sessions to create a supportive environment for beneficiaries to share their experiences and challenges.
o Conduct assessments to identify individuals in need of specialized psychosocial support and develop tailored intervention plans.
2. Program Implementation:
o Identify and document key issues and risks to beneficiaries with mental health challenges using the safe spaces, and propose strategies to ensure their proper functionality
o Assist in organizing and conducting workshops, training sessions, and community dialogues focused on mental health.
o Participate in awareness campaigns and sensitization including radio talk shows to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encourage help-seeking behavior within the refugee community.
o Act as a Safeguarding focal point to ensure that safeguarding and protection procedures are understood and adhered to.
o Provide appropriate referrals for all individuals who need additional and specialized care and support, both MHPSS and other related.
3. Capacity Building:
o Train and mentor community volunteers and local leaders on basic psychosocial support techniques and principles.
o Support the development of the referral pathway.
4. Community Engagement:
o Engage with community members, including women, youths, and other vulnerable groups, to understand their needs and ensure their active participation in program activities.
o Promote community-led initiatives and support local structures in providing psychosocial support.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation:
o Prepare and submit timely monthly work plans and reports to the supervisor.
o Support preparation and dissemination of information related to mental health concerns at the safe spaces
o Maintain proper and updated records of all people accessing the safe space facility.
6. Coordination and Collaboration:
o Coordinate with other SSWBA team members and partner organizations to ensure the integrated delivery of services.
o Establish partnerships with local and national healthcare providers, and mental health service providers to ensure access to specialized care and referral of individuals with severe mental health needs.
Qualifications and Experience
– A diploma in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field. A bachelor’s degree will be an added
advantage.
– At least 2 years of experience in providing counseling and psychosocial support, preferably in a humanitarian
setting and within the refugee community.
– Strong understanding of refugee issues and experience working in refugee settlements.
– Excellent counseling, facilitation, and community mobilization skills.
– Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a challenging environment.
– Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
– Fluency in English; knowledge of local language and Juba Arabic/Sudanese Arabic is an asset.
Personal Attributes
– Empathetic and culturally sensitive.
– Proactive and solution-oriented.
– High level of integrity and professionalism.
– Commitment to SSWBA’s mission and values.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their CV, a cover letter, and contact information for three professional referees to
[email protected] by 3rd July 2024. Please indicate “MHPSS Counselor” in the subject line of your email. Kindly
note that applications will be received on a rolling basis. Female refugees are highly encouraged to apply.
Important notice:
South Sudanese Women Building Association (SSWBA) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and
are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our hiring process is fair and transparent, and we
DO NOT ask for any form of payment at any stage. If anyone asks you for money concerning your application, please
report it immediately to [email protected]
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