The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, working in over 40 countries to provide appropriate assistance and protection to refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, returnees, people on the move, and vulnerable local populations/host communities. DRC is currently seeking a highly qualified Psychosocial Support Specialist based in Caracas, Venezuela.
About the work
DRC is managing its operations in Venezuela, under the direction of the country office in Caracas and three field offices located in the states of Sucre, Apure, and Zulia. DRC Venezuela is implementing activities such as protection monitoring, legal assistance, individual protection assistance for people with disabilities, information sessions for proof of identity (PoC), prevention of human trafficking, rehabilitation of health infrastructure, and food security.
Job Description
This position will support the Psychosocial Support (PSS) team in implementing PSS activities, adjusting standard operating procedures (SOPs), and conducting technical supervision visits and providing support to PSS officers, team leaders, and local partners. The incumbent will support technical working groups related to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and advise local partners on the implementation of their activities.
In addition, they will support the APS Case Management teams and collaborate with the Protection Specialist to ensure integrated intervention across all components of the protection department, advising partners on when and how to refer cases from Case Management to SMAPS. They will also represent the organization in technical working groups related to APS coordination at the national and local levels. They will provide technical support to the teams to ensure the mainstreaming of protection principles and DRC’s Age, Gender, and Diversity policy.
The Primary Health Care (PHC) Specialist will advise on the design and implementation of programs, innovative approaches, staff training, and capacity building, with the goal of building a cohesive, well-coordinated, and high-quality protection service in their area of ​​expertise. They will conduct regular visits to DRC’s programming areas and partner locations to deliver training; ensure visits to safe spaces and home visits conducted by local partners to advise on PHC intervention quality standards; guarantee the implementation of Psychological First Aid (PFA) for subsequent referrals; and support the standardization of PHC awareness sessions.
Main responsibilities:
- Support the Protection Management in the development of APS strategies and implementation plans, providing strategic advice and technical support to area offices.
- Develop and evaluate self-care tools to ensure the mental and emotional health of primary healthcare teams in Venezuela.
- In collaboration with the protection coordinator and specialist, he/she will contribute to the development of protection analyses and reports from the perspective of APS.
- Provide training on the minimum standards and SOPs of APS according to DRC guidelines, aimed at both DRC staff and local partners.
- Conduct field visits, spot checks, and training sessions in safe spaces to ensure compliance with quality standards.
- Contribute to protection analysis questionnaires to highlight psychosocial needs and coordinate with partners the mapping of SMAPS services to ensure effective referral pathways.
- Promote dialogues with community leaders to raise awareness about traditional practices and ensure accountability in primary health care services.
- Adapting primary health care guidelines to hard-to-reach contexts and remote modalities.
Requirements and professional skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work or Social Sciences (Master’s degree desirable).
- Minimum 3 years in senior project implementation roles in humanitarian/recovery contexts, with proven experience in technical management of PHC.
- Demonstrable ability to perform psychosocial analysis in conflict areas.
- Experience in the use of interagency tools and participation in Working Groups on SMAPS, GBV or Protection.
- Expertise in the provision of Psychological First Aid (PFA).
- Knowledge of data protection and management of sensitive information.
- Excellent level of English.
- Planning and achieving results, working with people, analytical skills, and communicating with impact and respect.
Basic skills:
- Planning and achieving results: Ability to organize tasks and ensure the fulfillment of established objectives.
- Working with people: Ability to collaborate effectively and empathetically with colleagues and beneficiaries.
- Analytical skills: Ability to examine complex situations and propose evidence-based solutions.
- Communication with impact and respect: Ability to convey ideas clearly, influentially, and always maintaining a dignified approach.
Technical Skills:
- Digital skills (IT):Â Good knowledge of Office tools (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and data collection and analysis software (e.g., KoboToolbox, PowerBI).
- Expert in APS Programming:Â Technical expertise in the design and implementation of Psychosocial Support programs.
- Self-management:Â High level of self-initiative and orientation towards excellence under minimal supervision.
We offer:
- The opportunity to belong to one of the best NGOs worldwide.
- Access to over 1,000 free online training courses and certificates
- Contract duration: 6 months (Renewable subject to funding and performance)
- Job Category: G Band
- HCM insurance for the worker only.
All DRC roles require the holder to master basic DRC competencies:
- Achieving excellence: focused on achieving results while ensuring efficient processes.
- Collaboration: involve relevant people and encourage feedback.
- Taking the initiative: in relation to the search for solutions.
- Communicate: listen and speak effectively and honestly.
- Demonstrate integrity: act in accordance with DRC’s vision and values.
Application process: All applicants must upload a cover letter (max. 1 page) and an updated CV ( max. 2 pages, no supporting documents ) in Spanish to the DRC job platform. Applications submitted by email will not be considered.
Application deadline : Monday, March 23 at 11:59 pm Local Time. Please note that applications will be reviewed continuously and interviews will be scheduled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. DRC reserves the right to close the position before the deadline once a suitable candidate is identified.
Start date: April 2026
How to apply
Link to Application Form
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