Background/IRC Summary:
The Syria crisis is considered the worst humanitarian catastrophe since the Cold War, with 16.5 million people in need of assistance due to economic decline and ongoing violence. Of these, 7 million are internally displaced, and 5.4 million are refugees in neighboring countries. The fall of the Syrian regime in December 2024 has left the situation complex and volatile, posing significant challenges to humanitarian efforts.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is responding robustly to the crisis with a $90 million annual regional portfolio and over 3,000 staff. IRC’s programs in Syria and neighboring countries focus on health, cash assistance, education, child protection, women’s protection and empowerment, and livelihood programming. The work addresses critical issues such as access, security, funding, and coordination in these challenging settings.
Job Overview/Summary:
Under the supervision of the Protection officer, the PSS Assistant will be responsible for providing protection community based, focused and non-specialized psychosocial support services within communities/centers in Northwest Syria in order to:
- Ensure access to protection services for those in need
- Ensure the continuity of protection services and care for beneficiaries
- Ensure the provision of protection services in a coordinated manner
- Protect and enhance the psychosocial wellbeing of individuals and communities
Responsibilities:
- Facilitate and provide culturally and age appropriate, safe, and stimulating non-structured and structured PSS activities such as recreational, life skills, and positive coping mechanisms activities
- Promote positive mental health and wellbeing through provision of key messages on constructive coping mechanisms
- Raise awareness regarding the availability of mental health, psychosocial support other and protection services
- Work alongside the Child Protection and ProL PSS team to ensure a coordinated integrated approach to addressing protection concerns
- Provide PFA and refer cases for case management services
- Always adhere to the GBV protection guiding principles.
- Supporting activities for regular project monitoring, process evaluation, impact evaluation, and other M&E activities as requested
- Prepare and submit weekly and monthly work plans and reports in a timely manner and incorporate supervisor feedback as requested
- Ensure that data collection and storage respect data protection protocols and confidentiality principle
- Participate in regular supervision meetings and participate in capacity building training as directed by supervisor
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all relevant stakeholders including other NGOs, civil society groups, authorities, and UN agencies
- Develop and continuously update a service mapping system detailing available services and assistance in our areas of operation
- Other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor to support the implementation of the program
Required Experience/qualification/Skills:
- At least 2 years of progressively responsible professional experience of providing GBV services
- Technical diploma or bachelor’s degree in social work, social sciences, psychology, counseling, or any other related field
- Previous experience conducting community based, PSS, and protection activities
- Strong understanding of protection issues and gender-based violence core concepts
Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:
- A commitment to IRC’s mission, vision, values, and IRC Way – Professional Code of Conduct.
- Credible written, presentation and verbal communication skills; ability to convey information effectively and solid experience providing training and staff development
- Validated sense of professional discretion, integrity, and ability to handle complex situations diplomatically and to effective resolution.
- Excellent management and interpersonal skills and a solid ability to promote harmonious/cohesive teamwork, in a cross-cultural context.
- Validated ability to plan long-term, organize priorities and work under administrative and programmatic pressures with detail orientation and professional patience.
- Highly collaborative and resourceful; ability to establish positive working relationships with senior level management and all other partners to maximize cooperation and productivity.
- Curiosity, a desire to continually learn and develop and a sense of humor is a must.
- Analytical ability in creating effective solutions to complex matters while adhering to labor laws and internal policies.
Language/Travel:
- Arabic is required, while English are desired.
- Travel: Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and travel as required to different field sites as well as attending regional and global workshops and meetings.
How to apply
Protection Psychological Social Support Assistant (WPE)-Homs – Fill out form