Psychosocial Support Expert

INTERSOS is a non-profit humanitarian aid organisation that works to bring assistance to people in danger, victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts. Established in 1992 with support from the Italian Federation of Trade Unions, its actions are based on the values of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equal rights and opportunities for all people and respect for diversity and coexistence, paying particular attention to the most vulnerable and the unprotected.

INTERSOS identifies with the core values of CONCORD, the European Confederation of NGOs; it adheres to international codes of conduct for humanitarian organisations and the values and principles expressed within those codes. INTERSOS is recognised by the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the European Commission and the principal UN agencies; it is privileged to hold an advisory status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
INTERSOS is an independent association which, through its own humanitarian operators, intervenes to effectively answer the needs of people in serious crises situations, mainly in the world's poorest regions, who are suffering, deprived of rights, dignity and essentials goods. It maintains a flexible operating structure. The head office in Italy coordinates, supports and monitors the planned activities in the countries of intervention carried out by decentralised offices.

Job Purpose:

With the support and supervision of the Protection Coordinator, the PSS expert is responsible for the quality and efficient implementation of the PSS programme activities at the project level and in liaison with PSS officers in other bases.

Generic Duties:

1. Be available to participate in meetings in the INTERSOS Centers of the areas of work or in Beirut INTERSOS Office.
2. Be available for eventual trainings provided by INTERSOS and provide technical support to the social workers through punctual training and coaching identifying lessons learned and best gateways to reach the projects’ PSS outcomes.
3. Meet with other INTERSOS projects’ staff as required: conduct punctual meetings for sharing ideas, priorities with project teams’ members.
4. Attend national PSS taskforce on a monthly basis and share information with PSS officers as needed.
5. Any other task not listed here but necessary to the project and activities.
6. Available to work extra hours and available at the weekend for emergency cases.

Specific Duties:

• Provide technical guidance to the development of the project’s PSS component to project manager;
• Liaise with other PSS officers on the development of plans for psychosocial activities with children/adults participating in child friendly spaces (CFSs) and community centers and for the outreach activities in coordination with the project managers
• Ensure the implementation of M&E tools, guidelines, internal SOPs,  and analysis related to the PSS activities  within the project;
• Provide coaching for social worker/Community based volunteers during PSS activities when necessary in the centers or when requested by the Project manager or Protection Coordinator ;
• Ensure timely and quality implementation of the PSS activities in the project centers or outreach locations;
• liaise  with  the PSS officers, community based protection officers and social workers in the implementation of the PSS activities;
• Provide training to the staff on psychosocial support planning and monitoring and on psychosocial first aid within the project;
• Provide input regarding PSS programming during proposal writing and budget planning.
• Jointly with Project Manager, monitor the monthly progress on PSS indicators and provide solutions when needed.
• Ensure that the Child Friendly Spaces adhere to minimum standards and that proper filing is in place.

Competencies: (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)

Professional Competencies:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in similar field in humanitarian context.
• Relevant experience in implementing Child Friendly Spaces, Youth Centers, Case Management, Psychosocial programming.
• In depth knowledge of psychosocial programming in the humanitarian context.
• Familiar with IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support In Emergency Settings.
• Familiar with CP Minimum Standard in Emergency.
• Familiar with international protection and human rights legal standards.
• Training experience is required (ability to deliver training).
• Knowledge on how to communicate with vulnerable population groups, such as women, children, youth, elderly, disable and refugees.
• Prior experience in working with governmental authorities is a plus.
• Excellent reporting & writing skills;
• MS proficiency (Word, Excel, Power point, etc.)
• Driving License

Behavioural competencies:

• Cultural Awareness; Excellent knowledge and understanding of local communities and customary rules.

• Teamwork
• High level of flexibility and adaptability
• Initiative
• Excellent communication skills.
• High level of Planning and organization
• Independence, i.e. conducting tasks with minimal supervision, and stress resilience
• Problem solving and decision making
• Strategic vision
• Leadership: developing and motivating staffs
• Driving and achieving results
• Humanitarian motivation and commitment to INTERSOS values
• Respect of Intersos policies and procedures