Focused Psychosocial Support Trainers (5 Positions In Beirut; 3 Positions In Nabatieh)

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. Mercy Corps has been present in the Middle East since the 1980s and currently has offices in Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Egypt and Libya. Working in Lebanon since 1993, Mercy Corps has been running community development programs focused on promoting economic development and increased opportunity for disadvantaged communities, while responding to emergencies as they emerged. Recently, Mercy Corps’ portfolio has expanded in response to the refugee influx from Syria, including grants from UNICEF, UNHCR, European Commission, Canadian and American governments, and private foundations. Humanitarian response and resilience programming will be an increasing focus of the Protection Sector portfolio in Lebanon. CONTEXT As the Syrian conflict persists, instability and insecurity continue to impact the daily lives of boys, girls, adolescents and their caregivers in Lebanon, exposing them increasingly to protection violations. Tensions between refugees and host communities are worsening, with children emulating the discriminatory attitudes they witness. This is exacerbated by a lack of services and resources, as well as perceptions of unequal support for increasingly vulnerable host communities. Child protection actors are working to provide protective environments for all children in Lebanon. However, as needs are increasing, funding is decreasing and is mostly short term. The deteriorating socio-economic situation of many refugees and vulnerable Lebanese, coupled with limited livelihoods opportunities and limited access to education, has contributed to families using negative coping mechanisms, such as child labor and child marriage. Breakdown of protection community mechanisms also place children and caregivers at greater risk of violence, exploitation, and abuse. Greater focus is required on prevention and mitigating the impact of the crisis on women, boys and girls by continuing to strengthen and improve quality of psychosocial services (PSS), case management and access to specialized services. Services need to be made available for all children regardless of their nationalities. Working with children caregivers, families and communities at large is crucial to complement the support to institutions. Both system building and community based approaches are key to create a protective environment for children and to build resilience. GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY Under the guidance and supervision of the Focus PSS Technical Advisor, the Focus PSS trainer will work directly with children and will deliver Focus PSS sessions in many areas in Mount Lebanon and South. In addition to that, the skilled trainer will conduct the SDQ’s pre-post tests and support in identifying cases from the field and refer them. His/ her work will be 90% on the field and he/she should be flexible to work on weekends and after 5:00 pm.   ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Deliver focus PSS sessions for children in Mount Lebanon and South areas. Ensure filling SDQ for the focus PSS.  Also filling pre-posttests. Support in recording children’s registration and attendance Ensure proper safe referrals to other INGOS and UN agencies according to MC referral system after identifying  vulnerable children from the field Conduct regular field visits (minimum 90%). Coordinate with the coordinator of the local partner to ensure the availability of the children, set schedules and prepare the logistics needs. Prepare reports in English and Arabic and share with the technical adviser. Support integrated and evidence-based advocacy efforts Ensure that all programming incorporates a gender equity, conflict sensitivity, and environmental awareness lens with a ‘do no harm’ approach; Adhere to organizational security standards, financial, procurement, program management minimum standards, code of conduct and child protection protocols. Attend all trainings delivered by the TA . Ensure a safe and child-friendly atmosphere within the Child Friendly Space Ensure activities meet the needs of all boys and girls, including children with special needs Ensure that all children participate in activities and no children are excluded or discriminated against Ensure the existence of a positive and cooperative learning atmosphere Ensure that children feel comfortable, safe, and respected Be a positive role model to the children, parents and community Other necessary duties as required.    Able to work in South and Mount Lebanon Able to work 5 days/ week especially on weekends, and after 5:00 pm. Organizational Learning  As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.   Accountability to Beneficiaries Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.   SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: N/A ACCOUNTABILITY: Reports directly to:  FPSS Technical advisor Works directly with:   Program, and M&E Teams KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE BA/S or equivalent in social science, psychology ,  management, international development, or other relevant field; MA/S in law, international relations, human rights or other relevant field preferred but not necessary. Strong technical knowledge and experience with designing, managing, monitoring and evaluating refugee protection, GBV and/or child protection programming in emergency, transitional and development contexts. Excellent knowledge of child protection issues, including child abuse, gender based violence, support for separated, unaccompanied and vulnerable children, and psychosocial support for children and caregivers, working with host and displaced communities, etc. Experience establishing and supporting community-based protection mechanisms and strengthening local systems preferred. Solid knowledge and application of established inter-agency standards and guidelines relevant to protection. Experience in capacity building and strengthening various duty bearers understanding of and response to child protection. Strong experience of coordination with other humanitarian actors and local authorities on child protection and protection issues. Minimum 2 years of professional work experience in protection programming, including child protection, with proven ability to apply a rights based approach incorporating the principles of the CRC and other relevant UN conventions   Good understanding of the linkages and intersections between child protection and social welfare, justice, education and health, with ability to advise and implement strategies that promote coordination between sectors. Excellent analytical skills with ability to identify problems and propose solutions. Specialized background in gender, child protection, and minority rights and other vulnerable groups preferred. Experience in conducting recreational and educational activities for children Excellent communication skills and high motivation to work directly with children Commitment  to  and  understanding  of  Mercy corps  aims,  values  and principles  including rights-based approaches Knowledge of Lebanon, in particular its displacement context and protection threats relevant to internal conflict preferred. Flexible to work on weekends Proficiency in English essential Arabic competitive advantage SUCCESS FACTORS A successful candidate will have the ability to work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly fluid work and security environment with a capacity to spark innovative approaches to programming and inspire groups to collaborate closely to implement high-quality programs. S/he will have proven ability to learn quickly, take initiative, and be accountable for results based on programmatic needs. Knowledge of security standards, equipment, precautionary measures, communication protocols, various unstable conditions and familiarity with Child Protection Systems strengthening approaches, Sphere Project’s Humanitarian Charter and Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Pyramid are essential, as is an ability to work independently and as part of a team, with curiosity about and sensitivity to new cultures, a desire and ability to learn and grow, both personally and professionally, and a great sense of humor. LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS This position is based in Beirut, Lebanon and in South . The security situation is uncertain in Lebanon, with a possibility for rapid deterioration, particularly dependent on the Syrian conflict.  Though currently secure in Beirut, all security guidelines and protocols must be closely followed at all times. Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps' policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.