Job Summary

The Psychologist will play a critical role in addressing the mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs of individuals affected by Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The incumbent will provide direct psychological services, including assessments, counseling, and crisis intervention, while ensuring a survivor-centered approach in all interventions. The role also involves training and capacity building for staff and stakeholders, strengthening referral pathways, and advocating for mental health integration in GBV programming.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Input and Program Management

• Assist the GBV Manager in strategic planning, providing technical input and feedback for program development.
• Contribute to the development of concept notes and proposals, ensuring integration of MHPSS principles.
• Ensure timely and accurate internal and external reporting on MHPSS activities.
• Integrate psychological principles into program strategies, aligning them with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations.
• Implement strategic plans in accordance with the organization’s vision and mission.

Psychosocial Support and Case Management

• Conduct confidential screenings and assessments to identify the mental health needs of GBV survivors, considering the cultural context of Afghan refugees and host communities.
• Provide structured psychosocial support (PSS) services, including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and emotional support to survivors of GBV.
• Ensure follow-up and ongoing support for GBV survivors to promote their emotional well-being and resilience.
• Link survivors with appropriate medical, legal, and social services through well-established referral mechanisms.
• Maintain strong referral networks with service providers who can accommodate Afghan nationals and other affected populations.
• Provide survivor-centered and trauma-informed care, ensuring confidentiality, dignity, and informed consent.

Capacity Building and Awareness

• Conduct training and awareness sessions for staff, volunteers,  on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and GBV-related issues.
• Develop and disseminate materials on MHPSS services, trauma-informed care, and coping strategies for GBV survivors.
• Provide technical guidance to caseworkers and service providers on integrating psychological support into their work.

Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate with caseworkers and service providers to ensure a comprehensive response to the mental health needs of GBV survivors.
• Participate in coordination meetings with government departments, UNHCR, NGOs, and community stakeholders to improve service delivery and advocacy.
• Engage with community leaders and beneficiaries to assess their mental health needs and raise awareness about MHPSS services.
• Align interventions with international standards and best practices in mental health and GBV programming.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

• Collect, analyze, and report on MHPSS service delivery to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Document success stories, case studies, and lessons learned to contribute to program development.
• Provide insights to the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Unit to refine psychological support programs based on data and field observations.

Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Develop contingency plans for the provision of MHPSS services in emergency and humanitarian settings.
• Support crisis interventions in displacement camps, natural disasters, and conflict-affected areas.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Service Delivery: Number of survivors receiving psychosocial support services.
• Training & Awareness: Number of staff, volunteers, and community members trained on MHPSS principles.
• Referral Efficiency: Quality and timeliness of linkages between survivors and service providers.
• Community Engagement: Effectiveness of outreach and awareness campaigns.
• Reporting Accuracy: Timely and high-quality submission of reports and documentation.
• Coordination Effectiveness: Level of engagement with relevant stakeholders and service providers.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience providing psychosocial support services, preferably in GBV or humanitarian settings.
• Strong understanding of MHPSS principles, trauma-informed care, and survivor-centered approaches.
• Experience working with refugee populations, especially Afghan nationals, is an advantage.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, including healthcare providers, legal services, and social workers.
• Proficiency in local languages and English.
• Strong communication, report writing, and training skills.