Psychosocial Councillor (based in Rohingya)

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Job Title: Psychosocial Councillor
Project Title: Humanitarian Assistance of Protection and Empowerment for Vulnerable Communities in Rohingya Camp (HOPE)
Company: United Purpose
Location: Any of the Rohingya Camp Health posts
Contract type: Contractual
Hours: As per RRRC Recommended
Reports to: Project Officer
Salary: As per project structure
Application Deadline: 30 April 2025.

Organisation overview
Self Help Africa (SHA) and United Purpose (UP) merged in late 2021 to implement projects to end extreme hunger and poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. The merger doubled its size and reach, with SHA implementing poverty eradication projects in sub-Saharan Africa in 2022. The group includes social enterprise subsidiaries Partner Africa, TruTrade and Cumo Microfinance. In 2022, SHA reached over twelve million people and invested €46m in over 80 development programmes to improve food systems, facilitate access to markets and financial services, combat climate change, gender inequality, and improve access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene.

Job Purpose

United Purpose is going to implement a project named ‘Humanitarian Assistance of Protection and Empowerment for Vulnerable Communities in Rohingya Camp (HOPE)’. For the successful implementation of the project activities, we are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Psychosocial Councillor to provide vital psychosocial support to refugees in the Rohingya camp. The councillor will work directly with trauma-affected individuals, helping them manage stress, mental health challenges, and the overall psychological impacts of displacement and disaster. This position is based at the camp’s health post and will require strong coordination with other health sector actors, community outreach, and reporting on psychosocial services provided.

Key Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

  • Provide individual and group psychosocial counselling sessions to refugees, with a focus on trauma, stress management, and mental health challenges.
  • Conduct regular assessments to understand the psychosocial needs of the community and adjust counselling strategies accordingly.
  • Maintain accurate and confidential records of all patients receiving psychosocial treatment, ensuring proper documentation of interventions and progress.
  • Coordinate with other health sector actors (e.g., doctors, nurses, and community health workers) to ensure integrated care for refugees.
  • Organize and facilitate awareness sessions on earthquake preparedness and disaster resilience within the refugee community.
  • Provide regular updates and reports to the Project Manager on counselling activities, progress, and any emerging issues.
  • Provide services with a deep understanding of the cultural dynamics and challenges faced by the Rohingya community.
  • Conduct needs assessment along with team at camp level and prepare report for sharing with Project Manager.

Key Relationships:
Internal: Project Manager, Medical Officer, Project Management Team, Health Post Team, Finance Team, Country Office, Procurement Team.

External: CiC (Camp-in-Charge) & ACiC (Assistant Camp-in-Charge), RRRC (Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner), UNO (Upazila Nirbahi Officer), Site Management and Site Development Authority (SMSD), ISCG (Inter-Sector Coordination Group), Mazhi (Community Leaders/ Representatives), Health Sector Partners, Camp Security Authority.

Knowledge, Experience and Other Requirements:

Essential

Educational Requirements

  • A degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field.

Experience Requirements

  • Minimum of 2 years of experience providing psychosocial counseling, preferably in refugee settings or other humanitarian contexts.

Language Requirements:
• Fluency in Chittagonian Dialect & Bengali is required. Proficiency in English is a plus.

Job Requirements

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to prepare report and data collection process.
  • Ability to work in a challenging and diverse environment.
  • Excellent organizational and record-keeping abilities.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
  • Empathy and sensitivity to the needs of trauma-affected refugees.
  • Strong team player with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
  • Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.

Application Procedure:
Please send your CV & cover letter in the following link here.

Application to be submitted by 30 April 2025. Applications to be reviewed on a rolling basis.

All candidates offered a job with Self Help Africa/United Purpose will be expected to sign our Safeguarding Policies and Code of Conduct as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents. Specific roles may require Police/DBS/ [relevant police authority] vetting.

Self Help Africa/United Purpose strive to be an equal opportunities employer.