VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

SOS Children’s Villages International is the umbrella organization to which all SOS Children’s Villages including SOS Children’s Villages Somalia Association is affiliated. SOS Children’s Villages Somalia has officially been working in Somalia since 1985. SOS is currently working in 134 countries worldwide. We are committed to the welfare of children – often throughout the whole of their childhood, and to strengthening families and communities as a preventive measure in the fight against abandonment and social neglect. We also run education and health facilities. With the SOS Children’s Village concept, the organization pioneered a family approach to the long-term care of orphaned and abandoned children. SOS Children’s Villages upholds child protection policy and our selection processes reflect our commitment to the protection of children and youth from abuse. Banadir Region (Heliwa, Wadajir, Dharkenley and Dayninle districts) southwest-state (Baidoa, Burhakaba, Berdale, Baidoa and Hudur) and Hirshabelle State (Jowhar, Adale & Balcad).

SOS Children’s Villages invites applications from suitably qualified and interested candidates who fulfill the eligibility criterion for the below position.

Position                                 : Psychosocial Counselor PSS (1 Position)

Location                                : Jowhar-Hirshabelle State

Responsible to                       : CP/GBV Project Coordinator

Job Summary:

The GBV Psychosocial Counselor (PSS) is responsible for providing quality, survivor-centered psychosocial support and counselling services to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). The role focuses on promoting mental well-being, strengthening resilience, and ensuring safe, confidential, and ethical service delivery in line with GBV guiding principles.

Under the supervision of the CP/GBV Coordinator, the Psychosocial Counselors: Coordinates, Supervises & Manages provision of GBV Response Team’s Protection services to Persons of Concern living in Jowhar and Balcad. Additionally, the Psychosocial Counselors are responsible for reporting monthly on all GBV protection activities undertaken by the Response team. The Psychosocial Counselors will supervise the professional development of Para-Counselors by designing and delivering training as needed, providing guidance in the field and ensuring the quality of services provided. S/he will work and liaise closely with the GBV Officers, Para counselors and Child Protection team on documentation of programme activities as per the donor requirements.

Key Area of responsibility:

• Provide comprehensive psychosocial counseling to SGBV survivors focused on the survivor centered case management approach.
• Provide assessment and counseling both at individual and group level as the situation demands management approach.
• Ensure all work with SGBV survivors is confidential and that ethical practices are observed.
• Document client data accurately in the intake forms and ensure they are under lock and key.
• Ensure that the GBVIMS is accurately updated on a regular basis.
• Take lead in the interpretation of the data analyzed on trends and work with Protection manager to disseminate information to all relevant stakeholders.
• Take lead in the development of case management monitoring tools and systems and ensure that all staff that are required to utilize it are trained on the correct way of handling the systems.
• Conduct sensitization and capacity building sessions with the wider population about issues of trauma and GBV.
• Facilitate formation of support groups for survivors of GBV and other vulnerable groups.
• Identify and strengthen Community structures through engaging community leaders and other stakeholders to ensure that the survivors receive adequate support at the community level.
• Support the GBV officers and Protection Monitors, in dissemination of relevant information during the Community GBV prevention forums and meetings.
• Work in close collaboration with the GBV officer to ensure on-going needs of at-risk groups, women and girls are being met in the prevention related activities.
• Strengthening existing referral systems and networks of psychosocial service providers
• Conduct regular case conference meetings with the GBV Response team both at individual and group levels.
• Take lead in the preparation of accurate reports for all psychosocial related activities

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s Degree/Diploma in Psychology, Social Work or other Social Science related field.

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in providing psychosocial counseling to survivors of GBV or mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS).

• Fluent in written and spoken English and Somali language
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including empathic listening
• Ability to communicate in a highly professional manner with clients, community members and professional partners.
• Sound knowledge of gender issues in humanitarian settings, particularly GBV, including relevant international human rights, principles and established international standards (i.e: CPMS, GBVIMS, etc.)
• Able to complete required reporting and documentation within the set deadlines
• Highly motivated, creative, and compassionate person who is dedicated to ensuring that models of best practice are utilized.

Child Safeguarding Policy: SOS Children’s Villages International holds strict child safeguarding principles and a zero-tolerance policy for conducts of sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse in the workplace and other places where the organization’s activities are rendered.  Parallel to technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring decisions will give due emphasis to assessing candidates value congruence and thorough background checks, police clearance reference processes. 

Application Procedure:

Interested applicants should send their applications with a CV and scanned copies of your academic and professional certificates indicating telephone numbers and three referees to below link.

Indicating with subject line of the position/location.

Closing date is 25^th April 2026.

Competent Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.