Operational Context/Role
This is a position based in Kakuma. The Counselling Coordinator is responsible for the JRS Counselling Department in Kakuma, under the direction and supervision of the Kakuma Project Director.
Key Responsibilities
1. Programme Management
Plan, coordinate, monitor, offer counselling services to the refugees in the specific areas assigned, and evaluate the program’s effectiveness.
Assess the Counselling program and provide a way forward to the implementations of the program in Kakuma and Kalobeyei.
Develop learning tools for psychosocial support in collaboration with the program assistant.
Develop M&E tools to access & measure the impact of the program on the beneficiaries.
Monitor the progress of the counselling program to ensure adherence to set targets and agreed implementation time-frame and takes follow-up actions in conjunction with the Project Director.
Develop/update training modules and methodologies and carry out training to Social Workers and incentive staff to assist in the implementation of program services.
Provide assessment, guidance and in-service training to the JRS counsellors and social workers.
Guide the Assistant Counselling Coordinator and community counsellors to develop and implement trainings for community counsellors and community members.
Provide counselling services to clients when necessary, although the community counsellors carry out most counselling.
Carry out an in-depth assessment of needs of victims, especially victims of gender crimes and children, and of methodologies to address these needs with a multidisciplinary approach.
Contribute to project proposals and reports writing and provide weekly reporting on activities.
Ensure that clients’ records are kept up to date and that the principle of confidentiality is adhered to.
Maintain appropriate documentation and reporting tools.
Be actively involved in advocacy on behalf of refugees.
Offer support to the Kakuma Project in other areas as needed.
2. Budget Planning and Management
Responsible for the overall budget management of the JRS Counseling department funds, e.g. the budget preparation, ensures that proper financial management of the department, proper financial reporting and recording in conjunction with the Project Director.
Ensure proper utilization of resources, including prompt accountability of funds and reporting.
Understand budgets and keeps abreast with all financial aspects in program management.
3. Staff Planning and Management
Plan for the staff requirement for the program in consultation with the Project Director and in collaboration with members of your team (Program Assistants, Social Workers, Incentive Supervisors).
Actively involved in the recruitment, supervision, reviewing job description and contracts, prepare work plans, leave control, discipline and performance appraisal of the staff in the program.
Carry out people management and staff motivation with a view to upholding the JRS vision and mission.
4. Reporting
Keep the Project Director informed on the activities of the project by providing relevant correspondence, reports and meeting minutes as well as by making regular contact.
Responsible for prompt submission of all Counseling and Mental Health departments’ financial and narrative reports.
5. Communication
In conjunction with the Project Director is responsible for co-ordination and liaison between JRS and other agencies/local government/local communities/displaced camp community as regards to JRS’ Counselling.
Work collaboratively with JRS team and with other stakeholders e.g. UNHCR, LWF, IRC, IsraAID, etc.
Represent JRS at stakeholders’ meetings as necessary.
Leadership Behaviours
Excellent interpersonal, listening and communication skills.
Great leadership skills.
Ability to positively influence others and successfully reconcile differences.
A self-starter with a strong results orientation and with high levels of integrity, credibility and dependability.
An energetic team player who can effectively collaborate, and who can stand alone when necessary.
Passionate about advocacy for the rights and needs of people with special needs.
Ability to work in international settings and with various departments to implement successful approaches to psychosocial matters.
Demonstrated ability to work and deliver under pressure and tight deadlines.
Core values
Commitment to JRS mission, vision and values, and the ability to convey with enthusiasm JRS’s role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and in advocating for their right to protection and a life in dignity.
High integrity, honesty and confidentiality; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with situations, people and information.
Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as a core value.
Willingness to work in flexible, sub-optimal, stressful and unstable environment.
Qualifications and Experience
Advanced University degree, preferably in Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Counselling or equivalent.
Bachelor’s degree/Post-graduate diploma with at least four (4) years of experience working with NGOs in Counselling and mental health programs.
Professional experience in a similar capacity with international, non-profit organizations.
Languages
Excellent proficiency in written and verbal English; a professional working knowledge of a language spoken in the country is desirable.
Knowledge of French and Arabic an added advantage.
Conditions
Contract is for one year, renewable with an initial probationary period of three months. The JRS remuneration policy is aligned with the JRS ethos to offer effective and professional services and at the same time express solidarity with the people served. The salary is calculated with the use of a post-adjustment multiplier and takes into account years of relevant experience and degree of responsibility of the role. Details will be discussed with short-listed candidates.
