Protection Officer at HIAS Refugee Trust of Kenya

POSITION SUMMARY

HIAS Kenya seeks to recruit a Protection Officer who will support the implementation of integrated MHPSS and protection programming in Kenya to improve access to appropriate psychosocial care, strengthen protective environments, and promote the well-being and resilience of refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable populations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Programming

• Establish and support implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the provision of MHPSS services to refugees and asylum seekers in line with HIAS and IASC MHPSS guidelines.
• In coordination with protection colleagues, support intake processes by developing and applying brief psychosocial assessments to identify emergency and ongoing MHPSS needs.
• Provide and facilitate culturally appropriate individual, group, family, and community-based MHPSS interventions.
• Facilitate evidence-based MHPSS approaches, including Doing What Matters in Times of Stress and Self-Help Plus (SH+).
• Develop and facilitate structured psychosocial activities that promote coping, resilience, social cohesion, and wellbeing.

Protection & Case Management Integration

• Ensure MHPSS services are delivered within a rights-based, survivor-centered, and protection-oriented framework.
• Work closely with protection and case management teams to identify psychosocial risks and protection concerns.
• Support safe identification, referral, and follow-up of individuals requiring specialized protection, health, or mental health services.
• Promote safe, confidential, and ethical information management in line with protection and data-sharing protocols.
• Contribute to protection risk mitigation and strengthening of protective community environments through MHPSS interventions.

Vulnerable populations such as women, girls, boys, and men

• Facilitate MHPSS interventions tailored to the needs of vulnerable populations
• Facilitate positive parenting skills sessions to support caregivers and strengthen family functioning.
• Support vulnerable communities' community activities that promote safety, psychosocial wellbeing, and resilience.

Community-Based Approaches & Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP)

• Ensure community-based approaches are central to MHPSS programming, recognizing communities as key stakeholders and partners.
• Support community awareness-raising on stress management, coping strategies, and available services.
• Promote accountability, dignity, and participation by integrating feedback and complaint mechanisms into MHPSS activities.
• Document community feedback and contribute to adaptive programming.

Capacity Building & Technical Support

• Provide ongoing technical support, coaching, and PSS supervision to HIAS staff and implementing partners.
• Deliver capacity-building trainings on:
  • MHPSS guidelines and standards
  • Psychological First Aid (PFA)
  • Basic psychosocial support skills
• Support partners and local organizations to integrate basic PSS support within inter-sectoral services and referral pathways.

 Coordination, Partnerships & Representation

• Serve as the primary point of contact for HIAS on MHPSS-related matters with local partners and stakeholders.
• Actively participate in inter-agency, multi-sectoral technical working groups and coordination forums.
• Coordinate with partners to strengthen referral pathways and ensure integration of MHPSS across health, protection, and other sectors.
• Support capacity strengthening of local organizations delivering MHPSS and protection services.

Reporting

• Contribute to regular progress reports, situation reports (SitReps), and donor reporting.
• Support in ethical data collection, confidentiality, and informed consent practices.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Degree in psychology, sociology, social work, anthropology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in MHPSS programming, preferably with refugees, asylum seekers, or migrant populations in emergency or humanitarian settings.
• Demonstrated experience operationalizing MHPSS global standards, including IASC guidelines.
• Experience in capacity building, community-based training, and awareness raising.
• Strong understanding of protection principles, safeguarding, PSEA, and Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP).
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in diverse, multicultural team environments.
• Professional, responsible, and ethical conduct

Remuneration: Gross pay of Kshs 108,000 per month.