Psychosocial Support Consultant

الوصف الوظيفي

Background
Catholic Relief Services (CRS), an international non-governmental organization (NGO), is implementing an emergency response in the Gaza strip following the recent military escalation in Gaza that resulted in a humanitarian crisis. The consequences on the population have been devastating, including the death of more than 2,100 local Palestinians; the destruction or irreparable damage of homes for 65,000 residents; and the traumatic impact on 373,000 children who need psychosocial support. CRS is assisting people in meeting their basic needs through food, water, and medical supplies, and is helping them rebuild their lives.

Scope of Work

CRS is seeking to hire one full-time equivalent consultant to provide psychosocial support and counseling services to CRS staff, partner staff and others affected by the military incursion in Gaza. The consultant will provide support to CRS staff and partner staff to: 1) deal with their own personal trauma and stress, 2) maintain a good level of self-care, and 3) support traumatized individuals that they may encounter in their work as aid workers. Additionally, the consultant may provide technical expertise on project design as CRS’ psychosocial support intervention develops.
Specific Activities
1)Design and facilitate group sessions for CRS and partner staff on coping with personal trauma, stress management, and self-care for aid workers.
2)Orient CRS and partner staff in “psychological first aid” or other techniques for supporting traumatized individuals they many encounter in their work.
3)Provide one-on-one counseling to individuals experiencing high levels of stress or trauma.
4)Provide psychosocial support activities for families of CRS staff, including sessions for parents on supporting traumatized children and limited sessions for children of staff
5)Other activities, as required.
Deliverables
1)Curricula for group sessions on topics including, but not limited to: coping with personal trauma; stress management; self-care for aid workers; psychological first aid; and caring for traumatized children
2)Regular activity reports, including content, number, and attendance of group sessions, and number of individual counseling sessions.
3)Other materials, contingent on additional activities assigned.

Key Working Relationships
The Consultant will be supervised by the CRS Gaza Program Manager. The Consultant will work closely with the entire CRS Gaza team and partner staff.
Period of Performance and Working Conditions

The consultancy will begin immediately and continue through November 13, 2014 with the possibility of extension depending on whether there is a continuing need. The consultant will work full-time equivalent hours on weekdays during this time period. The position will be based in Gaza. Travel within Gaza required.

Requirements
-BA or higher university degree in psychology or counseling; MA preferred
-At 3 years’ experience working with trauma survivors, preferably within Gaza
-Experience leading trainings and workshops
-Residency in or access to Gaza
-Fluent in Arabic; proficient in English
-Females are highly encouraged to apply

How to apply
Interested applicants with relevant experience and education are encouraged to submit an application as follows:
-Submit a technical application that includes consultant CVs, a cover letter that addresses the selection criteria outlined above, and three professional references (5 pages maximum). CVs in English preferred.
-Submit a financial proposal. Prices should be in US dollars and must be valid up till 90 days after the submission date.
-Please submit your complete application online at: http://jobs.crsjwbg.org no later than COB September 9, 2014.
-The successful bidder will sign all USAID-required documents.
-CRS reserves the right to reject all bids, and to decide not to pursue this procurement. CRS is not obliged to procure the lowest priced offer, when the lowest price does not offer the best overall value, all other factors considered.

-For questions, please contact CRS at: [email protected], TEL: 026569240.