Psychologist / Psychosocial Support Officer

About the Organization

CIFA is an international NGO with over 40 years of experience in protecting vulnerable children and youth. Active in Ethiopia for more than 20 years, CIFA promotes access to quality education, gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, and inclusive livelihoods. Through its integrated approach, CIFA has developed strong expertise in solid waste management and circular economy initiatives, linking environmental sustainability with socio-economic inclusion. CIFA currently operates in Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa City Administration, Amhara (South Wollo), Harari, and Oromia Region.

Job Summary

In the framework of the SECOND LIFE project, the Psychologist / Psychosocial Support Officer will contribute to the implementation of the project’s psychosocial support and inclusion activities, with a particular focus on vulnerable students and beneficiaries. The position will work closely with the Project Coordinator, the project psychosocial team, tutors, social workers, PROPRIDE and the two target TVET institutions. The role combines student support and inclusion-focused activities, ensuring high-quality delivery of vocational training and active engagement of beneficiaries.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct psychosocial assessments and contribute to the identification of beneficiaries’ needs, vulnerabilities and protection or support concerns.
• Provide individual psychosocial support and guidance to beneficiaries, in line with the project’s methodology and scope.
• Contribute to the development and follow-up of individualized life plans, supporting beneficiaries in identifying short- and medium-term personal goals.
• Monitor beneficiaries’ progress and identify cases requiring additional support or referral.
• Apply the common psychosocial methodology adopted by the project, based on the DREAM (Developing Resilience and Empowering Adaptive Minds) approach.
• Support the contextualization and consistent application of psychosocial approaches across project locations and activities.
• Participate in and contribute to relevant Training of Trainers, capacity-building and methodological sessions for project staff and partners.
• Work closely with tutors and social workers to ensure timely identification and follow-up of beneficiaries requiring psychosocial support.
• Support appropriate referrals to relevant public services, health and social services, Women and Children Bureaus, Social Affairs Bureaus and other specialized actors, as appropriate.
• Coordinate with the project’s socioeconomic experts and other relevant staff to ensure an integrated approach to beneficiary accompaniment.
• Maintain appropriate and confidential documentation of cases and follow-up, in line with CIFA procedures and safeguarding principles.
• Contribute to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for women, persons with disabilities, youth and other vulnerable groups.
• Support the identification of psychosocial or social barriers that may affect participation, learning and completion of TVET courses.
• Work with tutors and TVET staff to promote early identification of risks of disengagement and drop-out and appropriate follow-up.
• Contribute to the collection and analysis of psychosocial and beneficiary-support data, including the project’s vulnerability index and relevant monitoring tools.
• Provide regular updates to the Project Coordinator on psychosocial activities, emerging needs, challenges and referrals, while ensuring confidentiality and data protection.
• Contribute to internal learning, case reviews and improvement of psychosocial support practices.
• Participate in project meetings, coordination activities and field visits as required.
• Perform any other duties requested by management related to project implementation and the Organization’s needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Social Psychology or a related field.
• A Master’s degree in Psychology or a relevant field is considered an asset.
• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in psychosocial support, counselling, case management or related fields.
• Experience working with youth, women, persons with disabilities and/or other vulnerable groups.
• Experience in development, education, TVET, employment or social inclusion projects is highly desirable.
• Experience in psychosocial support within NGO or international development projects is an asset.
• Experience with resilience-based, community-based or similar psychosocial approaches is an asset.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and referral systems is an asset.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of Amharic is mandatory.
• Good knowledge of MS Office.
• Willingness to be based in Addis Ababa and travel locally if needed.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong interpersonal, communication and active listening skills.
• Ability to conduct psychosocial assessments and provide appropriate non-clinical psychosocial support.
• Strong understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding, professional ethics and safe referral practices.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse and vulnerable groups and in multicultural environments.
• Strong organizational, documentation and reporting skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with project staff, partners and TVET institutions.
• Good understanding of TVET systems and training methodologies.
• Sensitivity to gender and inclusion issues.
• Strong analytical, reporting, communication and interpersonal skills.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to apply through this link: https://forms.gle/3xodoxrLKPQnSqyP9

Please attach the following documents combined into one PDF file, in this order:

• Cover letter
• CV
• BA/MA/PhD certificates

It is recommended to follow the guidelines provided. Given the possible high number of applications, there is no guarantee that we will be able to respond to all applicants.