PSS Officer at Borno Women Development Initiative (BOWDI)

Location - Bama, pulka and Mungono

Overall Purpose of the Role

Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager and the technical guidance of the MHPSS Specialist/Protection Officer, the PSS Officer will be responsible for implementing BOWDI’s psychosocial support (PSS) activities. These include facilitating structured group PSS sessions and individualized stress management or counselling sessions. With technical support from the MHPSS Specialist, the PSS Officer will adapt session content to address diverse and evolving needs. The PSS Officer will also manage referrals to both internal teams and external service providers, support PSS assessments, and contribute to ongoing protection monitoring activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

PSS Program Implementation

• Plan, prepare, and deliver structured group and one-off PSS sessions, ensuring they are age-, gender-, and diversity-appropriate and aligned with BOWDI guidance and manuals.
• Develop daily session plans and prepare visual aids or relevant materials.
• Provide individual psychosocial case management services to beneficiaries needing extra support. This includes conducting assessments, developing case plans, delivering psychosocial care, making referrals, and maintaining case documentation.
• Refer clients to specialized service providers when necessary, following local referral pathways and ensuring a survivor-centred approach.
• Conduct awareness sessions on stress, distress symptoms, and the availability of PSS services in the community.
• Deliver continuous psycho-social support through regular follow-ups, adhering strictly to confidentiality and ethical protocols.
• Contribute to regular reports and program development through feedback on needs, trends, and best practices.
• Support service mapping for effective referral coordination.
• Update BOWDI’s tracking systems with accurate PSS activity data on a weekly basis.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the supervisor to support protection programming.

Protection Monitoring & Assessments

• Monitor and report protection concerns from the field in target communities.
• Conduct individual protection interviews using BOWDI-approved questionnaires and SOPs.
• Meet monthly targets for data collection and ensure timely, accurate submissions.
• Ensure triangulation and validation of field data to maintain reliability.
• Promptly report emerging protection risks to the Protection Officer and/or Manager
• Provide direct case management or referrals for at-risk individuals identified during monitoring.
• Support data collection for PSS needs assessments as required by the MHPSS Specialist.

Experience and Technical Competencies

• 2–4 years of experience in similar roles with NGOs.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and initiative.
• Commitment to upholding human rights and humanitarian principles.
• Experience working in diverse community contexts.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to work extra hours or weekends in emergency situations.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize effectively, and remain detail oriented.

Languages

• Fluency and Knowledge of the local is essential.
• Proficiency in English is preferred but not mandatory.

Education

• A bachelor’s degree in psychology, Social Work, or a related field is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other basic digital tools is essential.

Core Competencies (BOWDI)

• Striving for Excellence: Focused on outcomes while ensuring quality processes.
• Collaboration: Actively involves stakeholders and values feedback.
• Leadership: Takes ownership and fosters innovation.
• Communication: Communicates clearly and respectfully.
• Integrity: Upholds the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, including safeguarding policies.

Women are strongly encouraged to apply