Psychologist

Base Location: Peshawar

Number of Positions: 06

Gender: Female

Reports to: GBV Project Officer

Job Purpose: The incumbent will be responsible for delivering specialized psychosocial support services within Dar-ul-Aman shelters across targeted districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The role is central to improving the emotional well-being, resilience, and recovery of women and girls affected by gender-based violence (GBV) or other trauma. The psychologist will provide individual and group counselling, conduct psychological assessments, and develop support plans for survivors. Additionally, the role includes training shelter staff in psychological first aid and strengthening institutional capacity to respond to mental health needs in a safe, professional, and survivor-centered manner.

Key Accountabilities:

The job holder is accountable for fulfilling his or her roles and responsibilities in line with organization’s values and principles of fairness, humanity, honesty, respect and fair treatment of his/her colleagues and staff.

-        The incumbent will be responsible for delivering specialized psychosocial support services within Dar-ul-Aman shelters across targeted districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The role is central to improving the emotional well-being, resilience, and recovery of women and girls affected by gender-based violence (GBV) or other trauma. The psychologist will provide individual and group counselling, conduct psychological assessments, and develop support plans for survivors. Additionally, the role includes training shelter staff in psychological first aid and strengthening institutional capacity to respond to mental health needs in a safe, professional, and survivor-centered manner.

-        Coordinate mental health services in DUAs across assigned districts.

-        Develop work plans and session schedules in coordination with supervisor.

-        Ensure case documentation, data protection, and referral tracking.

-        Support reporting for internal use and donor requirements.

-        Use case tracking tools, maintain confidentiality, and follow organizational SOPs.

-        Demonstrate organization’s values and promote mental health awareness as part of GBV response.

-        Strengthen service delivery through evidence-based practices and ethical care.

-        Support integration of MHPSS services into overall GBV programming.

-        Promote inclusive and trauma-informed environments in shelters.

-        Engage in internal capacity-building efforts and cross-learning among teams.

-        Represent organization’s positively and professionally at the grassroots level.

-        Abide by the organization’s zero tolerance policy towards bribery & corruption through sensitization / empowerment of communities on coping mechanism so that they can raise voice as & when feel inappropriate.

-        Represent organization in a professional and respectful manner during activities.

-        Provide psychological first aid during acute emotional distress.

-        Identify individuals in need of referral to psychiatric or specialized services.

-        Support group therapy, peer healing sessions, and stress management activities.

-        Ensure that DUA residents have access to safe, supportive, and confidential care

-        Coordinate with shelter management, legal aid officers, and healthcare providers to ensure holistic survivor support.

-        Maintain updated case files with proper confidentiality protocols.

-        Develop and share case summaries, progress reports, and analysis of common trends.

-        Participate in inter-agency coordination when required.

-        Train and mentor DUA staff on psychosocial principles and survivor interac

-        Uphold organization’s safeguarding, PSEAH, and Do No Harm principles in all service delivery.

-        Represent organization with professionalism and empathy in sensitive environments.

-        Ensure integration of cultural sensitivity, gender equity, and mental health ethics in all interactions.

-        Support learning, adaptation, and improvement in MHPSS service models.

-        4Participate in broader advocacy events, or donor visits as required.

-        Ensure respectful and confidential communication with individuals in DUA.

-        In depth understanding of organization’s values and their demonstration in the field while working with individuals in DUAs.

-        Abide by the organization’s zero tolerance policy towards bribery & corruption through sensitization / empowerment of communities on coping mechanism so that they can raise voice as & when feel inappropriate.

-        Assist in identification & documentation of organizational successes for show casing organization’s work.

-        Person Specification

-        It is essential that the post holder shows a good understanding and sympathy with the organizational values & principles, vision and mission as well as commitment to its PSEAH (preventing sexual exploitation abuse and harassment) and Safeguarding protocols. Organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards SEAH and don’t support any action that promotes or encourages SEAH/Safeguarding.

-        Organization is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom organization engages. Organization expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

Qualification: 

·       Master’s degree in Psychology, Clinical Psychology or relevant fields.

Experience:

·       Minimum 3 Years with Masters and or 5 years’ experience with Bachelor’s in providing psychological support, preferably in humanitarian or GBV-focused settings.

·       Experience working in shelter homes, hospitals, or trauma recovery centers is highly desirable.

·       Proven experience in group facilitation, stress management, and crisis counselling.

·       Previous experience with NGOs/INGOs or outreach programs is preferred.

Computer Skills:

·       Excellent proficiency in MS Word, Outlook, Case tracking systems and digital reporting system.

Language: 

·       Fluency in Urdu and local languages (Pashto) is essential. Proficiency in English is required.

Key Personal Qualities:

·       High emotional intelligence, empathy, and ethical integrity.

·       Strong documentation, communication, and listening skills.

·       Ability to handle high-pressure and emotionally intense situations calmly.

·       Self-driven and able to work independently in field conditions.

·       Has a positive nature and able to overcome issues that create hindrance in achievement of entrusted goals / objectives.

·       Has a learning attitude and a continuous improvement philosophy.

Please note, we are only able to accept applications from candidates who are eligible to live and work in the Pakistan. We are unable to progress applications which would require sponsorship. 

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

• The organisation is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behavior at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom the organisation engages. The organisation expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.
• The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.
• All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records checks. The organisation also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.
• In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.
• By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Pre-employment Checks:

Any employment with organization will be subject to the following checks:

• Screening clearance
• Receipt of satisfactory references

We are an equal opportunities employer.

DECLARATION:

By applying for this position with the organisation;

Declarations # 1: “I hereby confirm that I have never been involved and/or charged in violation of SEAH (Sexual Exploitation Abuse & Harassment) related concerns in my career.”

Declarations # 2: “I confirm that the above information in the CV/Application is complete and correct and that any untrue or misleading information will give my employer the right to terminate any employment contract offered.”

Declarations # 3: “I agree that information contained within this application and supporting documents (including "sensitive information”) may be accessed, stored and used and by the organization in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.”