Psychologist -Child Protection

About SDF:

The Sustainable Development Foundation (SDF) is a non-governmental, voluntary, independent organization established in March 2015, officially registered at the Ministry of Social Affairs as per license (99/307). SDF has been present in Yemen, it has experience implementing emergency child protection and education responses, including women and youth empowerment. SDF has experience in handling large grants from international donors, such as UNDP, UNHCR, WFP, OCHA, WHO, SCI and ZOA. SDF has excellent national-level relations and has experience in coordinating with both national and international NGOs. It has offices, staff and community-based committees in Aden, Hajjah, Sana'a, Marib, Ibb, Hudidah, Dhamar, Almahweet, Al-Bayda’a, and Hadramout as well as solid experiences engaging with local communities from whom it gained acceptance and with whom it has collaborated in the past. In addition to that, SDF creates livelihood opportunities and community-based protection.

• Posted vacancy: Psychologist -Child Protection
• Employer: Sustainable Development Foundation (SDF) – Yemen.
• Location: Lahj
• Doner: Yemen Humanitarian Fund (YHF)
• Contract Type: Full-Time.
• Position reporting to: Protection Officer.
• Starting Date: ASAP.
• Post date: April 5th, 2026
• Closing date: April 11th, 2026
• Number of Positions: 2

Job Purpose:

Responsible for receiving the child protection and providing child protection case management and providing psychosocial counselling, psycho-social support, case management, and referral to other service providers through the established. If in any situation the beneficiaries are unable to reach the coordination office the Psychologist will be committed to a mobile duty station in which the project monitors team will plan the designated days/locations per case taking into consideration urgent cases.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for receiving child protection cases at the SDF coordination office in Lahj City or as mobile.
• Conduct initial assessments to identify the needs of children at risk, including those affected by abuse, neglect, exploitation, or violence.
• Develop and implement individualized case management plans for each child, ensuring a holistic approach to their protection and well-being.
• Conduct regular follow-ups to monitor progress and adjust care plans as needed.
• Provide individual and group counselling to children and their families, using child-friendly and trauma-informed approaches.
• Deliver psychosocial support to help children cope with emotional distress, trauma, and other psychological challenges.
• Refer children and their families to other service providers (e.g., medical, legal, educational, or shelter services) through the established protection network.
• Coordinate with other service providers to ensure children receive comprehensive and timely support.
• Commit to mobile duty stations when beneficiaries are unable to reach the coordination office.
• Work with the project monitors team to plan designated days and locations for mobile services, prioritizing urgent cases.
• Provide immediate support to children in crisis situations, including those requiring urgent attention.
• Develop and implement crisis intervention plans to address acute protection and psychosocial needs.
• Maintain confidential and accurate records of all cases, including assessments, care plans, and follow-up actions.
• Work closely with the protection team, project monitors, and other stakeholders to ensure a coordinated response to child protection cases.
• Support the protection monitors team in sharing information about the project’s services, including child protection services, psychosocial support (PSS), and counselling, to beneficiaries in targeted districts and surrounding areas to Raise awareness about the location and availability of project services to ensure access for those in need
• Conduct training sessions for community members, staff, and partners on child protection issues, including identification of risks, prevention, and response to Promote awareness of child rights and the importance of child protection services.
• Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional standards in providing psychological services, ensuring confidentiality and respect for survivors’ rights, Follow the do-no-harm principle and prioritize the safety and well-being of survivors.
• Prepare regular reports on GBV cases, services provided, and outcomes for monitoring and evaluation purposes.
• Perform any other duties as requested by supervisor.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor degree in Psychology (Clinical, Counseling, or related field) is required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in providing psychological services, preferably in humanitarian settings.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, including women, children, and individuals affected by trauma, displacement, or violence.
• Proven experience in conducting psychological assessments, diagnosing mental health disorders, and providing evidence-based therapy.
• Proficiency in using psychological assessment tools and diagnostic criteria (e.g., DSM-5, ICD-10).
• Strong knowledge of therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis, trauma-focused therapy, and crisis intervention.
• Experience in case management and maintaining confidential client records.
• Familiarity with Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Child Protection issues, including child labor, early marriages, and trauma-related disorders.
• Understanding of the psychological impact of conflict, displacement, and humanitarian crises on individuals and communities.
• Understanding of the do-no-harm principle and the ability to work sensitively in culturally diverse contexts
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work effectively in high-stress environments and manage multiple cases simultaneously.
• Fluency in Arabic is essential, as the role involves working with local populations.
• Proficiency in English is preferred for reporting and coordination purposes

Professional Standards: 

The SDF workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in SDF Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equity. In accordance with these values, the SDF operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity Anti-Retaliation, and Combating Trafficking in Persons.