Child Protection - Paediatric Counsellor Internship at Danish Refugee Council

Overall purpose of the role:

The Pediatric Counsellor Intern will support the provision of age-appropriate psychosocial support (PSS) and basic mental health services to children affected by displacement, trauma, and adversity. The intern will work closely with case workers and community structures to promote child wellbeing, resilience, and recovery in Dadaab refugee camps (Ifo, Ifo 2 and Dagahaley).

Key Responsibilities:

R1. Psychosocial Support (PSS):

• Support delivery of structured and non-structured PSS activities for children (individual and group sessions).
• Assist in organizing child-friendly spaces and recreational activities that promote emotional wellbeing.
• Provide basic psychological first aid (PFA) under supervision.
• Support identification of children showing signs of distress, trauma, or developmental concerns.

R2. Case Management Support:

• Assist in intake, assessment, and documentation of child protection cases under supervision.
• Support referrals of children requiring specialized services (e.g., mental health, medical care, GBV response).
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to safe data management practices.
• Follow up on cases to ensure continuity of care.

R3. Community Engagement & Outreach:

• Support awareness sessions for caregivers on child wellbeing, positive parenting, and stress management.
• Engage with community-based child protection mechanisms.
• Assist in identifying at-risk children within the community.

R4. Coordination & Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of activities and submit regular updates to the supervisor.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and supervision sessions.
• Support monitoring and evaluation activities, including data collection for PSS interventions

R5. Safeguarding & Ethical Practice:

• Uphold child safeguarding and protection policies at all times.
• Ensure all interventions follow best interest of the child principles.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and informed consent/assent practices.

Education & qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree/Diploma certificate (or ongoing similar studies) in Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, Child Development, or related field, from a recognized/certified institution.
• Demonstrated interest in child protection, mental health, or humanitarian work.
• Previous volunteer or internship experience in community work, child support, or counselling is an asset.
• Basic understanding of trauma-informed care and child development.

DRC’s Core competencies:

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master the DRC’s core competencies below:

• Striving for excellence: you focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: you involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: you take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: you Uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Conditions:

Contract duration: 7 months contract. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council terms of employment for Interns.
Reporting to: Protection Officer-Child Protection
Availability: June 2026
Location: Dadaab

Key stakeholders:

Internal: Programme staff, Support Services staff
External: UNHCR Operations Team, Government officials and community leaders, Camp Management and Security Teams, External Technicians or Service Providers.

General Commitments: 
DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework ( http://www.drc.dk/HAF.4265.0.html )

Gender Equality: 
DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels.  In light of this, female candidates and those from minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.