Senior Psychosocial Support Services Officer

Makerere University is pleased to announce a vacant position for a Senior Psychosocial Support Services Officer. The successful candidate will serve full-time with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Makerere University.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aims to advance inclusive university education and empower young people to become leaders who make meaningful contributions to national and regional development. The Program provides scholarships and comprehensive academic, psychosocial, leadership, and transition support to young African women and men admitted to undergraduate and master's programmes at Makerere University's Main Campus.

Position details

• Duty Station: Makerere University, Main Campus
• Duration of Employment: Four-year contract
• Reports to: Operations Lead, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Purpose of the job

The Senior Psychosocial Support Services Officer will ensure the delivery of high-quality, inclusive psychosocial and mental health services to Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Facilitate the mandatory mental wellness check-in for newly recruited Mastercard Foundation Scholars. 2. Facilitate annual psychosocial needs assessment for continuing Mastercard Foundation Scholars. 3. Provide individual counselling support to Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni. 4. Organize group counselling sessions tailored to specific groups of Mastercard Foundation Scholars, including those from refugee backgrounds, those living with disabilities, those studying outside their home countries, young mothers, and those who may be experiencing grief. 5. Develop and maintain up-to-date counselling logs for Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni. 6. Facilitate the functioning of the Family System as psychosocial support groups for Mastercard Foundation Scholars. 7. In liaison with the Counselling and Guidance Centre, facilitate the operations of the Peer Counselling Buddy Group for the wider Makerere University student community. 8. Organise training sessions for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the university staff on matters of mental health for students and staff. 9. Partnership Development and Learning: a. Represent the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program in the relevant working groups of the Mastercard Foundation. b. Identify and build strategic partnerships that strengthen psychosocial and mental wellness. 10. Safeguarding: Monitor, identify and report to the Safeguarding Liaison Officer any safeguarding concerns that may arise during the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program implementation. 11. Reporting: Analyze and synthesize activity-related data, and compile monthly activity reports.

Qualifications

• A master's degree in Counselling Psychology from a recognized university.
• An honours bachelor's degree in one of the following disciplines: social sciences, social work, education and psychology from a recognized university.

Experience

• At least six years of relevant work experience, including at least three years at the Psychosocial Support Services Officer level.
• At least five years of membership in a recognized professional body, such as the Uganda Counselling Association or the Psychological Association of Uganda.

Notes

1. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
2. Makerere University is committed to casting a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect for all; as such, the University recruits and employs without any form of discrimination.
3. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to candidates with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.
4. Submitting falsified documents or providing false information may result in disqualification and/or legal action.
5. Makerere University does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interviews, or processing of employment contracts.