Psychosocial Counsellor

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Position: Psychosocial Counsellor

Location: CASANepal Shelter Home, Kathmandu

Only Female Candidates Will Be Considered

Introduction

APEIRON is a women-led Nepali NGO working towards a gender-equal society through four main areas of intervention:

1. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention and Response
2. Awareness and Education
3. Income Generation
4. Institutional Collaboration

Established in 2004 as an international NGO headquartered in Italy, APEIRON transitioned into a national NGO in 2013. Since 2007, APEIRON has been providing shelter services for GBV survivors in Nepal, currently operating shelters in Kathmandu (CASANepal) and Sindhuli (Sindhuli Safe House). The shelters offer a holistic package of services, including psychosocial counselling, medical support, child care, and skills development training to help survivors rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.

APEIRON is now seeking a qualified and experienced Psychosocial Counsellor for its shelter home in Kathmandu under the project “Gender-Based Violence Response and Protection Program.” The overall objective of the project is to strengthen existing support systems for GBV survivors and their dependent children.

Role Overview

The Psychosocial Counsellor plays a vital role in fostering emotional healing, resilience, and psychological well-being among GBV survivors. This role requires a deep commitment to trauma-informed and survivor-centred approaches. The Counsellor will provide individualized and group-based support, facilitate reintegration, and help empower survivors to regain confidence, stability, and self-reliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct mental health assessments during the intake phase to evaluate the psychosocial condition and specific support needs of each survivor.
• Provide individual and group counselling sessions to GBV survivors to address trauma, emotional distress, and psychosocial needs.
• Conduct family and couple counselling when required.
• Apply evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help survivors process trauma and manage thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
• Create a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment in line with a survivor-centred approach.
• Deliver immediate crisis support and interventions to survivors in acute distress.
• Assist survivors in developing emotional regulation techniques and practical coping mechanisms.
• Educate survivors on self-care, mental health, and emotional well-being strategies.
• Contribute to survivors’ sustainable reintegration into families and communities through follow-up support, mentoring, and field visits.
• Conduct community-level awareness sessions and workshops in local schools and other settings as needed.
• Lead the case management process for each survivor in accordance with established case management protocols, ensuring coordinated, survivor-centered care and documentation.
• Maintain accurate case records, documentation, and personal folders in accordance with established protocols.
• Prepare monthly reports, case summaries, and data inputs for internal and external reporting.
• Uphold confidentiality and data protection standards in all survivor-related matters.
• Collaborate closely with shelter staff, external stakeholders, and relevant service providers.

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Psychosocial Counselling.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience, preferably in the GBV or protection sector.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with GBV survivors is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of trauma, gender dynamics, and GBV response frameworks.
• Practical knowledge of diverse counselling methods and therapeutic tools.

Core Competencies

• Deep commitment to a rights-based and survivor-centred approach.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
• Flexibility, creativity, and problem-solving mindset.
• Nepali and English language proficiency and Nepali fluency for effective communication with survivors and community
• Willingness to travel for field visits and follow-ups.
• Commitment to APEIRON’s mission and values.

Safeguarding and Code of Conduct

APEIRON is committed to the prevention of abuse, exploitation, and harassment in all forms. The selected candidate must comply with our safeguarding policies and undergo a background check prior to final appointment.

Application Instructions

This is a full-time position for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding. The selected candidate should be available to start by 15 August 2025.

Interested and eligible candidates are requested to submit:

• A Letter of Interest
• An updated CV
• Salary expectation

to info@apeironnepal.org by the 2nd of August 2025. Please mention “Application for Psychosocial Counsellor – Kathmandu Shelter” in the subject line of your email.

APEIRON promotes diversity and inclusion. Female candidates from marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.