Psychosocial and Welfare Officer job at Makerere University

Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

Makerere University, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is implementing the Africa Climate Collaborative from 2025 to 2033. The Program seeks to strengthen Africa’s preparedness and response to climate change by developing a critical mass of thought leaders capable of driving the continent’s transition to green and resilient economies. The Africa Climate Collaborative Program at Makerere University will offer fully funded scholarships to outstanding young Africans at Master’s, PhD and Post-doctoral level. Additionally, the program will offer training opportunities for Youth to gain knowledge and skills in green entrepreneurship, facilitating transitions to a green economy and promoting job creation.

Makerere University is pleased to announce three (4) Vacant Positions under the Africa Climate Collaborative at Makerere University. For all Positions, Persons with Disabilities are encouraged to Apply.

Responsibilities or duties

Extend individualized career guidance and counselling sessions and maintain an up-to-date counselling log

Co-ordinate the group counselling sessions for Scholars in consideration of the special group

Co-ordinate trainings for Program and University staff on matters of mental wellness

Organize comprehensive orientation programmes for new Scholars.

Coordinate the housing scheme for the Scholars and ensure reasonable accommodation for students with disabilities

Facilitate internal and international travels for students and staff

Compile and analyze data related to program activities, and prepare accurate, timely reports to support decision-making, accountability, and continuous improvement

Monitor, identify and report any safeguarding concerns that may arise during the Program implementation

Coordinate welfare support for all program staff;

Perform any other related duties as may be assigned by the Supervisor.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

A Master’s degree in in any of the following fields: Counselling, Mental Health Studies, Clinical Psychology, from a recognized institution.

An Honour’s Bachelor’s degree in any of the following fields: Psychology, Social Work and Social Administration, Mental Health Studies, Community Psychology from a recognized institution.

Experience needed

A minimum of 3 years’ relevant working experience at the level of Assistant Psychosocial or Welfare Officer or Assistant Counselling Officer in a reputable organization.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

Demonstrated experience in conducting individual and group counselling.

Ability to conduct psychosocial assessments and develop appropriate support plans.

Understanding of youth mental health, academic stress management, and transitional support for university students.

Strong facilitation skills for group counselling and orientation programmes.

Strong understanding of safeguarding frameworks and duty of care principles.

Knowledge of inclusive accommodation standards for persons with disabilities.

Demonstrated capacity in data analysis and report writing.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Extend individualized career guidance and counselling sessions and maintain an up-to-date counselling log
• Co-ordinate the group counselling sessions for Scholars in consideration of the special group
• Co-ordinate trainings for Program and University staff on matters of mental wellness
• Organize comprehensive orientation programmes for new Scholars.
• Coordinate the housing scheme for the Scholars and ensure reasonable accommodation for students with disabilities
• Facilitate internal and international travels for students and staff
• Compile and analyze data related to program activities, and prepare accurate, timely reports to support decision-making, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Monitor, identify and report any safeguarding concerns that may arise during the Program implementation
• Coordinate welfare support for all program staff;
• Perform any other related duties as may be assigned by the Supervisor.

• Demonstrated experience in conducting individual and group counselling.
• Ability to conduct psychosocial assessments and develop appropriate support plans.
• Understanding of youth mental health, academic stress management, and transitional support for university students.
• Strong facilitation skills for group counselling and orientation programmes.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding frameworks and duty of care principles.
• Knowledge of inclusive accommodation standards for persons with disabilities.
• Demonstrated capacity in data analysis and report writing.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• A Master’s degree in in any of the following fields: Counselling, Mental Health Studies, Clinical Psychology, from a recognized institution.
• An Honour’s Bachelor’s degree in any of the following fields: Psychology, Social Work and Social Administration, Mental Health Studies, Community Psychology from a recognized institution.