​​national Staff Counsellor​

Organizational Context

The National Staff Counsellor operates within IOM Ukraine, reporting directly to the Chief of Mission and technically to the Senior Staff Welfare Officer in Geneva HQ. This role involves close coordination with Country and Regional Office units, focusing on implementing comprehensive staff welfare activities. It is crucial for supporting the well-being of IOM personnel in the country.

Job Purpose

The primary purpose of the National Staff Counsellor is to safeguard and enhance the psychological well-being of IOM staff members and their dependents in Ukraine. This role is critical for providing essential psychological counselling, support, and interventions, particularly in response to critical incidents and emergencies. The Counsellor contributes significantly to fostering a resilient and supportive work environment by conducting psychosocial risk assessments, developing and delivering targeted training on stress management and mental health awareness, and offering expert consultations to management. By identifying and liaising with local and regional mental health resources, the role ensures timely referrals and comprehensive support. Ultimately, the position ensures IOM Ukraine's adherence to professional standards and UN mental health strategies, thereby strengthening the overall welfare framework for humanitarian workers.

Responsibilities

The National Staff Counsellor provides direct psychological support through confidential one-to-one and group counselling sessions, both in-person and online, for staff members and their dependents, especially following critical incidents and emergencies. The role involves conducting psychosocial risk assessments in the workplace and developing appropriate interventions. Key responsibilities include developing and delivering comprehensive training programs for all staff on topics such as stress management, emotional processing, and well-being, alongside targeted training for managers to foster a supportive environment. The Counsellor produces psycho-educational materials and collaborates with managers on preventative initiatives. Strategic contributions include providing recommendations to the Chief of Mission on implementing UN Mental Health and IOM People Strategies, and offering consultations to management on staff well-being. The role coordinates staff welfare responses during emergencies, liaises with the Senior Staff Welfare Officer, and ensures security plans address psychosocial needs. Furthermore, the Counsellor identifies and collaborates with local and regional mental health resources for referrals, ensuring staff in crisis receive appropriate external support. Administrative duties involve developing data collection tools, maintaining records, producing regular reports, and ensuring strict adherence to UNSSCG professional standards and the Code of Ethics for UN Staff Counsellors.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant counseling experience post-licensure/certification/registration is required, with a preference for experience in international or humanitarian organizations. Essential experience includes counselling and psychosocial interventions, and working with UN Agencies, International Humanitarian Organizations, or Employee Assistance Programmes. Demonstrated familiarity with the impact of humanitarian work conditions on staff well-being is also crucial.

Skills

Excellent communication and writing skills. In-depth knowledge of migration-related subject areas. Familiarity with diversity and its implementation. Knowledge of modern technologies, including teleservices. Readiness to travel and work in emergency contexts.

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