Regional Staff Counsellor

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is a leading UN agency promoting humane and orderly migration. It works with governments and partners to save lives, protect people on the move, and facilitate pathways for regular migration. The organization is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. This role sits within the Regional Office, under the supervision of the Chief Staff Welfare Officer at Headquarters.

Job Purpose

The Regional Staff Counsellor is responsible for implementing staff welfare activities to assess and address the psychological needs of IOM staff within the Regional Office and its Country Offices. This involves providing effective psychosocial support, a safe and confidential environment for staff to address personal and professional problems, and offering advice to leadership on healthy work practices and staff support strategies. The role aims to mitigate stress, increase protective factors, and promote resilience among staff, particularly in emergency contexts. The Counsellor will also deliver psychoeducational programs, raise awareness on mental health themes, and act as an advocate for anti-stigma programming, contributing to a supportive and healthy work environment.

Responsibilities

Provide psychosocial support and confidential counselling to staff in the Regional Office and Country Offices, prioritizing emergency locations to mitigate stress and enhance protective factors. Offer support and advice to senior leadership on healthy work practices and effective staff support strategies, recommending interventions during and after crises. Deliver preventative psychoeducational programs and tailored workshops to address systemic issues and recurrent problems, raising awareness on mental health and advocating against stigma. Develop a network of external mental health providers and provide Critical Incident Stress Management support, including follow-up interventions for affected staff and their dependents. Coordinate with other UN agencies for psychosocial support during emergencies, develop data collection and reporting mechanisms, and alert management to concerning trends. Undertake duty travel to Country Offices, capture lessons learned, and participate in relevant team meetings and training activities, adhering to professional standards and the UN Mental Health and Workplace Health Strategy.

Work Experience

Minimum of five years of relevant counselling experience post-licensure/certification/registration. Experience with counselling and psychosocial interventions is essential, as is experience working with UN Agencies, International Humanitarian Organizations, or Employee Assistance Programmes. Demonstrated familiarity with the impact of working conditions on humanitarian workers' well-being is required. Previous working experience in the region is desirable.

Skills

Excellent communication and writing skills. Familiarity with diversity and its implementation. Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite. Readiness to travel and work in emergency contexts.

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