Staff Counselor (Type B Consultant)
Organizational Context
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is a UN-related agency focused on promoting humane and orderly migration. It provides essential services, including psychological counseling, to Afghan nationals in Qatar. This role operates within the Staff Welfare unit, contributing to the mission's staff well-being initiatives.
Job Purpose
The Staff Counselor (Type B Consultant) is responsible for implementing staff welfare activities within the IOM mission in Qatar. This role provides direct psychological counseling and support to staff members and their dependents, both in-person and online. The purpose is to ensure the mental health and well-being of IOM personnel by offering confidential one-to-one and group sessions, critical incident support, and referrals to external mental health resources when necessary. The position aims to foster a supportive and resilient work environment, contributing to the overall effectiveness and sustainability of IOM's operations.
Responsibilities
The Staff Counselor will deliver direct mental health services, including confidential one-to-one and group counseling sessions for staff and dependents, and provide support during critical incidents and emergencies. Responsibilities include identifying and liaising with external mental health resources for referrals. The role also involves capacity building through training on stress management, emotional processing, and dealing with critical incidents for all staff, and targeted training for managers to enhance supportive work environments. Additionally, the counselor will facilitate addressing workplace psychosocial risks, offer consultations to management on staff well-being, and ensure adherence to professional standards and ethical codes. Reporting and administrative duties are also required.
Work Experience
A minimum of four years of relevant counseling experience post-licensure/certification is required. Experience in a similar setting, such as an international or humanitarian organization, is preferred. Familiarity with counseling and psychosocial interventions, and experience with UN agencies or employee assistance programs are also desirable.
Skills
Psychological counseling, critical incident support, mental health referrals, capacity building, training delivery, psychosocial risk assessment, staff welfare, communication, writing, diversity and inclusion awareness.