Counselling Psychologist

Organizational Context

The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) serves as the UN headquarters in Africa and the representative office of the Secretary-General. Established in 1996, UNON supports the global programme implementation of UNEP and UN-Habitat, alongside other UN offices in Kenya. It provides essential administrative, conference, and information services. This role is within UNON's Joint Medical Services, part of the Division of Administrative Services, offering common services to UN staff in Kenya and other outposted locations.

Job Purpose

The UN Volunteer Counselling Psychologist will provide crucial psychological and psychosocial support to UN staff members and their dependents. This involves offering virtual or in-person counseling for a range of issues, including adaptation, adjustment, and acute psychological incidents. The role includes conducting needs assessments, providing psychoeducation, and offering Psychological First Aid. The psychologist will also support employee assistance programs, assist in managing workplace crises, and provide pre-mission and post-mission debriefing. Additionally, the position contributes to the UN Mental Health Strategy, supports HIV/AIDS counseling, and prepares materials for post-pandemic recovery, aiming to build staff resilience and well-being within the dynamic UN workplace.

Responsibilities

Provide virtual or in-person psychological counseling and psychosocial support to staff and dependents, including hospital visits when necessary. Offer mental health counseling and make referrals for external expertise. Conduct multicultural counseling, focusing on adaptation and adjustment, and perform psychosocial needs assessments. Deliver psychoeducation through group sessions and provide Psychological First Aid for acute incidents and bereavement support. Lead employee assistance programs, addressing performance and substance use issues. Offer psychosocial support for mission preparedness and post-mission debriefing, as well as pre-retirement counseling. Develop and deliver training on mental health issues and prepare materials for post-pandemic recovery and risk mitigation. Support the Joint Medical Services team in managing workplace crises and other medical consultations. Assist the UN Plus Coordinator with HIV/AIDS counseling and participate in in-house training, contributing technical expertise on mental health.

Work Experience

Requires at least three years of progressive experience in psychology practice post-Master's degree. Additional training in trauma counseling, substance abuse, stress management, cross-cultural communication, or conflict resolution is necessary. Proven experience working in an international setting is essential. Desirable experience includes work in employee assistance programs, organizational interventions, online psychosocial support in multicultural environments, and occupational health settings.

Skills

Key competencies include Professionalism, Planning and Organizing, Communication, and Respect for Diversity. Specific skills required are in Communication, Crisis and Emergency Response, and Health. Experience in providing online and in-person psychosocial support in challenging multicultural environments is desirable.

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