Stress Counsellor

Organizational Context

The Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) provides trusted security leadership and solutions, enabling UN system operations globally. This assignment is within the Critical Incident Stress Management Section (CISMS) in Kabul, Afghanistan, affiliated with UNDSS Headquarters. It is funded by a European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) project, "Scaling up Security Support to Humanitarian Operations in Afghanistan," reinforcing UNDSS presence and coordination with over 200 humanitarian organizations. Kabul is a non-family "E" hardship duty station.

Job Purpose

UNDSS ensures the safe and effective delivery of United Nations programmes and activities, particularly in complex and challenging environments. This assignment, located in the Critical Incident Stress Management Section (CISMS) in Kabul, Afghanistan, is funded by a European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) project. Its core purpose is to provide confidential psychosocial support to UN personnel and Saving Lives Together (SLT) partner staff, including INGOs. The role is crucial for maintaining a sustainable stress management system and enhancing Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) preparedness across the humanitarian community in Afghanistan, as mandated by UN policy. It introduces a vital psychosocial duty-of-care component to sustain staff resilience, mitigate and prevent long-term consequences of trauma, and ultimately support operational effectiveness in a crisis-prone environment. The International UN Volunteer, Stress Counsellor, reports directly to the Lead International Stress Counsellor.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will deliver confidential individual and group counselling for critical incident and workplace stress. Key duties include assisting in designing Stress Prevention and Management Plans aligned with duty-of-care objectives, and conducting psychosocial needs assessments for humanitarian personnel, monitoring stress determinants, and coordinating collective psychosocial capacity. The role involves planning and facilitating training programs on stress management, coping mechanisms, and resiliency building, and designing context-specific psychoeducational material. The Counsellor will help establish critical incident stress management support structures, including Critical Incident Stress Intervention Cells (CISICs), and build a multi-agency support network by collaborating with UN managers, SLT partner security focal points, agency counsellors, and medical doctors. Outreach and liaison within the SLT framework are essential, advocating for welfare activities and advising management on stress-mitigating strategies. The position requires managing critical cases among UN and SLT personnel and dependents, regularly visiting UN offices and partner locations across Afghanistan's eight Security Areas for preventative training, incident response, and technical consultations. Finally, the Counsellor will liaise with local and regional experts to establish referral pathways for specialized mental health care services and provide regular, confidential reports on all activities.

Work Experience

A minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in clinical psychology, psychiatry (Medical Doctor with 4 years residency/specialization), or mental health care is required after a Master's degree. Alternatively, 4 years of experience after a first-level university degree is acceptable, subject to technical clearance. Essential experience includes crisis or emergency psychosocial support in high-risk or humanitarian settings. Highly desirable experience involves working with or supporting humanitarian organizations under security coordination frameworks like Saving Lives Together (SLT). Experience in a multicultural environment, stress and traumatic stress management, counselling, cross-cultural communications, and employee assistance programs is also valued.

Skills

The role requires strong professionalism, demonstrating expert knowledge in stress management, counselling, and critical incident stress management, particularly within humanitarian contexts. Adaptability to austere and insecure environments, along with the ability to handle sensitive information confidentially, is crucial. Effective communication skills are essential, including clear speaking and writing, active listening, and tailoring messages to diverse audiences. Planning and organizing abilities are needed for goal setting, prioritizing tasks, managing risks, and efficient time use. Teamwork is vital, involving collaboration with colleagues and partners, valuing diverse input, and supporting collective decisions. Expertise areas include Health, Education, and Crisis and emergency response.

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