Staff Counsellor
Organizational Context
UNICEF's mission is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, focusing on equity for the most disadvantaged. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, UNICEF supports the Ministry of Health in responding to an Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in Ituri and North Kivu. This complex humanitarian context, marked by insecurity and displacement, requires robust Infection Prevention and Control measures, making psychosocial support for staff critical.
Job Purpose
The UN Volunteer Staff Counsellor will provide essential psychosocial support to UNICEF staff operating in a challenging Ebola response environment in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This role is crucial for mitigating stress, enhancing resilience, and ensuring staff well-being amidst insecurity and complex humanitarian conditions. The incumbent will offer confidential counseling, support leadership on healthy work practices, deliver psychoeducational programs, and manage critical incident stress. By fostering a positive work environment and coordinating support networks, the Staff Counsellor directly contributes to the effectiveness and sustainability of UNICEF's critical operations and its commitment to protecting children's rights.
Responsibilities
Provide preventive and protective psychosocial support to all staff, especially in emergency locations, to mitigate stress during the Ebola response. Offer a confidential environment for individual and group problem-solving, including assessment, short-term intervention, and referral. Advise leadership and managers on healthy work practices and staff support strategies during crises. Deliver psychoeducational programs, workshops, and webinars on mental health themes, anti-stigma, and change management. Conduct pre/post-deployment briefings and develop a network of external mental health providers. Coordinate the Peer Support Volunteer Programme. Provide Critical Incident Stress Management, including practical support, psychoeducation, psychological first aid, and follow-up interventions for staff and dependents. Monitor and report on staff well-being trends, maintaining confidentiality, and alerting management to concerns. Undertake travel to regions and duty stations, identify prevention measures for systemic issues, and ensure adherence to UN Staff Counsellor standards and ethics.
Work Experience
Minimum of five years of professional experience, including three years at the international level, in psychological counselling and training, with an emphasis on managing critical incident stress. Experience in developing and delivering online/face-to-face workshops on well-being and mental health is desirable. Experience in hardship locations or the UN System is also advantageous.
Skills
Professionalism, integrity, teamwork, respect for diversity, commitment to continuous learning, planning and organizing, strong communication and interpersonal skills, flexibility to work in challenging environments, and a genuine commitment to UN/UNICEF values and mission. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and computer literacy are essential.