Stress Counsellor
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Afghanistan has over 50 years of experience in climate change, resilience, gender, governance, health, livelihoods, and rule of law. Despite significant international assistance averting collapse, the country faces profound vulnerabilities, food insecurity, and frequent natural disasters. UNDP focuses on creating sustainable livelihoods, income opportunities, and resilience against climate impacts. Recognizing Afghanistan's severe gender inequality, UNDP is committed to women's empowerment through capacity-building and support for participation in public life. The UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) ensures safe UN program delivery.
Job Purpose
This National UN Volunteer position, based in Kabul with the Critical Incident Stress Management Section (CISMS) of UNDSS, aims to provide confidential psychosocial support to UN personnel and their families in Afghanistan. The role is crucial for maintaining a sustainable stress management system and enhancing preparedness for critical incidents within the UN and humanitarian community. Reporting to the Lead International Stress Counsellor, the volunteer will contribute to the overall leadership and management of the Principal Security Adviser. The assignment supports the UN's duty of care by addressing workplace and critical incident stress, promoting resilience, and ensuring effective psychosocial support in a challenging and complex operating environment, aligning with UN policies on stress management.
Responsibilities
The UN Volunteer will deliver confidential individual and group counselling for critical incident stress, workplace stress, and other concerns. Responsibilities include assisting in developing Stress Prevention and Management Plans, conducting psychosocial needs assessments, and monitoring stress determinants among UN staff. The role involves planning and facilitating training programs on stress management and resilience building, and designing context-specific psychoeducational materials. The volunteer will support the establishment of critical incident stress management structures, build a multi-agency support network, and conduct outreach activities to advocate for welfare and advise management on stress-mitigating strategies. Additionally, the role requires managing critical cases, conducting regular visits to UN offices across Afghanistan for training and consultations, liaising with local and regional experts for referral pathways, and providing regular activity reports.
Work Experience
A minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in clinical psychology, psychiatry, or mental health care post-Master's degree is required. For those with a first-level degree, 4 years of experience is needed, subject to technical clearance. Experience in crisis or emergency psychosocial support in high-risk or humanitarian settings is essential. A valid professional license in Afghanistan or recognized by a formal organization is mandatory. Additional certifications in specific counselling areas are desirable. Experience with humanitarian organizations and in multicultural environments is an asset.
Skills
Key competencies include Professionalism, Integrity, Teamwork, Respect for Diversity, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Planning and Organizing, Communication, and Flexibility/Adaptability. Specific skills required are expertise in clinical psychology/psychiatry, crisis and emergency psychosocial support, and stress management. Desirable skills include additional certifications in substance abuse, family counselling, critical incident stress management, or cross-cultural communication. Proficiency in English, Dari, and Pashto is also essential.