Conseiller(ère) du personnel (Staff Counsellor), TA, Bunia, DRC
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) is responding to an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This role is within the Emergency Preparedness and Response department, based in Bunia, DRC, with frequent travel to affected areas. The Staff Counsellor will support the mental health and well-being of WHO personnel involved in the response.
Job Purpose
The Staff Counsellor's primary purpose is to provide psychosocial support and counseling services to WHO staff and their dependents engaged in the Ebola response in the DRC. This involves assessing psychosocial needs and risks, implementing mental health and well-being programs, and offering confidential support. The role aims to protect and promote the psychological well-being of personnel working in a high-stress, demanding environment, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the WHO's emergency response operations. The incumbent will also advise management on preventative measures and facilitate referrals to appropriate internal and external resources, ensuring a coordinated approach to psychosocial care.
Responsibilities
Provide psychological support and counseling to WHO staff and dependents involved in the Ebola response, including during critical incidents. Conduct psychosocial needs and risk assessments to identify and address emerging issues. Formulate recommendations to management and stakeholders based on assessments and the implementation of UN and WHO strategies for mental health and well-being. Develop and support the implementation of a psychosocial response plan for the operation. Coordinate psychosocial responses during emergencies and critical incidents. Design and deliver training and awareness activities, particularly for managers. Conduct pre-deployment psychosocial preparedness and post-deployment debriefing sessions. Develop psychoeducational materials for dissemination. Collaborate with internal and external services for coordinated psychosocial support. Establish and maintain referral mechanisms to local and regional resources. Ensure regular reporting in compliance with professional, ethical, and confidentiality standards. Participate in relevant technical, operational, and coordination meetings. Uphold UN Staff Counsellor standards, including confidentiality and the UN Code of Ethics. Perform other related duties as required.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in psychosocial counseling post-licensure, certification, or professional registration. Experience within the UN system or comparable international organizations is required. Experience in providing psychosocial support in emergency contexts is essential.
Skills
Excellent command of English and French. Demonstrated excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital communication/collaboration tools. Ability to establish and promote partnerships. Respect for and promotion of individual and cultural differences. Fostering innovation and organizational learning. Teamwork and communication skills. Strong knowledge of psychosocial support in emergencies. Ability to accurately assess psychosocial and mental health needs, risks, and protective factors. Expertise in providing psychosocial support and counseling in a professional and confidential manner. Experience in designing and facilitating culturally appropriate training on stress-related issues. Capacity to manage crisis situations involving multiple stakeholders. Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments under pressure.