Psychosocial Support Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which was established in 194

• UNRWA's mission is to provide assistance and protection for Palestine refugees in the Middle East, ensuring their rights and improving their living conditions. The organization operates in five areas: Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, employing over 30,000 staff members. UNRWA focuses on education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance, striving to promote human dignity and self-reliance among Palestine refugees.

Job Overview:
The psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support Specialist position is crucial for integrating staff care and wellbeing into the operational framework of UNRWA's field offices. The role involves providing psychosocial support during emergencies and critical incidents, ensuring that staff members and their dependents receive necessary psychological first aid and support. The specialist will work closely with various stakeholders, including the Field Offices and the staff care team at UNRWA HQ, to develop and implement effective psychosocial interventions. This position requires a proactive approach to assessing the impact of critical incidents and recommending appropriate follow-up actions. The specialist will also be responsible for delivering psychoeducation materials, implementing resilience-building programs, and maintaining comprehensive records of psychosocial activities. The role emphasizes collaboration with peer support groups and the development of training materials to enhance the overall wellbeing of UNRWA personnel.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Psychosocial Support Specialist will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Providing psychosocial support during emergencies and critical incidents to staff and their dependents.
• Facilitating psychoeducation and psychological first aid sessions.
• Conducting assessments on the impact of critical incidents and suggesting appropriate interventions.
• Coordinating with peer helpers and the staff care team to ensure adequate support is provided.
• Developing and delivering training and educational materials related to staff care and wellbeing.
• Conducting continuous psychosocial status and needs assessments.
• Organizing group support sessions and briefing sessions on staff care issues.
• Building capacities of peer support groups and providing guidance for further initiatives.
• Maintaining detailed records and databases of psychosocial activities and preparing comprehensive reports. 1
• Collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure culturally sensitive support is provided. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor and department director.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, Clinical/Psychiatric Social Work, or a related mental health profession. Additional training or certification in traumatic/critical incident stress and related fields such as alcohol/substance abuse and stress management is strongly desired. Certification or country-specific licensure to deliver mental health services is mandatory. Candidates should also have at least six years of relevant experience in providing professional counselling services, with experience in managing and coordinating mental health and psychosocial support programs being an asset.

Educational Background:
A university degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field such as Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, or Social Work is required. A Master’s degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant field is desirable. Additional certifications in trauma and critical incident stress management are also beneficial.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of six years of relevant experience in providing professional counselling services. Experience in managing and coordinating mental health and psychosocial support programs, particularly in humanitarian settings, is highly valued. Familiarity with emergencies or hardship duty is also advantageous.

Languages:
An excellent command of written and spoken Arabic is mandatory, while a strong command of spoken English is highly desired. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 9 months and offers a monthly salary of USD 1,747, which is negotiable. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair hiring process. The role is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders to enhance the wellbeing of UNRWA personnel.