Staff Counsellor

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It is the leading UN agency in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM's mission includes saving lives and protecting people on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating pathways for regular migration. The organization is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. IOM operates in numerous countries around the world, providing services and advice to governments and migrants alike, and is dedicated to harnessing the full potential of migration to strengthen its support to people on the move.

Job Overview:
The Staff Counsellor position is crucial in supporting IOM personnel, particularly in the context of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The role involves providing psychological and counselling support to staff members who are exposed to high levels of stress and fatigue while working under challenging conditions. The Staff Counsellor will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and will be responsible for conducting psychosocial risk assessments, developing emergency response plans, and providing training on stress management and mental health. The position requires a proactive approach to ensure the well-being of staff and to implement the UN Mental Health Strategy effectively within the context of the ongoing health crisis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Staff Counsellor will perform a variety of tasks including providing psychological and counselling support to staff involved in the Ebola response, conducting psychosocial risk assessments, and making recommendations for improvements in mental health strategies. The role also includes developing a psychosocial emergency response plan, coordinating staff welfare responses to emergencies, and providing training on managing stress and emotional processing. The Staff Counsellor will be responsible for pre-deployment preparation, in-mission support, and post-deployment check-ins for staff. Additionally, the role involves producing psycho-educational materials, consulting with managers on mental health needs, and maintaining records and reports on staff welfare activities. Participation in team meetings and liaising with UN counterparts on staff welfare matters are also key responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology, Counselling, or Psychiatry, or a related field from an accredited institution, along with five years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a university degree in the aforementioned fields with seven years of relevant experience is acceptable. An active license or certification in a relevant professional organization is required, along with a minimum of four years of counseling experience post-licensure. Experience in international or humanitarian organizations is preferred, as well as familiarity with the impact of working conditions on humanitarian workers' well-being.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology, Counselling, or Psychiatry from an accredited academic institution. Candidates with a university degree in these fields must have additional years of relevant professional experience to qualify. It is essential that candidates possess an active license or certification in their field, demonstrating their professional standing and capability to provide psychological support.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant counseling experience after obtaining licensure or certification. Experience in similar settings, particularly within international or humanitarian organizations, is preferred. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to conduct psychosocial interventions and be familiar with the challenges faced by humanitarian workers in emergency settings. Experience working with other UN agencies or international humanitarian organizations is considered essential.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is required for this consultancy role. The proficiency in these languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. This bilingual requirement is crucial for effective communication and support within the diverse environment of IOM.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy position is subject to various conditions, including the requirement for medical fitness certification and adherence to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances. IOM provides coverage against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan, but consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational issues. The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that contradicts the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including discrimination and harassment. IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its e-Recruitment system.