Staff Counsellor P4

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child, which is not just a job but a calling. UNICEF employs a diverse workforce and offers opportunities for professional and personal development, ensuring that its staff can contribute meaningfully to the mission of serving children and communities worldwide. The Global Shared Services Centre (GSSC) is located in Budapest, Hungary, and provides essential services in Finance, Human Resources, Payroll, and Information Technology to UNICEF offices globally. The organization prides itself on its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, which includes paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The Staff Counsellor position at UNICEF's Global Shared Services Centre is focused on supporting the overall well-being of UNICEF staff and their families in Europe HQ locations and the ECAMENA region. The role involves raising awareness about mental health and promoting healthy work practices, as well as improving work-life balance for staff facing work-related or personal challenges. The Staff Counsellor will facilitate the development and implementation of a framework aimed at enhancing staff well-being, provide psycho-social support to staff and leadership, and offer Critical Incident Stress Management following critical incidents. This position requires a proactive approach to mental health and well-being, ensuring that staff have access to the necessary resources and support to thrive in their roles.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Staff Counsellor will be responsible for the following duties:

• Develop, implement, and coordinate a comprehensive framework for improving staff well-being across UNICEF offices.
• Provide psycho-social support to staff, leadership, and managers to mitigate stress and enhance protective factors.
• Deliver Critical Incident Stress Management services to groups and individuals following critical incidents, including psycho-education and psychological first aid.
• Conduct training and awareness-raising sessions on staff well-being and mental health best practices.
• Collaborate with other departments to integrate mental health support into organizational practices.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of well-being initiatives and make recommendations for improvements.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional boundaries in all interactions with staff.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• An advanced university degree in counselling, clinical psychology, or a related mental health profession.
• A minimum of eight (8) years of professional experience in staff support, mental health, cross-cultural communications, counselling, or related fields, preferably within the UN system or international development/humanitarian aid sector.
• A proven track record of resourcefulness, social awareness, and sound judgment in counselling practices.
• Experience in adhering to professional boundaries and administering services for which supervised training has been provided.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a diverse environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced university degree in counselling, clinical psychology, or a related mental health profession. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of mental health issues and providing effective support to staff.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight (8) years of professional experience in relevant fields such as staff support, mental health, and counselling. Experience within the UN system or in international development/humanitarian contexts is preferred, as it provides valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by staff in these environments.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an asset, enhancing communication capabilities within the diverse UNICEF workforce.

Additional Notes:
This is a temporary appointment until 30 June 202

• The position is full-time and based in Budapest, Hungary. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must be prepared to undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and medical clearance is required for appointments. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct incompatible with its mission, including discrimination and abuse.