Conseiller(e) du Personnel (Staff Counsellor)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established in 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's work includes responding to health emergencies, combating diseases, and improving health systems globally.

Job Overview:
The position of Staff Counsellor is crucial within the WHO's emergency health management program in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The incumbent will provide psychosocial services through the implementation of mental health and well-being programs tailored to the local context and culture, benefiting WHO personnel engaged in the Ebola virus disease response. The role requires the ability to work under high-pressure conditions, often in remote and challenging environments, while ensuring the mental well-being of staff deployed in response to health emergencies. The Staff Counsellor will contribute to the operational readiness and health of deployed personnel by providing timely and confidential psychosocial support, psychological first aid, and targeted well-being interventions throughout the deployment cycle.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Staff Counsellor will be responsible for providing psychological support and counseling services to WHO staff and their dependents involved in the Ebola response, including during critical incidents. Key responsibilities include conducting psychosocial needs assessments and workplace risk evaluations, formulating recommendations for management based on assessment findings, developing and implementing a psychosocial response plan for operations, coordinating psychosocial responses during emergencies, designing and facilitating training and awareness activities for managers, ensuring psychosocial preparedness before deployment, and conducting debriefing sessions post-deployment. The role also involves creating psychoeducational materials, collaborating with internal and external services for coordinated psychosocial support, maintaining referral mechanisms to local and regional resources, and ensuring regular reporting in compliance with professional standards and confidentiality norms.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a higher university degree (Master's or equivalent) in counseling psychology, clinical psychology, psychiatry, clinical social work, or psychiatric social work from a recognized institution. A valid license to practice, professional certification, or registration in the relevant field is essential. Additionally, candidates should have a strong understanding of psychosocial support in emergency situations and the ability to accurately assess psychosocial and mental health needs, as well as risk and protective factors.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as counseling psychology, clinical psychology, psychiatry, or social work. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of mental health and psychosocial support in high-stress environments, particularly in emergency health responses.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in psychosocial counseling is required after obtaining the necessary qualifications. Experience within the United Nations system or comparable international organizations is highly desirable, particularly in providing psychosocial support in emergency contexts. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of managing psychosocial needs in high-pressure situations.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is mandatory for this position. Excellent communication skills in these languages are essential for effective interaction with diverse teams and stakeholders in the field.

Additional Notes:
The position requires frequent travel within the DRC, particularly to Bunia and the North Kivu province, as well as other affected areas. The salary for the position starts at $71,335.00 USD annually, subject to mandatory deductions for pension and health insurance. Additional benefits include a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living, 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependents, home leave, and education allowances for dependent children. The WHO promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented Member State nationals. Candidates may be required to provide scanned copies of their diplomas and certificates during the interview process.