Counselor

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include 173 member states and operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, focusing on the needs of migrants and the communities that host them. IOM's work encompasses a wide range of migration-related issues, including humanitarian assistance, migration governance, and the integration of migrants into host societies. The organization is committed to supporting the Government of Tajikistan in its efforts to manage migration effectively and humanely, particularly in the context of the Comprehensive Action Plan for Afghanistan and Neighboring Countries (CAP) and the Regional Refugee Response Plan for Afghanistan (RRP).

Job Overview:
The Counselor position is integral to IOM's project aimed at improving migration governance and access to services for displaced Afghans in Pakistan and Central Asia. The role focuses on addressing the mental health and psychosocial needs of both Tajik and Afghan communities, fostering social cohesion, and enhancing access to essential services. The Counselor will provide individual and group counseling to affected populations, coordinate mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) activities, and design psychoeducation sessions tailored to community needs. This position requires a proactive approach to improving livelihoods, particularly for women and youth, through skills development and income-generating activities. The Counselor will also play a key role in reducing stigma associated with mental health issues and promoting peaceful coexistence within communities. The successful candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure that mental health considerations are integrated into all community-based activities, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Counselor will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing individual and group counseling to beneficiaries in need, ensuring that sessions are tailored to the specific challenges faced by the affected populations.
• Coordinating with the team leader and other team members to integrate mental health and psychosocial support considerations into community-based activities across the intervention spectrum.
• Collaborating with educators to design psychoeducation sessions that address identified and emerging community needs.
• Supervising artistic mediation activities for vulnerable cases in partnership with artists.
• Conducting training sessions in Psychosocial First Aid (PFA) and basic counseling skills for humanitarian actors, community focal points, volunteers, and team members.
• Identifying individuals with severe mental disorders and coordinating their referral to appropriate services.
• Developing awareness messages and campaigns related to mental health and psychosocial support, ensuring effective dissemination within the communities.
• Organizing support and discussion groups to facilitate community engagement and dialogue.
• Facilitating MHPSS needs assessments, surveys, and research to enhance access to community-based psychosocial services and specialized mental health care for refugees, IDPs, migrants, and returnees. 1
• Mapping existing support provisions at the micro-level and collaborating with supervisors to design initiatives that strengthen these services. 1
• Reporting daily activities and outcomes to ensure transparency and accountability in the project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, educational psychology, counseling social work, pastoral counseling, or a closely related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in these areas are highly advantageous. Additionally, candidates should have previous experience in counseling and protection activities, particularly within humanitarian or mental health projects. A proven track record in providing psychosocial support and counseling services is preferred. Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations are essential, along with cultural sensitivity and adaptability in counseling approaches. Knowledge of psychosocial support principles, mental health care, and counseling techniques is crucial, as is familiarity with trauma-informed care practices. Certification or training in Psychosocial First Aid (PFA) and counseling skills is considered an asset, as is experience in supervising and mentoring others in artistic mediation activities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, educational psychology, counseling social work, pastoral counseling, or a closely related field. Candidates with advanced degrees or specialized certifications in these areas will be given preference, as they may bring additional expertise and knowledge to the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have prior experience in counseling and protection activities, particularly in contexts related to humanitarian assistance or mental health projects. Experience in providing psychosocial support and counseling services is highly advantageous, as is a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals, including those from culturally diverse backgrounds. Candidates should also have a strong understanding of psychosocial support principles and mental health care, as well as familiarity with trauma-informed care approaches.

Languages:
Fluency in Tajik and Russian is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages spoken by the community or beneficiaries is considered an asset. IOM's official languages include English, French, and Spanish, and proficiency in these languages may be evaluated during the selection process, which could include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to funding confirmation and the candidate's medical fitness for appointment. Verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned government may also be required. IOM provides coverage against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP) for the duration of the consultancy, but does not offer evacuation or medical insurance for non-occupational accidents or illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance and must provide proof of coverage before commencing work. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with the organization's aims and objectives, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination. IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system.