National Staff Counsellor

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1951, with a mission to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM has over 173 member states and offices in more than 100 countries, employing thousands of staff members worldwide. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration, including humanitarian assistance, migration management, and the protection of migrants' rights. IOM aims to provide solutions to migration challenges and support the development of effective migration policies.

Job Overview:
The National Staff Counsellor position is a critical role within the IOM Country Office in Islamabad, Pakistan. The incumbent will be responsible for implementing staff welfare activities, providing psychological counseling and support to staff members and their dependents. This role requires close collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Chief of Mission, Regional Staff Counsellor, and Senior Staff Welfare Officer. The National Staff Counsellor will also be involved in developing training programs, conducting psychosocial risk assessments, and ensuring adherence to the UN Mental Health Strategy and IOM People Strategy. The position demands a proactive approach to enhancing the mental health and well-being of humanitarian staff, particularly in response to emergencies and critical incidents.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Staff Counsellor will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing in-person and online psychological counseling and support to staff members and their dependents.
• Offering psychological support during post-critical incidents and emergencies.
• Conducting psychosocial risk assessments in the workplace and addressing identified issues.
• Making recommendations to improve the implementation of mental health strategies.
• Participating in and coordinating staff welfare responses to emergencies.
• Developing and delivering training on stress management and emotional processing.
• Producing psycho-educational materials for staff.
• Collaborating with other UN agencies and NGOs on staff welfare matters.
• Identifying local mental health resources for referrals. 1
• Maintaining records and producing regular reports on services provided. 1
• Participating in staff welfare team meetings and relevant UN working groups. 1
• Ensuring adherence to professional standards and ethical guidelines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, Counselling, Psychiatry, or a related field from an accredited institution, along with five years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a University degree in the same fields with seven years of relevant experience is acceptable. An active license or certification in a relevant professional organization is also required. Candidates should have a strong background in counseling and psychosocial interventions, particularly in international or humanitarian settings, and familiarity with the impact of working conditions on humanitarian workers' well-being is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include 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. It is crucial for candidates to possess an active license or certification in their field, ensuring they are recognized professionals in mental health services.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant counseling experience post-licensure/certification/registration. Experience in similar settings, particularly within international or humanitarian organizations, is preferred. Candidates should have a proven track record of providing counseling and psychosocial support, as well as experience working with UN agencies or international humanitarian organizations. Familiarity with the challenges faced by humanitarian workers is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Urdu is required for this position, both oral and written. Knowledge of additional languages such as French or Spanish is considered an asset, given IOM's official languages. Proficiency in these languages will enhance communication with diverse staff members and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to funding confirmation, and the selection process may be used to fill similar roles in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar positions for 24 months. National Professional Officers must be nationals of the country of employment. The appointment will be contingent upon medical fitness certification, residency verification, and necessary government authorizations. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and harassment. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.