Stress Counsellor

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), which is a regional arm of the United Nations. Established in 1973, ESCWA aims to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. The organization focuses on various areas including sustainable development, social justice, and regional cooperation. ESCWA operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, working with member states to enhance their capacities and foster regional integration. The organization employs a diverse workforce of professionals from various backgrounds, contributing to its mission of improving the living conditions of people in the region.

Job Overview:
The Stress Counsellor position is designed to provide essential support to staff members in participating UN Entities by offering easy access to counseling services and implementing a comprehensive resilience-building program. The role involves ongoing assessment and improvement of the working environment, focusing on monitoring stressful factors and providing technical advice to senior managers based on psycho-social risk assessments. The Stress Counsellor will work closely with the Chief Medical Doctor at ESCWA and coordinate with various departments to ensure the mental well-being of staff. This position is crucial for fostering a healthy workplace culture and addressing mental health issues proactively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Stress Counsellor will have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Conducting individual and group counseling sessions for UN staff, which may also extend to dependents during crises.
• Organizing and leading training sessions focused on stress prevention and related issues.
• Planning and implementing welfare activities to enhance staff well-being.
• Participating in the implementation of the UN Mental Health Strategy by assessing psycho-social risks at the workplace and monitoring stress determinants in participating UN offices.
• Developing and executing tailored activities based on risk assessments to address specific needs.
• Engaging frequently with staff members, welfare officers, medical and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security officers, and HR officers to ensure a collaborative approach to mental health and well-being.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in clinical psychology or clinical psychiatry, along with a clinical license to provide psychological counseling and/or psychotherapy. Additional training or certification in related fields such as alcohol/substance abuse, stress management, traumatic stress, cross-cultural communication, and conflict resolution is also required. All applicants must submit a copy of their educational degree, as incomplete applications will not be considered.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or equivalent in clinical psychology or clinical psychiatry. This advanced degree should be complemented by relevant certifications or training in various aspects of mental health and counseling, ensuring that the candidate is well-equipped to handle the complexities of psychosocial issues in a workplace setting.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of professional work experience in psychosocial occupational health and critical incident management is required. Out of these 5 years, at least 3 years should be at the international level, demonstrating the candidate's ability to work in diverse cultural contexts and with international communities. Experience in Employee Assistance Programs or Organizational Interventions is considered desirable, as it indicates familiarity with workplace mental health initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, as these are the working languages of ESCWA. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in all four areas of language use: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Additionally, knowledge of French is beneficial, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, enhancing communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of 3 months, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. This ensures that the recruitment process is accessible and fair for all candidates. The role is likely to be full-time, and while specific details regarding compensation and benefits are not provided, candidates can expect a competitive package in line with UN standards.