Associate Staff Counsellor

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons, ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members dedicated to providing protection and assistance to those in need. The organization focuses on various aspects of humanitarian aid, including emergency response, long-term solutions for refugees, and promoting the integration of displaced individuals into host communities.

Job Overview:
The Associate Staff Counsellor plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of UNHCR’s staff wellbeing strategy within the designated region, particularly in West and Central Africa. This position is integral to advancing the Psychosocial Risk Management (PSRM) project, which aims to enhance psychosocial support systems in field operations through effective risk management. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Staff Counsellor – Regional Manager and collaborate closely with Psychosocial Wellbeing Unit (PWU) focal points, headquarters colleagues in Geneva and Budapest, and field operations. The Associate Staff Counsellor is responsible for ensuring effective coordination, monitoring, and follow-up of the PSRM approach, contributing to the development, deployment, and monitoring of psychosocial risk management activities across the region. This role includes supporting country operations in establishing Action Groups, providing technical guidance, facilitating access to resources, and ensuring alignment with global PSRM standards. The Associate Staff Counsellor will also engage in data analysis, documentation, research, and the development of communication and training materials, while assisting Staff Counsellors with relevant research topics and serving as the focal point for psychosocial risk management activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Staff Counsellor include acting as the primary regional focal point for the deployment and operationalization of the PSRM project in West and Central Africa. The incumbent will support field operations in establishing and maintaining PSRM Action Groups, ensuring effective functioning and follow-up. They will provide technical guidance for operations, facilitate access to tools, information, and training, and ensure consistent implementation of PSRM processes. The Associate Staff Counsellor will liaise with PWU focal points and HQ colleagues to ensure coherence and alignment with global PSRM standards and developments. Responsibilities also include gathering, organizing, and analyzing data related to PSRM activities, staff wellbeing indicators, and field-level trends. The role involves developing and updating educational and promotional materials, supporting the preparation and delivery of training sessions, and contributing to internal communication strategies that promote staff wellbeing. Additionally, the Associate Staff Counsellor will document processes, lessons learned, and best practices related to the PSRM project and wellbeing initiatives, prepare templates and reports for use across regional and global PWU teams, and participate in global working groups related to the PSRM framework.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Associate Staff Counsellor position include a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, 2 years of relevant experience with a graduate degree, or 1 year of relevant experience with a doctorate degree. Candidates should possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, occupational safety and health, social sciences, public health, organizational psychology, or another relevant field. Previous experience in psychosocial support, staff wellbeing, mental health programs, occupational safety and health programs, project coordination, or related areas is essential. Experience in data analysis, training, or production of educational materials is considered an asset, and prior experience in international organizations, humanitarian settings, or emergency contexts is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in relevant fields such as psychology, organizational psychology, social work, or other related disciplines. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of psychosocial support and staff wellbeing initiatives, as well as for effectively contributing to the development and implementation of the PSRM project.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this position includes a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, 2 years with a graduate degree, or 1 year with a doctorate degree. This experience should be in areas related to psychosocial support, staff wellbeing, mental health programs, or project coordination. Familiarity with data analysis and the production of educational materials is also beneficial, as is experience in international organizations or humanitarian contexts.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are French and English. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the multicultural environment of UNHCR. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the ability to engage with diverse populations and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA9 category and is not remote. The target start date for the role is March 2, 2026, and the application deadline is March 4, 202

• The position is full-time and involves working in a family-type environment, with a hardship level classified as A (least hardship). The Associate Staff Counsellor will be expected to contribute to a safe and empowering workplace, adhering to UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity.