Mental Health Counsellor

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With a workforce of over 7,000 employees, WHO operates in more than 150 countries, focusing on global health issues, disease prevention, and health promotion. The organization aims to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, emphasizing the importance of mental health as a critical component of overall well-being.

Job Overview:
The Mental Health Counsellor position within the Human Resources and Talent Unit at WHO is designed to provide essential mental health support to WHO staff and their dependents. The role involves offering individual and group counselling, identifying local resources for referrals, and developing comprehensive mental health programs tailored to the needs of personnel. The incumbent will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to address psychological risks and provide timely support following critical incidents. This position requires a proactive approach to mental health, ensuring that staff receive the necessary support to maintain their well-being and productivity in a challenging work environment. The Mental Health Counsellor will also contribute to policy development regarding staff mental health and well-being, ensuring that WHO's commitment to a supportive workplace is upheld.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Mental Health Counsellor will be responsible for a variety of duties, including but not limited to:

• Providing individual and group counselling to WHO workforce members, addressing both self-referrals and referrals from supervisors or other professionals.
• Identifying and facilitating referrals to external mental health professionals when necessary, ensuring coordination with UN Medical Services.
• Developing and implementing a comprehensive mental health program focused on emergency personnel in collaboration with the Regional Staff Counsellor.
• Offering timely and sensitive support to WHO staff and dependents following critical incidents, including follow-up care.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to assess and mitigate psychological risks at individual, unit, and organizational levels.
• Advising managers and senior management on handling staff with mental health conditions and providing emergency psycho-social support.
• Supporting staff with mental health conditions through rehabilitation strategies and return-to-work interventions.
• Strengthening the network of Peer Support Volunteers through training and supervision.
• Providing evidence-based psycho-social support during emergencies and critical incidents. 1
• Contributing to the development of policies on staff mental health and well-being, participating in regional meetings, and fulfilling reporting requirements. 1
• Maintaining detailed records of activities and preparing comprehensive reports for the Regional HR Manager. 1
• Performing any other duties related to specific incidents as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced or postgraduate university degree in psychology, counselling, clinical psychology, psychiatry, marriage and family therapy, or social work, along with evidence of training in mental health counselling. Registration as a mental health professional in the country of origin is mandatory, as is a valid certification or license to practice at the national level in clinical psychology or social work. Additional training or certification in related fields such as substance abuse, resilience, cross-cultural communication, conflict resolution, and trauma is desirable. Membership in a recognized professional organization is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced or postgraduate university degree in relevant fields such as psychology, counselling, clinical psychology, psychiatry, marriage and family therapy, or social work. Candidates must also have evidence of training in mental health counselling and be registered as a mental health professional in their country of origin. A valid certification or license to practice at the national level in clinical psychology or social work is essential.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively relevant counselling experience post-licensure or certification, ideally in an international or humanitarian organization. Experience in outbreak and health emergencies is also essential. Desirable experience includes working with UN agencies or NGOs, particularly in hardship locations or providing counselling services in challenging environments.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Intermediate knowledge of Arabic is desirable, as it would facilitate communication with a broader range of staff and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a competitive remuneration package, including an annual base salary starting at USD 71,335, with additional benefits such as a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living, 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The position may be used to fill other similar roles at the same grade level. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test or video assessment may be part of the screening process. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization adheres to high ethical standards and has a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and abuse.