Staff Counsellor

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of alleviating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's vision emphasizes a diverse, skilled, and high-performing workforce that operates in a healthy and inclusive environment, embodying values such as Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. The organization has received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to global humanitarian efforts. WFP also invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Job Overview:
The Staff Counsellor role at WFP is pivotal in providing comprehensive mental health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support services to staff globally. This position focuses on crisis intervention, preventive care, and fostering a supportive work environment. The Staff Counsellor will be responsible for conducting mental health evaluations, delivering patient education and counseling sessions, and implementing evidence-based psychotherapy techniques. The role requires a proactive approach to mental health, emphasizing the importance of resilience and well-being strategies for individuals and groups. The Staff Counsellor will also engage in partnership management with internal departments and external organizations to enhance mental health resources and support networks. This position is essential in promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion within WFP, ensuring equitable access to mental health services for all staff members.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct crisis health interventions for staff members experiencing acute distress or emergencies, providing immediate support and referral services.
• Perform mental health evaluations to assess psychological well-being, identify potential risks, and recommend appropriate interventions.
• Deliver patient education and counseling sessions on mental health topics, stress management, and resilience strategies.
• Implement evidence-based psychotherapy techniques to support staff with various psychological concerns.
• Manage patient treatment plans in collaboration with medical professionals and external providers for coordinated care.
• Contribute to diversity and inclusion initiatives by promoting culturally sensitive mental health support.
• Engage in partnership management with internal WFP departments and external organizations to enhance mental health resources.
• Demonstrate professional integrity by adhering to ethical guidelines and maintaining confidentiality.
• Work in a results-oriented manner, continuously evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. 1
• Foster teamwork within the staff well-being unit and across other WFP teams. 1
• Apply strategic thinking to develop and implement proactive mental health programs aligned with WFP's objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master's or Doctorate) in Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Psychiatry, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in mental health counseling, crisis intervention, and psychotherapy, preferably in an international or humanitarian context.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis health intervention and mental health evaluations.
• Proven ability to deliver patient education and counseling and conduct psychotherapy.
• Experience in partnership management, particularly with healthcare providers or NGOs.
• Strong understanding and commitment to diversity and inclusion principles.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate professional integrity.
• Results-oriented mindset with strategic thinking capabilities.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree, either a Master's or Doctorate, in Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Psychiatry, or a closely related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the Staff Counsellor has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively support WFP staff in their mental health needs.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in mental health counseling, crisis intervention, and psychotherapy. This experience should ideally be in an international or humanitarian context, demonstrating the candidate's ability to navigate complex and diverse environments while providing mental health support. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting crisis health interventions and mental health evaluations, as well as delivering effective patient education and counseling.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered desirable, as it enhances communication and collaboration within the diverse WFP workforce and with international partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Rome, Italy. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities. The organization offers an attractive compensation package, which includes various benefits and opportunities for professional development. The recruitment process is designed to be fair and equitable, ensuring that all candidates are evaluated based on their qualifications and merit. WFP does not charge any fees during the application process and is dedicated to maintaining a transparent and ethical recruitment process.