United Nations National Volunteer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established by the United Nations General Assembly, is dedicated to advocating for the protection of children's rights and ensuring their basic needs are met. Since its inception in 1950, UNICEF has been active in Brazil, contributing to significant advancements in childhood and adolescent welfare. The organization has played a pivotal role in various campaigns and legislative changes aimed at improving the lives of children in Brazil. UNICEF's mission is to establish children's rights as fundamental ethical principles and international standards, focusing on the most vulnerable populations, particularly in regions like the Amazon and the Northeast of Brazil. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, with a strong emphasis on promoting children's rights and well-being.

Job Overview:
The United Nations National Volunteer position at UNICEF Brazil is focused on enhancing mental health support for UNICEF personnel. The role involves working under the technical supervision of the Staff Counsellor of the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (LACRO) and local supervision from the Brazil HR Officer. The volunteer will be responsible for developing and implementing an annual plan to strengthen mental health responses and psycho-emotional support services for UNICEF staff. This includes conducting assessments to identify staff needs, providing individual therapy, creating personalized management plans, and educating staff on mental health issues. The volunteer will also develop prevention programs, provide counseling during crises, and collaborate with emergency services when necessary. The overarching goal is to foster a healthy work environment that prioritizes the mental well-being of all staff members.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the United Nations National Volunteer include:

• Strengthening the mental health response and psycho-emotional support services for UNICEF Brazil personnel through an annual plan agreed upon with staff and management.
• Collaborating with HR, the Staff Association, and Management to create strategies for promoting staff mental health and well-being.
• Conducting assessments to understand the specific mental health needs of staff.
• Providing individual therapy and guidance based on evidence-based approaches to address issues such as anxiety and depression.
• Creating personalized management plans tailored to individual needs.
• Educating staff on mental health and disorder prevention strategies.
• Developing prevention programs to promote resilience and address risk factors.
• Offering counseling and guidance during stressful situations or crises.
• Helping staff develop coping skills and stress management strategies. 1
• Handling crisis situations and assessing the need for urgent interventions. 1
• Collaborating with emergency services in cases of imminent risk. 1
• Contributing to the design and implementation of recreational and psycho-pedagogical programs. 1
• Continuously monitoring the quality and relevance of the support provided to staff. 1
• Performing any other activities as assigned by the Staff Counsellor.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong understanding of mental health issues and the ability to provide psycho-emotional support. Candidates should possess excellent communication skills, empathy, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams. Knowledge of evidence-based therapeutic approaches and experience in mental health counseling are essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the United Nations National Volunteer position should have a relevant educational background in psychology, social work, or a related field. A degree in mental health or counseling is preferred, along with any additional certifications or training in therapeutic practices.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have prior experience in mental health counseling or psycho-emotional support services. Experience working in a multicultural environment and familiarity with the challenges faced by staff in high-pressure situations are highly desirable. Previous involvement in developing mental health programs or initiatives will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication in Brazil. Proficiency in English is also required, as it is essential for collaboration with international teams and accessing global resources. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, meaning the volunteer will be responsible for securing their own housing and subsistence essentials. The position is full-time, and the volunteer will be covered under an insurance plan against damages caused intentionally. The living conditions in Brasília are generally favorable, but security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security challenges exist, particularly in urban areas. Volunteers will receive a security briefing upon arrival to ensure their safety and well-being.