Family Liaison Officer

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 and employs thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of eradicating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, and the organization emphasizes a diverse and inclusive work environment. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security worldwide. The organization invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training programs and opportunities for internal mobility, ensuring that staff are equipped to meet the challenges of humanitarian work.

Job Overview:
The Family Liaison Officer (FLO) will play a crucial role in supporting the well-being of WFP employees and their families, particularly in challenging environments. This position is designed to address the unique stressors faced by employees working in conflict zones and remote locations. The FLO will lead initiatives aimed at enhancing family welfare, ensuring that employees have access to necessary resources and support systems. The role involves collaborating with various departments to advocate for family needs, facilitating social support networks, and developing programs that promote family well-being. The FLO will also be responsible for creating communication channels that keep families informed and engaged, thereby fostering a sense of community among WFP staff and their dependents. This position is vital for maintaining morale and ensuring that employees can focus on their humanitarian missions without undue concern for their family's welfare.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Family Liaison Officer will have a diverse range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Identifying and addressing the specific needs of families of WFP employees, implementing innovative solutions to enhance inclusion and support.
• Facilitating social support through the establishment and management of local FLOCK (Family Liaison Officers Community Knowledge) groups to alleviate stress and isolation.
• Mapping local resources available for families, including mental health professionals, specialized services for children with disabilities, and educational opportunities.
• Building partnerships with external organizations, including UN sister agencies, to expand support services for families.
• Collaborating with various functional services (Medical, HR, Security, Administration) to represent family concerns and act as a focal point for family-related issues.
• Developing and maintaining family-focused sections on WFP's well-being platforms and other internal communication tools.
• Participating in the creation of programs addressing key issues such as parenting and domestic violence awareness.
• Serving on national wellness committees to advocate for the integration of family activities into broader action plans.
• Providing counseling and initial psychological support to employees and their families on specific family-related issues. 1
• Ensuring that employees and their families receive timely psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support during critical incidents, advising management on best practices for crisis management. 1
• Conducting frequent travel across the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including to remote and challenging locations, to provide on-the-ground support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong set of qualifications to be considered for the Family Liaison Officer position. A master's degree or equivalent in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, psychiatry, clinical social work, or a related field is required. Additional certifications in areas such as child psychology, disability studies, systemic theory, resilience, intercultural communication, conflict resolution, family mediation, and trauma will be considered advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and have the ability to identify needs and develop appropriate solutions. Strong interpersonal skills are essential for establishing productive partnerships with clients at all levels within WFP and with external entities. The ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and adapt to demanding situations is crucial. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with database management is required, along with the ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Family Liaison Officer position includes an advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in a relevant field such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, psychiatry, clinical social work, or a related discipline from a recognized institution. Additional training or certification in related areas will be beneficial and enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least one year of progressively responsible professional experience in a relevant field following the completion of their university degree. Experience working directly with families, along with training or experience in project management and event coordination, is essential. International experience is considered a valuable asset, as it demonstrates the ability to navigate diverse cultural contexts and challenges.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken French and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The Family Liaison Officer position is offered as a service contract for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of renewal depending on funding and operational needs. The role is based in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and may require frequent travel to various locations within the country, including non-family duty stations. The position is full-time, and WFP is committed to providing a supportive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being and inclusivity. Compensation and benefits will be outlined in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement.