Consultant for Self-Care Training

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on ensuring that every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to advancing the rights of individuals and ensuring access to reproductive health services, with a mission to promote gender equality and empower women and girls. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2026-2029 outlines its commitment to addressing complex global challenges and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, focusing on four key outcomes: ending unmet needs for family planning, preventing maternal deaths, eliminating gender-based violence, and adapting to demographic changes through evidence-based policies.

Job Overview:
The consultant's primary role is to enhance the psychosocial wellbeing of One Stop Center staff who provide services to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). This position is crucial as the emotional toll of working with high caseloads and traumatic cases can lead to compassion fatigue and burnout among frontline responders. The consultant will create a safe space for staff to identify signs of burnout and develop coping mechanisms. The role involves designing and facilitating interactive self-care sessions that incorporate practical exercises such as breathing techniques, yoga, and mindfulness practices. These sessions aim to equip staff with tools they can use at home to maintain their long-term wellbeing. The consultant will also be responsible for developing session materials and delivering training over a total of 7 days, including preparation and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a comprehensive facilitation plan for self-care sessions tailored to the needs of One Stop Center staff.
• Design interactive sessions that incorporate trauma-informed approaches to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Create training materials, including agendas, slides, handouts, and a self-care toolkit for participants.
• Facilitate a 1.5-day training session using participatory methods to engage staff effectively.
• Ensure a safe environment during sessions, allowing participants to share experiences and challenges.
• Collect feedback from participants to assess the effectiveness of the training and make necessary adjustments.
• Prepare and submit a detailed report outlining outcomes, participant feedback, and recommendations for future training.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field is required.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in mental health support and staff wellbeing.
• Strong understanding of GBV service provision in Zimbabwe and survivor-centered approaches.
• Proven experience in facilitating trauma-informed training for frontline service providers.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with diverse groups.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Psychology, Social Work, or Counseling. Advanced degrees or certifications in mental health or related disciplines may be advantageous but are not mandatory.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the field of mental health support, particularly in the context of gender-based violence. Candidates should have a strong background in providing training and support to frontline workers, with a focus on self-care and wellbeing practices.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with proficiency in Shona and/or Ndebele. Excellent communication skills in these languages are essential for effective training and interaction with participants.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a total of 7 days, including preparation, training delivery, and report writing. The consultant will be required to facilitate sessions in multiple locations, including Kadoma and Bulawayo. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to support applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for the application or recruitment process.