Guidance Counselor

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 194

• Its primary mission is to provide assistance and protection to approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees. UNRWA operates in five areas: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, focusing on helping these refugees achieve their full potential in human development while awaiting a just resolution to their plight. The agency is the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members and is primarily funded through voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual donations. UNRWA aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, and it encourages individuals who are passionate about humanitarian work to apply for positions within the organization.

Job Overview:
The Guidance Counselor position at UNRWA is designed to support students in their educational and personal development. The incumbent will work closely with the Principal and other staff to guide students in making informed career decisions and understanding their abilities and potential. This role involves providing essential information about college courses and specializations, advising students on personal issues, and facilitating communication between students, parents, and the administration when necessary. The Guidance Counselor will also participate in co-curricular activities, helping to foster a positive relationship between students and community cultural foundations. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying and addressing student issues, mediating conflicts, and contributing to a supportive educational environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: (A) Assisting the supervisor in guiding students on career decisions and helping them understand how to pursue their goals; (B) Helping students recognize their potentials, abilities, and skills, and advising them on how to utilize these effectively; (C) Providing information and guidance regarding college courses and specializations; (D) Advising students on personal problems and involving parents and administration when serious issues arise; (E) Participating in indoor and outdoor co-curricular activities, including Students Parliament activities, and enhancing relations with community cultural foundations; (F) Coordinating with supervisors and Senior Instructors to hold sessions with students to identify their problems and provide advice; (G) Mediating conflicts between students and staff; (H) Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess excellent communication skills, basic computer skills, and the ability to work under pressure. They should demonstrate strong counseling skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse groups, including adolescents, adults, and the elderly. Creativity, initiative, problem-solving abilities, and tact in dealing with people are also essential qualifications for this role.

Educational Background:
A university degree from an accredited institution in guidance and counseling, psychology, or educational psychology is required, with a minor in guidance. Additionally, candidates must have successfully completed a teacher-training course of at least one year in duration.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least four years of teaching and/or guidance and counseling experience. This experience should include involvement in outside activities such as employment, independent contracting, public speaking, teaching, or voluntary work. It is important for applicants to provide accurate and complete information regarding their experience, as misrepresentation can lead to disqualification.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, but for this specific job opening, candidates must demonstrate a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in both English and Arabic across reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is a 'Daily Paid' contract modality for up to three months, with the possibility of extension based on need, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. The position is classified at Grade 10, with a daily rate of 27.12 USD. Additional benefits include one day of annual leave and one day of sick leave for each completed month of service. This vacancy is open to external candidates, but only those residing in Syria and within commuting distance of the duty station in Damascus are eligible to apply. It is crucial for applicants to provide complete and accurate information in their applications, as any misleading information can lead to disqualification. UNRWA is committed to gender parity and encourages applications from under-represented groups. The agency also emphasizes the importance of upholding human rights and integrity in its hiring practices.