Staff Counsellor NOB

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 work tirelessly to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people globally. WFP is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply, and has been recognized as a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate for its efforts in combating hunger and promoting peace.

Job Overview:
The Staff Counsellor position at WFP Somalia is crucial for providing psychological support to staff facing workplace difficulties or personal issues. This role emphasizes the importance of staff well-being and requires the counsellor to engage extensively with employees, offering culturally sensitive psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support. The Staff Counsellor will be responsible for conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing support during emergencies or critical incidents. The position also involves delivering workshops and training sessions on various topics related to stress management and conflict resolution, ensuring that staff are well-informed and equipped to handle challenges. The role is integral to fostering a healthy work environment and promoting the overall well-being of WFP staff in Somalia, particularly in a context marked by significant challenges such as food insecurity and political instability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Staff Counsellor will have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Providing culturally sensitive psychosocial support to WFP Somalia staff and their immediate family members, ensuring comprehensive assessments and treatment plans are prepared.
• Offering active psychosocial support during emergencies and after critical incidents to maintain staff well-being.
• Conducting regular missions to Area and Field offices to support staff and managers.
• Building trust-based relationships with management and staff, working cross-functionally to support team leaders.
• Contributing to staff readiness for deployment through briefings and counselling sessions.
• Delivering workshops and training sessions on topics such as stress management, team building, and conflict resolution, both in-person and remotely.
• Supporting the Staff Association in promoting staff wellness initiatives.
• Planning, budgeting, implementing, and reporting on counselling activities to ensure cohesive well-being services.
• Collaborating with various stakeholders, including management, medical staff, and human resources, to maintain effective relationships. 1
• Completing administrative duties, including maintaining statistics and fulfilling reporting requirements. 1
• Upholding high standards of professional ethics and confidentiality in line with the Wellness Division's guidelines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University degree in Psychology, Psychiatry, Counselling, or related fields. Alternatively, a First University Degree with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training courses may be acceptable. Registration as a Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Counsellor is required. Candidates should have a strong understanding of local cultural norms and community dynamics, particularly in the Somali context, and experience in providing counselling and psychosocial support in challenging environments is essential. Additional training in areas such as stress management, trauma-informed care, and conflict resolution is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an Advanced University degree in Psychology, Psychiatry, Counselling, or a related field. Candidates with a First University Degree must also have significant additional experience in relevant fields. Registration as a professional in the field is mandatory, and any additional certifications or training in related areas will be considered a plus.

Experience:
The position requires at least three years of relevant experience for candidates with an Advanced University degree. For those with a First University degree, a minimum of five years of experience in counselling, wellness, and psychosocial support is necessary. Experience working in UN or humanitarian organizations is highly valued, particularly in providing support within the Somali context, which includes understanding local cultural norms and the challenges faced by national staff in security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-sensitive environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Somali is mandatory for this position, with a proficiency level of C in both languages. This is essential for effective communication and support within the diverse staff environment at WFP Somalia. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is open exclusively to qualified Somali national candidates, with a strong encouragement for female candidates to apply. WFP promotes female-friendly spaces in the workplace and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for the challenges of working in a complex and dynamic environment. WFP offers an attractive compensation package, and all employment decisions are made based on organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.