National Staff Counsellor

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance as a means to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change. WFP operates globally, with a mission to ensure that no one goes hungry, and it has been recognized for its efforts, including being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 202

• The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has a significant presence in various countries, including Haiti, where it has been active for decades, providing essential support to vulnerable populations. The organization is committed to fostering a healthy and inclusive work environment, living by its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion.

Job Overview:
The National Staff Counsellor position at WFP Haiti is crucial for providing psychological support and guidance to staff, particularly during challenging times marked by socio-economic hardships and traumatic situations. The role involves offering counselling services to WFP staff and their dependents, especially in the aftermath of critical incidents. The counsellor will be responsible for planning field visits, conducting induction courses for new staff, and facilitating support sessions for the Hotline team. Additionally, the role requires developing training programs aimed at enhancing team dynamics and staff wellbeing, based on data trends and requests from various divisions. The National Staff Counsellor will also identify and collaborate with local mental health resources for referrals and crisis management, ensuring that staff receive the necessary support. This position is office-based in Port-au-Prince and is a full-time role for a duration of one year.

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

• Providing counselling support services to WFP staff and their dependents, including case management and referrals as needed.
• Offering counselling services during emergencies and ensuring timely follow-up after critical incidents.
• Planning regular field visits and preparing reports upon return to the duty station.
• Conducting induction courses for newly recruited staff to familiarize them with available support services.
• Facilitating support sessions for the Hotline team on a regular basis to enhance their effectiveness.
• Developing and delivering training programs on topics such as team building, resilience, harassment, and cross-cultural sensitivity to improve staff morale and wellbeing.
• Identifying and liaising with local mental health resources for referrals and crisis situations, ensuring proper follow-up.
• Preparing monthly reports detailing activities conducted and statistical data related to counselling services.
• Maintaining high ethical standards in the provision of psychological services. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Unit.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in clinical or counselling psychology, sociology, or a related field, or a university degree with at least five years of relevant work experience. Additionally, candidates should hold active licensure or registration as a mental health professional with a recognized governing association and be in good standing with that organization. Additional training or certification in areas such as alcohol/substance abuse, resilience, cross-cultural communication, conflict resolution, mediation, and trauma is considered an advantage. Candidates should also demonstrate broad knowledge of counselling practices and the ability to create a confidential and trusting environment for clients.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in clinical or counselling psychology, sociology, or a related field. Alternatively, a university degree combined with at least five years of relevant work experience is acceptable. The candidate must also have active licensure or registration as a mental health professional, which is essential for providing counselling services.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible professional experience relevant to the field of counselling is required. Experience working in hardship locations or providing counselling services to staff in difficult and insecure environments is considered an asset, as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to handle the unique challenges faced by WFP staff in such contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and French is mandatory for this position. Additionally, fluency in other local languages is considered an advantage, as it may enhance communication with staff and dependents in the local context.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, under a fixed-term contract for a duration of one year. The World Food Programme is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for applications or recruitment processes, and all employment decisions are based on organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks to ensure a safe and inclusive work environment.