Psychosocial Counsellor

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 situation. The agency is the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members and is funded almost entirely through voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, and private entities. UNRWA aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, and it is committed to providing essential services such as education, healthcare, relief and social services, camp infrastructure improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance.

Job Overview:
The Psychosocial Counsellor position is integral to UNRWA's mission, focusing on providing psychosocial support to individuals and groups within the refugee community. The incumbent will be responsible for developing action plans tailored to their functional location and coordinating these plans with UNRWA staff. This role involves offering guidance and counseling, conducting home visits, and collaborating with contracted NGOs to enhance community resources. The Psychosocial Counsellor will also be tasked with raising awareness about mental health and psychosocial well-being, particularly concerning the optimal development of children and adolescents. Additionally, the role requires the development of crisis intervention plans and the preparation of monthly reports to track progress and outcomes. The position demands a proactive approach to community engagement and resource mobilization, ensuring that the psychosocial needs of the refugee population are met effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a comprehensive plan of action at the functional location and coordinate with UNRWA staff.
• Provide individual and group counseling, including home visits as necessary.
• Collaborate with contracted NGOs to enhance service delivery.
• Expand the community resource network through coordination with psychosocial field workers.
• Design and implement community awareness activities related to mental health and psychosocial well-being.
• Create crisis intervention plans and mobilize program counselors and community resources as needed.
• Prepare and submit monthly reports detailing activities and outcomes.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to community needs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree from an accredited institution in psychology, social work, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate basic computer skills. The role requires a commitment to UN values, including integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups, and a drive for results in challenging environments.

Educational Background:
A university degree in psychology, social work, or a related field is mandatory for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to provide effective psychosocial support to the refugee community.

Experience:
At least two years of experience in psychosocial counseling is required. Candidates should indicate their involvement in relevant outside activities, which may include employment, freelance consulting, teaching, or voluntary work. This experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of psychosocial issues faced by the refugee population and for developing effective intervention strategies.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Arabic is required for this position. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages, as per the UN Language Framework. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified at Grade 10 with a daily rate of 27.12 USD, which may be subject to a reduced work schedule. Additional benefits include one day of annual leave and one day of sick leave for each completed month of service. The vacancy is open to both internal and external candidates, but only those residing in Syria and authorized to work in the duty station at the time of application are eligible. UNRWA will not facilitate work permits, and candidates must have valid authorization to work in Syria. Preference will be given to registered Palestine refugees and candidates from underrepresented genders to promote gender parity. UNRWA encourages applications from qualified candidates with disabilities and may create a roster for future vacancies. All applications must be submitted through UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, and candidates must provide complete and accurate information to avoid disqualification.