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 across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. UNRWA aims to help these refugees achieve their full potential in human development while awaiting a just resolution to their situation. The agency operates the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members and offering a wide range of services including education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure improvements, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is primarily funded through voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual donors. The organization is dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, and it encourages individuals who share this vision to apply for positions within the agency.

Job Overview:
The Psychosocial Counsellor position is integral to UNRWA's mission of providing mental health support and psychosocial services to Palestine refugees. The incumbent will report directly to the Head of Area Education Officer or a designated officer and will be responsible for developing and implementing action plans tailored to the specific needs of the community. This role involves providing guidance and counseling to individuals and groups, conducting home visits, and coordinating efforts with contracted NGOs to enhance the psychosocial support network within the community. The Psychosocial Counsellor will also be tasked with raising awareness about mental health and psychosocial well-being, particularly focusing on the optimal development of children and adolescents. In times of crisis, the incumbent will develop intervention plans and mobilize resources, including program counselors from other locations, to ensure timely support. Monthly reporting and documentation of activities will also be a key responsibility, alongside other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Psychosocial Counsellor will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Developing a comprehensive plan of action tailored to the specific functional location and coordinating these actions with UNRWA staff.
• Providing individual and group counseling, as well as conducting home visits when necessary.
• Collaborating with contracted NGOs to ensure effective service delivery.
• Expanding the community resource network through coordination with psychosocial field workers.
• Designing and implementing community awareness activities related to mental health and psychosocial well-being.
• Creating crisis intervention plans and mobilizing program counselors and community resources as needed.
• Preparing and submitting monthly reports detailing activities and outcomes.
• Performing additional duties as assigned by the supervisor, ensuring compliance with agency policies and procedures.

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 strong commitment to the UN's core values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. Candidates should also exhibit competencies in communication, teamwork, and results-driven approaches. Experience in psychosocial counseling is essential, and candidates must be able to cope with pressure and setbacks, innovate, persuade and influence others, and effectively network within the community.

Educational Background:
A university degree in psychology, social work, or a related field is mandatory for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of mental health issues and providing effective counseling services to individuals and groups within the refugee community.

Experience:
At least two years of experience in psychosocial counseling is required. Candidates should also indicate their involvement in relevant outside activities, which may include employment, freelance consulting, teaching, public speaking, or voluntary work. This experience is vital for ensuring that the candidate is well-equipped to handle the challenges associated with providing psychosocial support in a complex environment.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Arabic is required for this position, with both languages being essential for effective communication within the UN framework. 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 a daily paid assignment for a duration of up to three months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The daily rate for this position is set at 27.12 USD, and candidates 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 position 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 be aware that misrepresentation in the application process can lead to disqualification. The agency is committed to gender parity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including candidates with disabilities.