Consultant/Counsellor - Psychosocial Support

Job Posting Organization:
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the largest humanitarian organization in the world, established to provide assistance and support during emergencies and disasters. The IFRC operates in numerous countries, focusing on humanitarian aid, health services, and disaster response. With a mission to alleviate human suffering and promote human dignity, the IFRC has developed a comprehensive HR strategy that emphasizes the importance of mental health and well-being for its staff. The organization has a significant workforce, comprising thousands of employees and volunteers globally, and has been actively involved in various humanitarian efforts for over a century.

Job Overview:
The Consultant/Counsellor for psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support will play a crucial role in ensuring the mental health and well-being of IFRC staff and volunteers. This position is integral to the Psychological Support Program (PSP), which aims to provide direct support through various services such as individual counselling, workshops, and critical incident debriefings. The consultant will be responsible for delivering these services while maintaining strict confidentiality and adhering to the established Standard Operating Procedures (SoP). The role requires collaboration with the Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Unit (OHSW) to ensure that staff health is prioritized throughout their employment. The consultant will also contribute to the development of guidelines and training materials, ensuring that the psychological support services are accessible and effective across all regions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant/Counsellor will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Providing individual counselling sessions upon request, ensuring confidentiality is maintained at all times.
• Conducting PSS briefings and debriefings for staff, either individually or in groups, following the identified SoP.
• Supporting staff in self-assessment regarding mental health and providing information on relevant methods.
• Offering critical incident debriefings as needed.
• Undertaking field missions if required and agreed upon, based on a specific Terms of Reference (ToR).
• Collaborating with the OHSW unit to maintain a confidential file management system that tracks support provided to staff members throughout their contract.
• Developing and delivering training sessions, webinars, or workshops on topics such as stress management and psychological support.
• Contributing to the PSS reporting schedule shared with HRMD, ensuring confidentiality is upheld.
• Completing statistical reports as per the developed system and attending regular meetings as requested by HR. 1
• Ensuring timely responses to staff requests and maintaining communication with the OHSW unit regarding any absences from service.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in psychology or psychotherapy, along with the necessary professional qualifications and licensing. Additionally, training in psycho-traumatology or critical incident debriefing is preferred. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of mental health issues and the ability to provide effective support to individuals in distress.

Educational Background:
A university degree in psychology or psychotherapy is required for this position, along with relevant professional qualifications. Candidates must be licensed to practice in their field. Preferred qualifications include specialized training in psycho-traumatology or critical incident debriefing, which will enhance the consultant's ability to address complex psychological issues.

Experience:
The position requires experience in psychological management of trauma cases and/or critical incidents. Candidates should have a background in providing counselling in a non-native language, which demonstrates their ability to communicate effectively in diverse environments. Preferred experience includes working in the international humanitarian sector, particularly in emergency situations, and familiarity with the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this role. Additionally, proficiency in spoken and written French is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with a broader range of staff and stakeholders. A good command of other languages is also considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with diverse populations.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 12 months, starting from January 1, 2027, with the possibility of annual extensions based on performance and organizational needs. The consultant must be available for short visits to surrounding countries on short notice and may be required to provide psychological support outside of regular working hours as situations arise. This position is full-time and may involve working in a multi-cultural context, requiring adaptability and strong interpersonal skills.