Counsellor

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Position Title: Counsellor
Location: Haiti
Country: Haiti
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to promote the rights and well-being of every child. The organization is dedicated to reaching the most disadvantaged children and ensuring their survival, development, and protection. UNICEF's mission is to advocate for children's rights, provide humanitarian assistance, and support sustainable development initiatives. With a workforce of thousands of employees globally, UNICEF operates in various challenging environments, including conflict zones and areas affected by natural disasters, to deliver essential services and support to children and families in need.

Job Overview:
The position of Counsellor at UNICEF involves providing critical psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support to staff members and their families in Haiti, particularly in light of the ongoing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security challenges and political instability. The Counsellor will work under the supervision of the Country Office People & Culture Manager and receive technical guidance from the Regional Staff Counsellor. The primary responsibilities include offering individual psychosocial counselling, promoting work-life balance, and disseminating psycho-educational materials. The Counsellor will also be tasked with gathering feedback on staff concerns and needs, thereby contributing to a supportive work environment. This role is essential in helping staff cope with stress and maintain their well-being during difficult times, ensuring that they can continue to support the children and families they serve.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide individual psychosocial counselling to UNICEF staff members and their family members as needed.
• Promote work-life balance and healthy habits among staff through counselling sessions and workshops.
• Disseminate psycho-educational materials and conduct webinars in collaboration with the Regional Staff Counsellor.
• Familiarize staff with the principles of Psychosocial First Aid (PFA) and provide training as necessary.
• Collect and analyze feedback from staff regarding their stress levels and support needs, and report findings to the Regional Staff Counsellor and Country Office management.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines in all counselling interactions.
• Collaborate with other mental health professionals and organizations to enhance support services for staff.
• Stay updated on best practices in psychosocial support and counselling methodologies.
• Participate in regular meetings with the People & Culture team to discuss staff well-being initiatives and improvements.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in counselling, clinical psychology, or a related mental health profession.
• A minimum of eight (8) years of progressive work experience in professional counselling, staff support, mental health, or related fields.
• Proven experience in designing and delivering counselling sessions, particularly focused on stress management.
• Additional training or experience in areas such as substance abuse, critical incident stress, and cross-cultural communication is an asset.
• Experience working with multinational organizations, particularly within the United Nations system, is preferred.
• Previous experience in humanitarian settings or emergency response is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in counselling, clinical psychology, or a related mental health field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the Counsellor has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to provide effective support to staff members facing psychological challenges.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight (8) years of relevant work experience in professional counselling, mental health support, or related areas. This experience should include both national and international contexts, demonstrating the candidate's ability to navigate diverse cultural environments and respond to the unique challenges faced by staff in high-stress situations. Experience in humanitarian settings or emergency response is particularly valuable, as it equips the Counsellor with the skills needed to address the complexities of working in crisis-affected areas.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in Haiti. Knowledge of Creole is a significant advantage, as it allows for better engagement with local staff and communities. Additionally, a working knowledge of English is desired, enabling effective communication with international colleagues and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to Haitians living abroad, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process. The role is a consultancy position, meaning that individuals engaged under this contract will not be considered staff members and will not receive benefits typically provided to employees, such as leave entitlements or medical insurance. The selected candidate will be responsible for their tax liabilities and must ensure that their visa and health insurance are valid for the duration of the contract. Furthermore, candidates must confirm their fully vaccinated status against COVID-19, although this requirement does not apply to those working remotely. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply.