Counselor

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to encompass over 173 member states and operates in more than 100 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration, including humanitarian assistance, development, and policy advocacy, aiming to support migrants and communities affected by migration. IOM's mission in Tajikistan specifically addresses the needs of displaced Afghans and aims to enhance social cohesion and access to services for both Afghan and Tajik communities.

Job Overview:
The Counselor position is integral to IOM's project aimed at improving migration governance and access to services for displaced Afghans in Pakistan and Central Asia. The role focuses on addressing the mental health and psychosocial needs of affected populations, fostering unity, and promoting peaceful coexistence between Tajik and Afghan communities. The Counselor will provide individual and group counseling, coordinate mental health support within community activities, and design psychoeducation sessions tailored to community needs. This position requires a proactive approach to enhance livelihoods, particularly for women and youth, through development opportunities and income-generating activities. The Counselor will also play a crucial role in reducing stigma and improving service access for vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Counselor will be responsible for providing individual and group counseling to affected populations, coordinating with team members to integrate mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into community-based activities. Key duties include designing psychoeducation sessions, supervising artistic mediation activities, conducting training in Psychosocial First Aid (PFA), identifying and referring individuals with severe mental disorders, and developing awareness campaigns related to mental health. The Counselor will also facilitate needs assessments and research to enhance access to psychosocial services and specialized mental health care for refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), migrants, and returnees. Daily reporting of activities and collaboration with the referral team to ensure comprehensive support for individuals with mental health needs are also essential responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, educational psychology, social work, or a closely related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in these areas are advantageous. Previous experience in counseling and protection activities, particularly within humanitarian or mental health projects, is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations, showing cultural sensitivity and adaptability in their counseling approaches. Knowledge of psychosocial support principles and trauma-informed care is essential, along with certification in Psychosocial First Aid (PFA) and experience in supervising others in artistic mediation activities.

Educational Background:
A degree in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, educational psychology, social work, or a closely related field is required. Advanced degrees or relevant certifications are preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise in the field of mental health and counseling.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in counseling and protection activities, particularly in humanitarian or mental health contexts. A proven track record in providing psychosocial support and counseling services is preferred, along with strong experience in communicating and collaborating with individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds. Familiarity with trauma-informed care and the unique needs of refugees, IDPs, migrants, and returnees is crucial.

Languages:
Fluency in Tajik and Russian is mandatory. Proficiency in additional languages spoken by the community or beneficiaries is considered an asset. IOM's official languages include English, French, and Spanish, and proficiency in these languages may be evaluated during the selection process.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve travel, and any offer made to the candidate is subject to funding confirmation. The appointment will require certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, and necessary government authorizations. IOM provides coverage against occupational accidents and illnesses under its Compensation Plan, but consultants must secure their own medical insurance for non-occupational issues. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and harassment. The organization does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications through its online recruitment system.