Psychologist Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for personal and professional development. UNICEF prides itself on a culture that supports staff growth and provides an attractive compensation and benefits package. In Syria, UNICEF has been active since 1970, working with partners to empower children and ensure they enjoy their rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The organization addresses the complex humanitarian needs in Syria, which include displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and economic challenges, by providing integrated, multi-sectoral programming and improving access to critical services for children and families.

Job Overview:
The position of Psychologist Consultant at UNICEF Syria is focused on providing accessible, in-person mental health support for staff. The role is crucial in addressing the ongoing challenges related to stress, work-life balance, and emotional well-being among UNICEF staff. The consultant will be responsible for delivering individual and group counseling sessions, designing and conducting mental health workshops, and creating a wellbeing plan tailored to the needs of the country office and its field locations. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure that mental health services are effectively integrated into the workplace, thereby enhancing the overall wellbeing of UNICEF staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide individual and group professional counseling sessions to UNICEF staff.
• Design and deliver mental health and wellbeing workshops/sessions/interventions that address topics such as stress management, trauma, and resilience.
• Develop a comprehensive wellbeing plan for the country office and field offices, collaborating with stakeholders to ensure it meets the specific needs of each location.
• Conduct regular assessments of staff mental health needs and adapt services accordingly.
• Maintain confidentiality and provide a safe space for staff to discuss their mental health concerns.
• Stay updated on best practices in mental health support and integrate them into the services provided.
• Facilitate training sessions for staff on mental health awareness and coping strategies.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of mental health interventions and make necessary adjustments based on feedback and outcomes.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in clinical psychology, organizational psychology, psychiatry, counseling, clinical social work, or a related mental health profession.
• Additional training or certification in staff support, traumatic/critical incident stress, Employee Assistance Programs, alcohol/substance abuse, family counseling, coaching, stress management, trauma management, and secondary trauma is desired.
• A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in staff support, human behavior, performance, learning and motivation, psychological research methods, assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders, and cross-cultural communications.
• Experience working in emergency contexts and knowledge of the wellbeing challenges faced in Syria is preferred.
• Strong communication skills, confidentiality, and a people-oriented approach are essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in a relevant field such as clinical psychology, organizational psychology, psychiatry, counseling, or clinical social work. Additional certifications in related areas such as trauma management or Employee Assistance Programs are highly desirable.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in relevant fields, particularly in staff support and mental health services. Experience within the UN system or in international development/humanitarian aid sectors is preferred, especially in contexts similar to the challenges faced in Syria.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position, as effective communication with staff in both languages is essential for providing mental health support and conducting workshops.

Additional Notes:
The position is a consultancy role, and contracts will be created against a Long-Term Agreement (LTA). Payment will be made upon completion of deliverables and submission of invoices. The consultant must sign the contract before commencing work. UNICEF emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization offers flexible working arrangements and reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information for background checks and must ensure their visa and health insurance are valid for the contract duration. Candidates are also subject to confirmation of vaccination status against COVID-19.