Staff Counsellor

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

In the dynamic heart of EMRO, the Human Resources and Talent Unit propels the WHO mission forward by championing a culture of empowerment and innovation. HRT envisions an environment where each individual's unique talents are celebrated, collaboration sparks creativity, and bold ideas drive transformative change. HRT cultivates a space that thrives on diversity, nurtures leadership at every level, and harnesses cutting-edge technology to shape the future of global health to lead, to grow, and to make an extraordinary impact. The incumbent serves as the WHO EMR Staff Counsellor and is responsible for providing a full range of counselling services to the organization and its workforce, assisting in addressing psychosocial hazards and psychosocial needs. EMR StaffCounsellor works at the three strategic levels (organizational, team/managerial and individual) of intervention in areas of prevention, promotion and support of workplace mental health and wellbeing.
 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will perform the following duties: Provide effective and evidence-based psychosocial support and counselling to the WHO workforce and their families with the objective of mitigating stress and psychosocial risk factors and promoting protective factors. Facilitate referrals to external mental health providers and internal support services. Provide timely critical incident stress management to groups and/or individual staff following critical incidents and ensure the appropriate follow-up of staff and dependents. In line with the UN mental health strategy, and under the supervision of the RHRM and the staff counsellor network, adapt and implement a comprehensive mental health programme in collaboration with relevant counterparts Participate in implementation of WHO Mental health and Wellbeing Strategy and related programmes and activities. Contribute to the development of a regional Action Plan and guide its implementation for mental health and staff well being. Assist in assessing and addressing psychological risk factors at the individual, unit and organizational levels. Provide advice and guidance to the Leadership and Management of the region/Country Office on occupational health and wellbeing action plans. Provide support to managers on matters related to workplace mental health and wellbeing, including team and performance management aspects. Provide pre- and post- deployment assignment briefings to staff being deployed to/returning from emergency or hardship duty stations. Participate in case management with internal services. Support continuity of support and follow up, including high risk cases and death in service. Design and deliver training and awareness raising materials and activities for staff and managers on themes related to mental health and well-being in the workplace Participate in newcomer's induction trainings. Strengthen the network of Peer Support Volunteers (PSV), including the training and technical supervision of the Peer Support Volunteers. Coordinate with UNDSS, , HQ Staff Counsellor and other Regional Staff Counsellors, UN staff/stress counsellors, Peer Support Volunteers and other relevant stakeholders to ensure adequate psycho-social support during emergencies. Contribute to development and review of policies on occupational mental health and well-being and perform administrative duties, including participating in regional meetings and other activities. Maintain records of activities, in line with WHO and UNSSCG best practices, and provide relevant reports to the Regional HR Manager..-Take part in the relevant interagency working groups, particularly those within the UNSSCG aimed at advancement of psychosocial support to staff in the UN.
 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: An advanced/Postgraduate University Degree or equivalent in psychology, counselling, clinical psychology, psychiatry (medical or nursing), or clinical social work with evidence of training in mental health counselling. A valid certification or license to practice or registration/membership in good standing with legitimate professional organizations in the country of origin is required
Desirable: Additional training or certification in a broad range of related fields, such as occupational health and psychology, training facilitation, alcohol/substance abuse, cross-cultural communication, conflict resolution, etc. will be ana dvantage
 

Experience

Essential: Minimum five ( 5) years of progressively professional relevant counselling experience post licensure/certification/registration with experience in a similar setting such as an international and/or humanitarian organization. Some related experience in outbreak and health emergencies context
Desirable: Working experience with UN CommonSystem Organizations, international NGOs. Experience either working in a hardship location or providing counselling services to staff working under very difficult and security compromised environments is an asset. Experience of working in occupational health setting is an asset.
 

Skills

Proven ability to accurately assess psychosocial hazards and risks in occupational setting Advance knowledge in provision of psychosocial support and counselling services in a professional and confidential manner. Ability to fulfill professional duties in a multicultural environment while displaying sensitivity and respect for diversity. Ability to contribute to managing crisis situations exerting professionalism and strict confidentiality, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Ability to identify clients' needs and suggest appropriate solutions. Excellent communication skills(oral, written and presentation). Skills in designing and delivering trainings/information sessions on a number of subjects and ability to adapt those to different audiences. Professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity professionally and personally. Establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Ability to coordinate with other relevant specialist service in the Organization. Excellent interpersonal and respectful communication skills when interacting with clients and with internal and external counterparts. Capacity to work with shifting priorities and flexibility to adapt the plans to new realities. Being ready to respond to emergency situations that may be out of working hours. Capacity of working in multidisciplinary teams and being confident to share their views and advice as needed. Being able and ready to work under pressure but also knowing their boundaries and integrating them into the way of working. Being self-driven and organized, respectful of deadlines. Commitment to on-going professional development and clinical supervision, personal growth. The Staff Counsellor is a member of the UN Staff/Stress Counsellor Group, and the incumbent must adhere to its professional and ethical standards, keeping updated of the best practices and guidance through their professional networks, including within WHO and the UN system.
 

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Moving forward in a changing environment
Producing results
 

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of Arabic.

 

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 71,335 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 1492 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.

• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

• WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

• WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations (modifications or adjustments to the application or recruitment process) to support their participation in the application and recruitment process. Please send an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int with your full name, the vacancy number you are applying for, and specific details of the accommodation needed in your request.

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to a fixed-term position in the International Professional category (Grades P1-D2) are eligible for Geographical Mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

• Please note that WHO's contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• *For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.

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