Purpose
Due to the nature and location of their work, UNICEF staff members are frequently exposed to high levels of day to day, cumulative stress, including those stressors related to their workload as well as the demands related to living and working in multicultural, often unstable and insecure environments. Under the supervision of the Deputy Director, DHR, the Staff Counsellor will develop and implement a stress management programme for UNICEF staff globally. The objectives of the stress management programme are to contribute to the well-being of staff and their families; to raise awareness about stress and stress management; to facilitate the provision of assistance to staff/family experiencing work-related and/or personal problems; to facilitate the provision of immediate support following a traumatic incident; to contribute towards a policy framework aimed at improving the work-life balance for UNICEF staff, and to co-ordinate the implementation of the stress management programme with EMOPS/OPSCEN, UNDSS and other UN Agencies.
Key Expected Results
Facilitating effective stress management interventions for all staff, aimed at chronic, work-related stress and critical incident stress.
The Staff Counsellor will be responsible for:
a) Providing staff with individual and/or group counselling (i.e. assessment, short-term intervention, referral), following self-referral or referral by the supervisor or another professional. b) Facilitating the treatment of psychiatric disorders primarily through referrals, including to the medical services division, and through guidance to supervisors and senior management, where appropriate. c) Identifying competent local resources for referrals whenever necessary. d) Establishing a network of peer helpers, including the training and technical supervision of the peer helpers.
The Staff Counsellor will provide emergency psychosocial support to staff who have been involved in critical incidents by: a) Contacting the affected staff member(s) by e-mail or phone, offering information about typical stress reactions, stress disorders, support and referral information b) Facilitating appropriate traumatic stress interventions, following traumatic events. c) Recommending and arranging for individual and/or group follow-up support to staff and their dependents. d) Coordinate with UNDSS and agency counsellors and peer helpers, to ensure the provision of adequate psychosocial support during emergencies.
Together with EMOPS, the Staff Counsellor will ensure that Country Office security plans include provisions to provide for the psychosocial needs of staff during emergencies and following a critical incident.
In collaboration with Global HR Colleagues, facilitate the assessment of psychosocial needs of staff with a view to provide a wide range of support mechanisms (i.e. assessment, short-term intervention, referral, etc.)
Training and awareness raising on stress management issues.
In HQ and through field missions, the Staff Counsellor, with the aid of consultants, will facilitate regular stress management training activities to increase staff awareness regarding the manifestations of stress, and to promote the development of enhanced individual stress management. The Staff Counsellor will cooperate with OLDS and Regional Offices in their activites aimed at integrating stress management into their learning strategies. The Staff Counsellor will develop/revise training modules, as well as assemble other materials for training on stress management issues. The Staff Counsellor will develop and disseminate information and materials about stress and stress management, including through the development and maintenance of a Stress Management portal on the UNICEF intranet. The Staff Counsellor will contribute to effective policies on staff well-being.
Establish, develop and maintain a global resource inventory of stress management information.
The Staff Counsellor will serve as the focal point for the exchange of information between the regions on stress management approaches and referral and consultant resources. Together with UNDSS and other UN agencies, the Staff Counsellor will assist in the coordination of Inter Agency stress counselling services .
Administrative duties, including participating in Divisional meetings and other activities, completing reporting requirements, maintaining budget, etc.
Qualifications of a successful candidate
Advanced University degree in counselling, clinical psychology or related mental health profession. Additional training or certification in staff support and traumatic / critical incident stress as well as a broad range of related fields, such as alcohol/substance abuse, family counselling, training, stress management.*
*A first level university degree (or equivalent qualification) with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.
Minimum eight years of national and especially international work experience in staff support, mental health, cross cultural communications, counselling, and related areas, preferably gained within the UN system or international development/humanitarian aide sector.
Fluency in English and another UN Language. Knowledge of French / Spanish / Arabic desirable.
Competencies of a successful candidate
Communicates effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking.
Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.
Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
Has good leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear.
Analyzes and integrates potentially conflicting numerical, verbal and other data from a number of sources.
Negotiates effectively by exploring a range of possibilities.
Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives.
Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups; maintains an effective network of individuals across organizational departments.
Contributes and tries out innovative approaches and insights. Remarks This is an extension of the application deadline due to change in the minimum candidate requirements. Previous applicants are not required to re-apply as their original application will be duly considered.
How to apply:
If you want a challenging career while improving the lives of children around the world UNICEF, the leading children's rights organization, would like to hear from you.
Visit us at www.unicef.org/about/employ to register in our new e-Recruitment system and apply to this vacancy, quoting E-VN-2012-001122. Applications must be received by 23 August 2012.
IMPORTANT: As part of your applicant online profile on the UNICEF site, please make sure your select “Release Profile” under Candidate Profile/Overview & Release.
Please note that only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted.
In the selection of its staff, UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities. Well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
