Staff Counsellor at International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission, and the technical coordination of the Senior Staff Welfare Officer in Geneva and close coordination with Staff Counsellor in the Regional Office, in Nairobi, Kenya, the Staff Counsellor will be responsible for the implementation of the Staff welfare activities in IOM Somalia.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

• Provide psychological counselling and support, including assessment, confidential one to one and group sessions, to staff members and dependents.
• Provide psychological and counselling support to staff members post critical incidents and other emergencies.
• Assessment of staff members who are in crisis and require emergency psychological and/psychiatric support.
• Develop and provide training on relevant topics including stress management, emotional processing, dealing with critical incidents, wellbeing.
• Produce psycho-educational material for dissemination (e.g. vicarious trauma)
• Support the development of a peer support network for humanitarian community in the mission.
• Work with colleagues to develop preventative initiatives (e.g. preparing for critical incidents).
• Offer managerial consultations to relevant agency managers on ways of enhancing humanitarian staff wellbeing and mental health in accordance with the IOM Mental Health Strategy.
• Collaborate with colleagues in UN/ international non-governmental organization (INGO) staff in relevant units (e.g. UNDSS, Staff Welfare, Human Resources etc.
• Ensure that Country Office security plans include provisions to provide for the psychosocial needs of staff during emergencies and following critical incidents
• Undertake duty travel to very challenging areas when necessary.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, Counselling, Social Work or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or
• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.
• Must be licensed or registered clinical psychologist, counsellor or social worker or equivalent in their Country of origin or training.

Experience

• Progressively responsible professional experience in the field of mental health is required;
• Experience with other UN Agencies, International Humanitarian Organizations or Employee Assistant Programs considered essential;
• Experience of working in hardship duty station or providing counselling services to staff working in very difficult and hazardous environments desired.

Skills

• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization.
• Familiarity with diversity and its implementation;
• Knowledge of modern technologies, e.g. teleservices;
• Knowledge of psychological impact and skills to help staff cope with working in high risk environments
• Excellent communication and writing skills;
• Readiness to travel and work in emergency contexts