The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. We are seeking to fill the position of Regional Staff Counsellor at the P3 level, based in our Regional Bureau Office in Cairo, Egypt.
Under the general supervision and guidance of the Chief of the Staff Counselling Unit, the Regional Staff Counselor will be responsible for the following key duties for the Cairo Regional Bureau which is comprised of 11+ Country Offices:
- Provide psychological counseling and support services to WFP staff and immediate family members in the Country Offices in the OMC region;
- Psychological counseling and support services will include; assessment, one-on-one and group counseling, treatment planning, preparation for deployment to new duty stations, and occasional formal reports on clients;
- Perform individual psychological assessments in cases where a staff member is experiencing more extreme difficulty and/or presenting with serious mental-health symptoms or syndromes; liaise with the medical officer or other mental health resources, as needed;
- Provide support and advice to Country Directors and other managers and supervisors on healthy work place practices and how to effectively support staff; assist with resolving interpersonal conflicts;
- Design and conduct workshops on a wide range of topics including stress management, team-building, problem-solving, communication, conflict resolution, etc;
- Provide debriefings and crisis counselling to individuals and/or groups in emergencies or after critical incidents;
- Collaborate with the WFP Medical Unit, the Security Unit, the Ombudsman, the Human Resources Department, and other offices when necessary to address problems raised by staff members;
- Support missions to Country Offices may also focus on such areas as resolving work-place conflicts, reducing work-related stress, skill building and team building, or assistance with down-sizing and changes in Country Office operations;
- Maintain the WFP Peer Support Volunteer Network in the region through training and supervision; training materials and related protocols already exist;
- Ensure that Country Office security plans include provisions to provide for the psychosocial needs of staff during emergencies and following critical incidents;
- Work with DSS-CISMU (Department of Safety & Security – Critical Incident Stress Management Unit) and other Agency Staff Counselors and Peer Support Volunteers in the region during emergencies and extreme critical incidents;
- Identify and liaise with local regional mental health resources that can be used for referrals or in times of crisis;
- Contribute to information and materials about stress and stress management through the Unit website or printed media. Professional articles are encouraged;
- Complete administrative duties such as participating in professional conferences, planning budget and programs for the regions, completing reporting requirements, contributing to policy and guideline documents, etc;
- Refer staff to outside mental health professionals or facilities, as recommended;
- The position requires periodic travel to County Offices in the region and delivery of psychosocial-support services, including workshops, individual counseling, and management consultations;
- Conduct support missions to other WFP regions if required and as directed by the Unit chief.
Qualifications & Experience Required
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Masters, Doctorate, or equivalent) in psychology, psychiatry, counseling, or other mental health profession.
- Must be a licensed or registered as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor, or an equivalent in their country of origin.
- Additional training, certification, or experience in a range of related fields, such as alcohol/substance abuse, stress management, critical incident stress management, cross-cultural communication, conflict resolution, trauma, etc. will also be considered.
Experience:
- Minimum six (6) years of progressively responsible professional post graduate experience in the field of mental health is required.
- Experience with other UN Agencies, International Humanitarian Organizations, or Employee Assistance Programs considered essential.
- Experience working in hardship duty stations or providing counseling services to staff working in very difficult and hazardous environments, desired.
Technical Skills & Knowledge:
- Very good working knowledge of technology tools such as PowerPoint, Excel and Word.
- Broad knowledge of all facets of the field of counseling and an ability to create an environment in which others can talk confidentially and act without fear or repercussions within a climate of established trust;
Competencies:
- Excellent communication skills (oral, written and presentation) including the ability to defend and explain difficult issues and positions to staff at all levels;
- Ability to identify clients' needs and suggest appropriate solutions;
- Ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with clients, as well as with other professional offices in the organization;
- Ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries and establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
- Ability to maintain professional confidentiality at all times.
Language:
- Fluency in oral and written English with an intermediate knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish) or Portuguese (one of WFP’s working languages).
- Advanced command of Arabic is desired
How to apply:
Step 1: Register and create your online CV.
Step 2: Click on “Description” to read the position requirements and “Apply” to submit your application.
NOTE: You must complete Step 1 and 2 in order for your application to be considered for this vacancy.
Deadline for applications:13 November 2014
