Consultants, Psychosocial Support

IFRC has undertaken an HR strategy that focuses on the importance of the health and well-being of its staff. A key element within the HR Strategy is the current Psychosocial Support Program. In existence for several years now, the Program operates from Geneva with a global team covering all 5 regions (Africa, America, MENA, Asia Pacific and Europe). The purpose of the Program is to offer ongoing support to staff and delegates alike in the areas of individual and group counselling, first aid, therapy, webinars, workshops on specific work-related issues, trainings and information sessions. The PSP Team is also available as and when requested by the Regional Offices to undertake field visits to affected areas or delegations of concern.

The Federation’s psychosocial support programme for staff is well established and much appreciated by delegates, national staff and the National Societies who utilise the services.

Job Purpose

The aim of pschosocial support programme, at its full capacity, is to provide services within all Regions through engaging with consultants in a decentralized way. While the primary support functions are provided at the regional level, the support and coordination of the program is based in Geneva.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure individual counselling on request and under strict confidentiality;
• Provide PSS briefings/ debriefings to staff, either individually or as a group;
• If the counsellor believes necessary and following approval, to maintain contact with a delegate who may require further assistance after the mission has ended;
• Reinforce and support self-assessments and knowledge of such methods;
• Provide critical incident debriefings to staff as needed;
• Undertake missions to the delegation according to identified terms of reference when required and agreed;
• Maintain a regular form of communication with the Regional Office;
• Be prepared to coordinate with other members of the team if a colleague is absent, ill or on vacation etc;
• If required to be available to guide and train new counsellors who may be appointed;
• Be prepared to share documents / papers / workshop information with the rest of the PSP Team in order to enhance the overall performance of the Team;
• If required to be prepared to represent the IFRC at events or conferences (etc);
• Provide training on stress management and psychological support elements for larger groups, either staff or meeting participants on request;
• Contribute to the PSS Annual report and to monthly statistics;
• Provide reports on request;
• Ensure active participation on team meetings;
• Attendance to the regular cycle of virtual PSP team meetings hosted by the Team Coordinator in Geneva
• Design and organize sharing sessions with al staff to understand the services and encourage them to access them. The content of the training should include types of service, accessibility, eligibility, confidentiality, contact address and telephone numbers, contact person, feedback, complaints, and procedures;
• Develop site-specific guidance and support in emergency situations as may be required from time to time;
• Be available to undertake short visits to surrounding countries at short notice as needed;
• Be available to provide psychosocial support outside regular working hours as the situation requires;
• PSS counsellors will be expected to abide by the IFRC Code of Conduct in their dealings with all staff and volunteers.

Education

• Licensed psychologist or psychotherapist (University degree and professional qualifications required).
• Trained in psycho- traumatology and/or critical incident debriefing (preferred).

Experience

Required

• 5 plus years of relevant technical experience in the mental health fields or similar (psychology, psychotherapy, psychiatry etc)
• Creating and delivering relevant workshops
• Working in multi-cultural context

Preferred experience

• Knowledge and belief in the 7 Fundamental Principles of the IFRC
• Work experience in the international humanitarian world, operating in emergencies

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Self-supported in computing systems;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, clear, open and transparent;
• Ability to work with multi-discipline and multi-cultural teams in a cross functional environment;
• Able to perform presentation for larger groups;
• Ability to work under stressful situations;
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability with clients.
• Be an integrated and committed team member.
• Self-motivated and innovative
• Efficient and skilled record-keeping
• English: Fluent in written and verbal (Essential)
• French: strong asset
• Other language: an asset

Competencies, Values and Comments

Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability.

Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust.

Comments: Two consultants are desired, English and French speaking.