Staff Counsellor

Position Title: Staff Counsellor

Duty Station: IOM Somalia in Nairobi*, Kenya

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P3

Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 12 January 2023

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

Context:

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:

1. Provide psychological counselling and support, including assessment, confidential one to one and group sessions, to staff members and dependents.
2. Provide psychological and counselling support to staff members post critical incidents and other emergencies.
3. Assessment of staff members who are in crisis and require emergency psychological and psychiatric support.
4. Develop and provide training on relevant topics including stress management, emotional processing, dealing with critical incidents, well-being.
5. Produce psycho-educational material for dissemination (e.g. vicarious trauma)
6. Support the development of a peer support network for humanitarian community in the mission.
7. Work with colleagues to develop preventative initiatives (e.g. preparing for critical incidents).
8. 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.
9. Collaborate with colleagues in UN/ international non-governmental organization (INGO) staff in relevant units (e.g. UNDSS, Staff Welfare, Human Resources etc.
10. Ensure that Country Office security plans include provisions to provide for the psychosocial needs of staff during emergencies and following critical incidents.
11. Identify and liaise with local regional mental health resources that can be used for referrals or in times of crisis.
12. Ensure that reports and other administrative duties are carried out to a professional standard.
13. Refer staff members to outside mental health professionals or facilities, as recommended.
14. Undertake duty travel to very challenging areas when necessary.
15. 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 EmployeeAssistant 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.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

External applicants for all positions in the Professional category are required to be proficient in English and have at least a working knowledge of one additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Swahili & Somali is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Notes

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Leadership: provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the organization’s vision; assists others to realize and develop their potential.
• Empowering others & building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.