Stress Counselor (UNDSS)

The Department of Safety and Security is responsible for providing leadership, operational support and oversight of the security management system to enable the safest and most efficient conduct of the programmes and activities of the United Nations System.

The primary role of the UNDSS Stress Counselor (NO-B) will be to assist the Head of Unit to develop and maintain a sustainable stress management system applicable to all UN Agencies operating in the country and to improve the critical incident stress management preparedness of the UN security system in case of emergencies.

The Stress Counselor will administer a wide range of stress management activities, actively increasing emergency preparedness in the country in collaboration with UNDSS and the UN Crisis Management as per the UNDSS CISMU standard operational procedures on critical incident stress.

• Provide individual, group and critical incident counseling sessions to the staff and dependents as/when needed.
• Plan and Facilitate preventative stress management training on a variety of stress related sues to UN staff in the country and circulate useful reading resources related to stress periodically.
• Assist in establishing the Critical Incident Stress Intervention Cells (CISICs) including selecting Peer Helpers and family focal points; facilitating peer helper training sessions (jointly with UNDSS CISMU); and coordinating and following up on all relevant activities.
• Promote welfare activities for UN staff in the country in collaboration with the existing Staff Association.
• Identify, address and follow up on critical incident stress cases among the UN staff and dependents in the country.
• Regularly visit the UN Offices/Sub Offices in the country in order to implement preventative stress management training activities and offer technical consultations when needed.
• Liaise with local experts and institutions in the country for referral purposes. Collaborate with UN managers, medical doctors, and local physicians on psychosocial issues with the objective of establishing a network of professionals ready to support and intervene in case of need.
• Advise UN management on stress mitigating strategies and activities
• Perform ongoing assessments and monitor the determinants of stress in the UN staff to include activities such as data collection, analyses and related documentation.
• Provide regular feedback and monthly report to the Head of Unit on all activities
• Monitor environmental factors that could lead to stress, with particular focus on stress related to critical incidents, with respect to civilian staff members of the mission; develop, organize and implement a stress management programme for such staff.
• In the absence of the Head of Unit, act as OIC as required and as appointed by the PSA

Innovation

Ability to try out / test new ways of engagement and communications. Openness to different and new ways of doing things; willingness to modify one’s preferred way of doing things

Team Building

Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of professionals towards common goals

Communication

Ability to effectively communicate intensions and requirements to internal and external stakeholders

Security & Safety (General)

Knowledge of the UN Security Management System (UNSMS) and UNDSS's role in addressing security issues

Strategic Planning

Ability to make decisions that align with strategy, vision, and mission

Education:

• Master Degree in Psycho -educational studies, psychology, psychiatry, clinical social work, or other clinical mental health profession.
• Certification or country specific licensure authorizing the incumbent to deliver mental health services is desirable.

Experience:

• Minimum of two years of professional experience in psychological counseling, training skills, with special emphasis on managing critical incident stress.
• Additional experience in any related field, such as alcohol/ substance abuse, stress management, critical incident stress and cross cultural communication would be an asset.
• Previous experience working with United Nations System in the same field is distinct advantage.
• Proficient in computer application programmes, particularly in MS Office.

Important applicant information

All posts in the GS categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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