This position is located within the Staff Counseling Unit of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Juba. The incumbent is under the general guidance, and the direct supervision of the Chief Medical Officer.

Within the delegated authority, the incumbent will perform the following duties: • Provides adequate counseling services within the Mission area (e.g. overall assessment of the psychosocial needs of the staff members, development of the services, etc.); • Performs individual assessments in the case of individual staff members experiencing difficulty coping and/or presenting mental health-related symptoms or syndromes; • Advises the chief human resources officer and other staff of the human resources section, as necessary, on individual and /or group cases where an identified problem is likely to have professional, vocational and/or counseling effect (e.g. work-related problem due to a psychological problem, conflict resolution, need oriented medication, etc.); • Advises section chiefs, as necessary, or upon request, with the aim at improving the working atmosphere in their Sections and resolving problems of a work-related or personal nature that adversely affect job performance and productivity; • Performs psychological first aid (e.g. individual and/or group) whenever and wherever there is a need for it; • Assures in conjunction with the Medical Services, a continuum of services (referral, short-term supportive intervention) to those staff members suffering from serious or chronic diseases or illnesses or drug and alcohol use; • Collaborates closely with the Office of the Ombudsman and the Ethics Office to organize training sessions on conflict resolution/transformation as needed, including on maintaining a harmonious workplace. • Collaborates closely together with colleagues from Human Resources, and the Medical Services, Security section, Ombudsman, Staff Unions, and other services within the Organization; • Establishes a link and liaises with the members of the Staff Welfare Committee and members in order to develop programmes designed to improve the quality of life of staff members within the mission area; • Ensures that all aspects of Staff Counselling and Welfare adhere to agreed professional standards including utmost confidentiality, skills, and update in their knowledge and performance; • Provides supervision, guidance, and leadership to the Welfare Officer. Supports the Welfare Officer in preparing and managing the welfare budget; • Provides training sessions on stress and crisis management, conflict resolution and cultural sensitivity as needed; • Monitors environmental factors that could lead to stress, with particular focus on stress related to critical incidents including emergency and crisis situations, with respect to civilian staff members of the mission; • Actively participates/takes the lead in the development of guidance and procedures governing employees’ relations within the workplace and identifies potential areas or issues that would benefit from stress-reducing measures and makes recommendations on possible solutions to senior management; • Develops, organizes and implements a resilience building program for all staff. Liaises with National Mental health professionals and other Psych-medical resources; • Performs other duties as required.

Professionalism: Broad knowledge of all facets of the field of counseling and the ability to provide a confidential environment in which others can talk and act without fear or repercussions within a climate of established trust; Ability to effectively manage crisis situations which involve diverse actors and stakeholders. Coordinate and consult with other relevant specialist services in the Organization as per its cross-cutting functional scope which includes staff administration, Human Resources policy as well as Medical Services in respect of emergencies, support and related administrative functions; Shows pride in work and achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Education

An Advanced University Degree (Masters or equivalent) in clinical Psychology, clinical Psychiatry or clinical social worker with clinical license to provide psychological counseling or psychotherapy. Additional training or certification is also required in a broad range of related fields, such as alcohol/substance abuse, stress management, Traumatic stress, cross- cultural psychology or Psychiatry, conflict resolution, etc. A first-level university degree with in combination two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in staff clinical counselling, mental health, cross cultural communications, counselling, psychiatry, clinical psychology, clinical social work and related areas is required, of which 5 years should be at the international level. Experience in community mental health and Organizational Intervention is desirable. Experience in Employees Assistance Programme is desirable. Experience in developing and delivering training sessions and briefings related to staff members’ well-being and mental health is desirable. Experience in developing policies and procedures related to staff well-being and mental health is desirable. Experience working in a UN field operation in a conflict/post-conflict setting is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (both written and oral) is required.

Assessment

Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

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