Staff Counsellor

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

As an active MINUSMA team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to MINUSMA and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: Well-being of staff members and mission personnel improved by providing services in efficient, effective, timely, and professional manner; Work relationships improved and stress-related health problems in the mission minimized; Productivity at large improved;

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Chief, Staff Counselling UNIT, MINUSMA the UN Volunteer Staff Counsellor: Assesses staff members experiencing difficulty coping and/or are presenting with mental healthrelated symptoms or syndromes; Advises the Senior Staff Counsellor and other Personnel Officers, as necessary, on cases where a staff member is likely to experience difficulties in maintaining a professional standard in their duties. (e.g. work-related problem/s due to a psychological issue, conflict resolution, need-oriented medication, etc.); Advises Chiefs of Section upon request, with the aim of improving the working atmosphere in their Section and resolving problems of a work-related or personal nature that adversely affect job performance and productivity; 21 Jul 2021 Page 3 of 9 Provides the emergency psychosocial support (individual or group session) to any UN personnel affected by the stress, the cumulative and the critical incident stress; Ensures the provision of psychosocial support services to UN personnel who are experiencing the psychosocial impacts of chronic diseases or any other issues; Establishes a link and liaises with the members of the Staff Welfare Committee and Medical Services in order to develop programmes designed to improve the quality of life of staff members within the Mission area; Organizes trainings on stress and critical incident stress management and related topics like resilience building. Monitors environmental factors that could lead to stress, with focus on stress related to critical incidents, including emergency and crisis situations, with respect to civilian staff members of the Mission; Develops, organizes and implements a stress management programme for such staff. Assists in organizing peer support training workshops for selected UN staff in conjunction with the UNDSS CISMU to create a Critical Incident Stress Intervention Cell (CISIC);

Adaptability and Flexibility Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Ethics and Values Integrity Planning and Organizing Professionalism

counselling, or related areas; International experience in employee assistance programmes or organizational intervention. Experience in cross-cultural communications

Both Timbuktu and Bamako are non-family duty stations. In Bamako, accommodation is available in apartments and houses, and the UN Volunteer will need to find his/her own accommodation, although the team in Bamako can assist in helping to secure temporary accommodation. In Timbuktu, accommodation in prefab structures is provided, and the UNV will need to contribute approximately $100/month for housing. Electricity and hot water are generally stable in both Bamako and the regions. In the regions, including Timbuktu, there are rarely issues with utilities as they are provided by the mission with good infrastructure. This is important as air conditioning will be necessary during the hot season in Timbuktu. Food and other essentials such as toiletries are available at the P/X in Timbuktu, but many mission personnel shop in Bamako or in their home countries for their preferred items or brands. Medical care and basic medicines are available in the Timbuktu camp at the UN Level 1 clinic, though more specialized treatment would be provided in Bamako, where there are several hospitals with a variety of specialties. MINUSMA medical focal points at these facilities monitor the treatment of mission personnel. Most medicines can be found in Bamako at local pharmacies. Mali is a unique country with a rich cultural heritage including architecture, music, textiles, and handicrafts, among others. Bamako has numerous artisan markets and handicrafts can be found throughout the country, with various articles and symbols tied to the culture of each region. French is the official language of Mali. The mission offers free language courses to personnel, which the UN Volunteer can take advantage of. French, English, Arabic and Bambara are currently being offered. UNV Staff Counsellors work in a supportive team environment which includes regular unit meetings (in person and via video conference), clinical supervision and within mission travel when required. At full capacity, the unit is comprised of 10 mental health professionals with backgrounds in social work, psychology and psychiatry. Efforts are made to match team members with their interests and capabilities, and they are encouraged to continue learning and to introduce new ideas for prevention and psychosocial support. A wide range of activities is organized for support to staff, including but not limited to wellness fairs, online training with international mental health experts, open houses and others, and all staff counsellors participate in program planning and implementation. Language classes are available to UN Volunteers (English, French, Bambara). Mali is a unique country and MINUSMA is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.