Stress Counsellor

Volunteering

Overview

Provide stress counselling and management for UN personnel in South Sudan.

You have:

• A valid certification to practice at national level in clinical psychology or psychiatry is required.
• Experience in crisis coordination and emergency response would be highly desirable.
• Stress counselling, clinical psychology, psychiatry, or related field, at a national level with cross border experience is required.
• Additional training or experience in a broad range of related fields, such as alcohol/substance abuse, stress management, critical incident stress and cross-cultural communication would be an asset.

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.

The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (DSS) is responsible for providing leadership, operational support and oversight of the security management system to enable the safest and most efficient conduct of the programs and activities of the United Nations System. The headquarters of UNDSS is located in New York and have operations in more than one hundred countries. UNDSS South Sudan is supporting the UNSMS in country through security advice and guidance to enable the conduct of operations in the safest way possible. The Stress Counsellor will work in the UNDSS South Sudan. UNDSS will implement the Locally Cost-Shared Security Budget, which constitutes the financial contributions of all UNSMS Organizations in South Sudan.

Supervision, induction and duty of care of UN Volunteers

UN Volunteers should be provided equal duty of care as extended to all host entity personnel. Host entity support to the UN Volunteer includes, but is not limited to:  Introductory briefings about the organisation and office-related context including security, emergency procedures, good cultural practice and orientation to the local environment.  Support with arrival administration including setting-up of bank accounts, residence permit applications and completion of other official processes as required by the host government or host entity.  Structured guidance, mentoring and coaching by a supervisor including a clear workplan and performance appraisal.  Access to office space, equipment, IT support and any other systems and tools required to complete the objectives of the assignment including a host entity email address.  Access to shared host entity corporate knowledge, training and learning. ​  Inclusion of the volunteer in emergency procedures such as evacuations.  Leave management.  DSA for official travel, when applicable​. All changes in the Description of Assignment occurring between recruitment and arrival or during the assignment need to be formalized with the United Nations Volunteer Programme.

Within the delegated authority and under the administrative supervision of the Principal Security Adviser and the technical guidance of the CISMS Regional Stress Counsellor, the UN Volunteer Stress Counsellor, will administrate a wide range of stress management activities, actively participating in emergency preparedness in the country in collaboration with UNDSS and the UN emergency coordination group as per the UNDSS CISMS standard operational procedures on the Management of Stress and Critical Incident Stress (MSCIS). Specific responsibilities will include :

 Develop and implement a stress prevention and management plan applicable to all UN Agencies in the country.  Provide individual and group stress management and critical incident counselling sessions to the staff and dependents as/when needed,  Plan and facilitate training programmes on a variety of stress management related issues for UN personnel in the country and circulate useful reading resources related to stress.  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 CISMS); coordinating and following up on all relevant activities.  Liaise with existing local Staff Association to advocate for the organization of welfare activities for UN personnel.  Identify, address and follow up on high stress cases and critical incident stress cases among the UN personnel and dependents in the country.  Be willing to visit & travel regularly to the UN Offices/Sub Offices in the country in order to implement preventative stress management training activities and offer technical consultations when needed.  Collaborate with UN managers, agency counsellors, medical doctors, local experts and institutions on psychosocial issues with the objective of establishing a network of professionals ready to support and intervene in case of need.  Under the guidance of the CISMS Regional Stress Counsellor, coordinate all critical incident stress management activities with relevant stakeholders, including UN staff counsellors in the country and in neighboring countries, Peer Helpers, Family Focal Points, Mental Health Professionals etc.  Advise UN management on stress mitigating strategies and activities.  Perform ongoing psychosocial needs assessments and monitor the determinants of stress in UN personnel, including activities such as data collection, analyses, resource mapping and coordinating collective psychosocial capacity across UN agencies and partners.  Provide monthly reports to the Chief Security Adviser with copies to UNDSS CISMS on all his/her activities.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:  Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day).  Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.  Provide annual and end of assignment reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
 Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.  Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers.  Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs  As an active UNDSS team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNSMS and its partners in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:  Professionalism: Expert knowledge in the field of stress management and counselling; demonstrated adaptability and ability to work in austere, insecure environments and to adjust rapidly to varying social, organizational and geographic settings; good conceptual skills in mental health programming and/or public health; proven ability to provide counselling in stress and stress related issues and treat sensitive or confidential information appropriately; in depth understanding of the strategic directions in critical incident stress management. Candidate also shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observes deadlines and achieving results; 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.  Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment  A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

 Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDSS; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDSS procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;  Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDSS in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;  Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;  Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.  Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;  Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;  Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;  Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDSS mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

stress counselling, clinical psychology, psychiatry, or related field, at a national level with cross border experience is required. International experience would be an asset.  Experience in crisis coordination and emergency response would be highly desirable.  A valid certification to practice at national level in clinical psychology or psychiatry is required.
 Additional training or experience in a broad range of related fields, such as alcohol/substance abuse, stress management, critical incident stress and cross-cultural communication would be an asset.  Qualifying years of experience are calculated after the receipt of an accredited advanced level degree recognized by the United Nations.

South Sudan Officially known as the Republic of South Sudan is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa. The country gained its independence from the Republic of Sudan in 2011. Its capital city is Juba. It has a population of approximately 12 million, Christianity is the major religion. It is identified as the most difficult duty station, which is classified as a non-family duty station due to its level of development both in the capital city and the states capitals. There is a UN imposed curfew from 7.00pm to 6:00am due to security and crime issues. United Nations volunteer require the following vaccines Diptheria, Tetanus, Polio, Pertussis, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Meningitis ACWY135, yellow fever, Rabies if locally available, Measles, Mumps and Rubel. Please note that without evidence of yellow fever vaccination, access to South Sudan is restricted. The Local Currency is South Sudanese Pounds (SSP)–The exchange rate between USD and local currency in Banking facilities is 635.9285 whereas in the black market is 640 There are two mobile telephone companies in South Sudan namely Zain and MTN and the country code is +211. Internet facility is available in smart phones and also in the office. Accommodation in the states is very basic, and mostly available at UN agency compound i.e. prefabricated units/containers or through local rentals. There is availability of utilities, water, and electricity in the accommodation. There are restaurants serving food from different regions of the world in Juba and market and shops are fairly well-stocked with food items, clothes and other household goods. There are also local markets for vegetables and other farm produce in the states. The cost of living is generally high as almost all the goods are imported. Availability of medicines, medical assistance within country; level I-III options. www.unv.org/.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org