OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME
The mission of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme (The Programme) is to help countries, and to coordinate international action, to prevent, prepare for, detect, rapidly respond to, and recover from outbreaks and emergencies.
In the country of assignment, based on priorities set by the WHO Representative (WR) , the incumbent will work under the direct technical supervision and guidance of the Regional Staff Physician. The incumbent will have front line responsibility to improve the capacity and resilience of staff members and consultants to respond effectively during emergencies in accordance to policy guidelines established by the HQ and Regional Office. S/he will closely cooperate and partner with the Staff Health and Wellbeing Services in WHO headquarters and Health Medical Service in the respective regional office.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
1. Provide culturally sensitive, active psychosocial support, including during emergencies and/or after critical incidents through individual and group counselling for Staff Members and their immediate family members.
2. Provide preventative and mitigating stress and crisis management training during the three phases of the mission: pre-deployment, during deployment and post-deployment.
3. Travel regularly to the field sites of the WHO CO to promote, plan and implement preventative and mitigating stress management activities.
4. Undertake, upon request, travels to the Country Offices requesting support.
5. Ensure access for staff and family members to individual counselling either internally or externally for work related issues, mental health, and personal issues.
6. Facilitate team building and cohesion through formal and informal interventions.
7. Enhance social or peer support networks and assist with training and capacity building activities.
8. Provide immediate psychological support to victims and coordinating actions with security officers and relevant actors.
9. Advise management on stress mitigating strategies and activities to enhance the welfare of staff members and consultants.
10. Maintain detailed records of activities and provide comprehensive reports on a monthly basis to the HQ and regional office.
11. Support the Regional Staff Counsellor and perform any other incident-specific related duties, as required by the functional supervisor.
12. When possible, liaise and coordinate with UN staff counselors deployed in the country.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: University degree in counselling psychology, clinical psychology, psychiatry, clinical/psychiatric social work or other mental health-related degree from an accredited/recognized institute allowing to practice as mental health professional.
Desirable: A valid certification or license to practice at national level in clinical psychology, or social work. University Certification or country-specific licensure authorizing the incumbent to deliver mental health services.
Experience
Essential: Minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional post graduate experience in the area of mental health and psychosocial support services, including at the international level.
Some related experience in outbreak and health emergencies context.
Desirable: Additional training or experience in abroad range of related fields, such as trauma-focused counselling, stress management, alcohol/substance abuse, occupational health, conflict resolution, or cross-cultural communication.
Experience either working in a hardship location or providing counselling services to staff working under very difficult and insecure environments.
Previous experience with the United Nations/WHO/health cluster partners/national or international NGO’s or recognized humanitarian organizations.
Skills
Maintain at all times a high standard of professional ethics and confidentiality consistent with the ethical guidelines and standards of practice.
Actively engage with management and staff, listen to their concerns, and stay approachable.
Training/facilitation skills Ability to coordinate with other relevantspecialist service in the Organization including Occupational Health and Safety, Security, Ombudsman, HR.
Good knowledge of MHPSS during emergency situations.
Proven ability to accurately assess psychosocial or mental health needs, risks and protective factors.
Advance knowledge in the provision of psychosocial support and counselling services in a professional and confidential manner.
Demonstrated knowledge in designing and delivering contextually and culturally appropriate trainings and information sessions on a wide range of stress-related issues.
Ability to manage crisis situations involving diverse actors and stakeholders.
Ability to effectively work in multi-cultural environments under stressful conditions.
WHO Competencies
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Knowing and managing yourself
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Expert knowledge of Russian and Ukranian. Intermediate knowledge of another WHO language.
REMUNERATION
WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 62,692 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 1970 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.
Closing Date: May 26, 2022, 5:59:00 AM
