Stress Counsellor at UNDP – United Nations Development Programme, Kasulu, Tanzania

Stress Counsellor at UNDP – United Nations Development Programme, Kasulu, Tanzania

Organization: UNDP – United Nations Development Programme
Country: Tanzania
Field location: Kasulu, Tanzania
Office: UNDP in Kasulu
Grade: NO-A

Background
The administrative supervision of the UNDSS security advisor and technical supervision of the UNDSS CISMU regional stress counsellor, the field stress counselor will implement a wide range of stress management activities, in accordance with the Management of Stress and Critical Incident Stress policy (MSCIS-2015)
The consultancy holder will be a part of a multidisciplinary team in charge of Wellness. S/he has in-depth technical knowledge and experience required to identify, analyse and resolve complex work-related issues such as stress, interpersonal and cross-cultural dynamics, and psychosocial coping in hazardous emergency contexts. S/he provides technical expertise, advice and solutions that support strategic results, and, formulates new strategies and technical approaches where appropriate.

With the current context of COVID-19, the key role of the country-based stress counsellor will be to respond to the COVID-19 psychosocial crisis, to build a sustainable stress management system for the UN offices operating in the country, and to improve critical incident stress management preparedness of the UN security system in case of emergencies.
Design and coordinate the delivery of counselling services across the UN and provide professional and effective counselling and stress management services that enable staff to maintain positive health, performance and outlook. A large emphasis is placed on extensive engagement with all levels of staff internally, and with external partners to enhance psychosocial support and access to staff counselling services.
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide active psychological support and advice on strategic developments in the country involving the major implications on staff (i.e. emergency operations, critical incidents, office rightsizing) to ensure continued staff well-being and that managers and staff are provided with the effective support to manage change, especially in the context of the COVID19 pandemic.
Partner with all the functions and agencies within the UN in Tanzania, and with institutions outside to address psychological risks at the individual, unit and organizational level and to ensure a psychologically healthy workplace. Identify and liaise with high quality local and regional mental health resources that can be used for referrals and/or during times of crisis.
Providing individual and group counseling sessions to UN staff and dependents, in person or through teleconsulting as applicable.
Contribute to the development of policies and guidelines, as well as written and visual materials to increase awareness regarding important themes and topics related to Staff Wellness.
Maintain at all times, high standard of professional ethics and confidentiality consistent with the UN Ethical Guidelines and Standards of Practice, actively engage with management and staff, listen to their concerns, and stay approachable.
Take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives in all areas of work, to ensure equal participation of women and men.
Liaise with UN Senior Managers, the UN staff psychosocial wellbeing key partners (human resource managers, UN doctors, security focal points, and agencies security officers), the staff association, the local experts (doctors, psychiatrists and psychologists) and institutions in the country in order to create a network of health professionals for referrals and also ready to support and intervene if necessary.
Provide monthly reports to the DO, the security advisor, and the UNDSS CISMU regional stress counsellor.
Other relevant activities assigned by the supervisors, such as organizing peer support training workshops for selected UN staff in conjunction with the UNDSS CISMU to create a Critical Incident Stress Intervention Cell (CISIC).
Competencies
Innovation

Ability to make new and useful ideas work
Level 2: Analyzes complex technical materials (including data) and makes concise, relevant recommendations

Leadership

Ability to persuade others to follow
Level 2: Proactively identifies new opportunities and challenges

People Management

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction
Level 2: Takes ownership of responsibilities

Communication

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform
Level 2: Understands, explains and shares information on assigned tasks with accuracy and clarity

Delivery

Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement
Level 5: Critically assesses value and relevance of existing policy / practice and contributes to enhanced delivery of products, services, and innovative solutions

Project Management

Ability to plan, organize, and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals
Level 2: Execute & Learn: Execute & Learn: Perform defined tasks

Required Skills and Experience
Education
Advanced university degree (Doctorate, Masters or equivalent) in Clinical or Counselling Psychology, Psychiatry or demonstrably equivalent studies from a recognized institution;
Registration as a mental health professional in the country of origin is required;
Additional training or certification in a broad range of related fields, such as alcohol/substance abuse, resilience, cross-cultural communication, conflict resolution, mediation, trauma, etc. will be an advantage.
Experience
At least 5 years of progressively responsible professional post-graduate experience relevant to the field is required;
Experience either working in a hardship location or providing counselling services to staff working under very difficult and insecure environments is an asset.

Knowledge & Skills

Broad specialist expertise in the assessment of mental health needs and the assessment of risk.
Broad knowledge of all facets of counselling services and demonstrated skills to coordinate services and create a trusted environment in which others can talk confidentially.
Ability to coordinate and manage crisis situations which involve diverse actors and stakeholders.
Ability to strategically plan and deliver counselling services.
Strong initiative-taker and demonstrated ability to take independent decisions.
Working knowledge of occupational health and safety strategies to mitigate work-related stress and promote motivated and healthy staff.
Excellent communication skills (oral, written and presentation).
Conflict resolution and mediation skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with people of both genders and diverse national and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to design and manage implementation of trainings/information sessions to a wide range and different audiences.

Language
Fluency in English and Swahili is require

Disclaimer
Important applicant information

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

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