Job Title: Staff Counsellor (Fresher High School Diploma Jobs)
Organisation: United Nations Organisation Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO)
Job Opening ID: 260088
Duty Station: Entebbe, Uganda
Reports to: Field Engineering Officer
About Organisation:
Following the signing of the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement in July 1999 between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and five regional States (Angola, Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe) in July 1999, the Security Council established the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) by its resolution 1279 of 30 November 1999, initially to plan for the observation of the ceasefire and disengagement of forces and maintain liaison with all parties to the Ceasefire Agreement. Later in a series of resolutions, the Council expanded the mandate of MONUC to the supervision of the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement and assigned multiple related additional tasks.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Within delegated authority, the Staff Counsellor at P-3 level will be responsible for the following duties:
- Performs individual assessments in the case of individual staff members having trouble coping and/or presenting mental health-related conditions.
- Advises the chief staff counsellor on individual cases where an identified problem is likely to have professional, vocational and/or counselling effect (e.g., work-related problem/s due to a psychological problem, conflict resolution, need-oriented medication, etc.).
- Advises the chief staff counsellor and Chiefs of Section upon request, aiming at improving the working environment in their Section and addressing psychological workplace safety issues.
- Performs critical incident stress supportive therapy (e.g., individual and/or group) whenever and wherever there is a need for it.
- Works within in close cooperation with the Medical Unit, Medical HIV Focal Points to provide a comprehensive approach and grant a continuum of services (referral, short-term supportive intervention) to individual staff members who have HIV/AIDS-related issues or to those staff members suffering from other mentally impacting medical conditions.
- In cooperation with the Medical Team, liaises with the members of the Staff Welfare Committee to develop programs designed to improve the quality of life of staff members within the Mission area.
- Provides training sessions on crisis and stress management and conflict resolution 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.
- Develops and implements a comprehensive stress management program for such staff, in cooperation and with the support of the Medical, HR and other Units where the duty is called. Performs other duties as required.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry is required. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience in the field may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
Job – Specific Qualification
- Additional training or certification in a broad range of related fields, such as alcohol/substance abuse, stress management, traumatic stress, cross-cultural communication or conflict resolution is required.
Work Experience
- A minimum of five (5) years of progressively experience in staff clinical counselling, mental health, cross cultural communications, counselling, psychiatry, clinical psychology, clinical social work, and related areas is required. International experience in Employees Assistance Programmes or Organizational Intervention is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position(s) advertised, fluency in both English and French is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Ability to think critically to conceptualize the client in theoretical terms. Sound capacity to listen on multiple levels. Ability to gain the trust of clients. Sound understanding of the need to be genuine and empathetic when communicating and listening. Show flexibility in world views and a strong understanding of multicultural issues in clinical practice. Shows pride in work and in 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.
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates who wish to join the United Nations should apply online at the link below
Deadline: 16th July 2025