Humanitaire (ONG, Associations, ...), Projet/programme de développement
Associate Staff Counsellor
locations
Dakar (RB), Senegal
time type
Full time
job requisition id
JR2664436
Deadline for Applications
March 4, 2026
Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)
A (least hardship)
Family Type (not applicable for home-based)
Family
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
UNOPS LICA9
Target Start Date
2026-03-02
Terms of Reference
1. General Background
The Associate Staff Counsellor plays a pivotal role in supporting the implementation of UNHCR’s staff wellbeing strategy within the designated region. This position is integral to advancing the Psychosocial Risk Management (PSRM) project, enhancing psychosocial support systems in field operations through effective risk management, and fulfilling the broader mandate of the Psychosocial Wellbeing Unit. Under the supervision of the Staff Counsellor – Regional Manager, and in close collaboration with Psychosocial Wellbeing Unit (PWU) focal points, headquarters colleagues in Geneva and Budapest, and field operations, the incumbent ensures the effective coordination, monitoring, and follow-up of the PSRM approach. The Associate Staff Counsellor actively contributes to the development, deployment, and monitoring of psychosocial risk management activities across the region. Responsibilities include supporting country operations in establishing Action Groups, providing technical guidance, facilitating access to resources, and ensuring alignment with global PSRM standards. The role also encompasses data analysis, documentation, research, and the development of communication and training materials. Additionally, the Associate Staff Counsellor assists Staff Counsellors by researching relevant topics and serves as the focal point for activities related to psychosocial risk management. Close collaboration with other relevant sections, such as Human Resources, Medical, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), and risk management, is expected, as well as participation in the ongoing development of the PSRM project at the global level
2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment
- Act as the primary regional focal point for the deployment and operationalization of the PSRM project in West and Central Africa.
- Support field operations in establishing and maintaining PSRM Action Groups, ensuring effective functioning and follow-up.
- Provide technical guidance for operations, facilitate access to tools, information, and training, and ensure consistent implementation of PSRM processes.
- Liaise with PWU focal points and HQ colleagues to ensure coherence and alignment with global PSRM standards and developments.
- Gather, organize, and analyze data related to PSRM activities, staff wellbeing indicators, and field-level trends.
- Develop and update a range of educational and promotional materials, including intranet content, brochures, presentations, and guidance documents.
- Support the preparation and delivery of training sessions, awareness raising activities, workshops, and information briefings.
- Contribute to internal communication strategies that promote staff wellbeing and engagement around psychosocial risk management.
- Document processes, lessons learned, and best practices related to the PSRM project and wellbeing initiatives.
- Prepare templates, standard tools, and reports for use across the regional and global PWU teams.
- Participate in global working groups or task teams related to the evolution of the PSRM framework.
- Participate in the implementation of mental health strategies in the region
- Perform other related duties as required
3. Monitoring and Progress Controls
• Support all country operations in the region to establish and operationalize PSRM Action Groups, ensuring documented evidence of setup and initial action planning.
• Supporting work of action group by organizing monthly meetings and providing meeting reports and follow up actions
• Monitoring of progress of all action groups and providing technical guidance under the supervision of staff counsellor
• Completion of process documentation, templates, and guidance notes for each country
• Production of training material and promotional materials on Psychosocial risk management
• Submission of quarterly structure PSRM project reports
• Contribution to global PSRM development activities
• Satisfaction of field operations with support provided
• Support country offices who did not roll out the PSRM project to understand and prepare for roll out in the next cycle
• Support expansion, adoption and integration of the PSRM principles in the psychosocial support strategies of all remaining operations in the region.
4. Qualifications and Experience
3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1-year relevant experience with Doctorate degree
a. Education
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, occupational safety and health, Social Sciences, Public Health, Organizational Psychology, or another relevant field.
b. Work Experience
Previous experience in psychosocial support, staff wellbeing, mental health programs, occupational safety and health programs, project coordination, or related areas.
Experience in data analysis, training, or production of educational materials is an asset.
Prior experience in international organizations, humanitarian settings, or emergency contexts is desirable.
C. Key Competencies
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to conduct data analysis and produce structured reports.
Excellent organizational and coordination skills.
Capacity to work collaboratively in multicultural environments.
Proficiency in MS Office, report writing, and digital communication tools.
Knowledge of psychosocial risk management frameworks is an asset.
d. Language requirements
French and English
Standard Job Description
Associate Staff Counsellor
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Associate Staff Counsellor supports the work of UNHCR Staff Counsellors through participation in case management, development of global staff wellbeing initiatives and data analysis. The Associate Staff Counsellor is a part of the front office and in collaboration with the Admin Associate manages the reception of clients and ensures that they are attended to with professionalism and care. Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Psychosocial Wellbeing Section, the Associate Staff Counsellor is the key focal point for production of promotion and educational materials (intranet content, brochures) and quarterly statistical reports for the entire team. The Associate Staff Counsellor supports the Staff Counsellors with research of relevant topics and is the focal point for the activities related to duty of care. The Associate Staff Counsellor backs up the Admin Associate when absent from duties. The Associate Staff Counsellor is directly supervised by the Chief however is expected to collaborate closely with other colleagues at the HQ (Geneva and Budapest) and in the field.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
- In collaboration with the Admin Associate, manage the client reception and ensure that they are attended to with professionalism and care.
- Support the work of the Special Constraints Panel: receive the applications; prepare the files and obtain the necessary supporting documentation; set up meetings; take minutes of the meetings and prepare the correspondence; carry out the follow up; file documents and maintain statistical records.
- Support the Staff Counsellors with D&E waiver process by preparing the background information for the interview.
- Keep track of joint case management and assist Staff Counsellors in follow up.
- Produce quarterly reports on the key performance indicators and prepare the statistical analysis of the data on service satisfaction collected by the surveymonkey.
- Prepare on-line surveys as required and perform data analysis.
- Conduct literature review in the area of wellbeing in the workplace and prepare the summary as required.
- Maintain and update the list of external mental health professionals worldwide.
- Organize duty of care webinars for staff applying to positions in high risk environments
- Keep the Intranet PWS pages up to date.
- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Counselling, Organizational Psychology, Psychology, Social Work
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Experience with data collection, statistical analysis. Report writing and drafting reports and correspondence.
Desirable
Relevant previous work experience.
Functional Skills
HR-Active Listening
CO-Drafting and Documentation
IM-Statistics Analysis
SO-Research
MD - Patient case management
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Required Languages
Desired Languages
French
English
Additional Qualifications
Skills
CO-Drafting and Documentation, HR-Active Listening, IM-Statistics Analysis, MD - Patient case management, SO-Research
Education
Bachelor of Arts: Counselling, Bachelor of Arts: Organizational Psychology, Bachelor of Arts: Psychology, Bachelor of Arts: Social Work
Certifications
Social Sciences - Other
Work Experience
Other information
This position doesn't require a functional clearance