Organizational Context
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 192-member National Societies. The overall aim of the IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” The IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises. The IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of the IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. The IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services. The IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The IFRC also has country cluster delegation and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.
Background
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the largest humanitarian organization in the world and has undertaken a HR strategy that focuses on the importance of the well-being of its staff. A key component of that strategy reinforces the progress to date of the existing psychosocial support program (PSP). The overall purpose of that program is the support to our staff by offering counselling sessions, information sessions and training in the best interest of their welfare.
Following the strengthening of the different regions, the aim of the PSP has been to provide services within all regions by engaging with consultants in a decentralized way. While the primary support functions are provided at the regional level, the support and coordination of the program is based in Geneva.
The Federation's psychological support programme for staff is well established and much appreciated by delegates, national staff and the National Societies who use the services.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Tasks and responsibilities of the PSS counsellors include:
- Ensure individual counselling on request under strict confidentiality.
- Provide PSS briefings/ debriefings to staff, either individually or as a group
- Reinforce and support self-assessment and knowledge of such methods.
- Provide critical incident debriefings to staff as needed.
- If needed, and agreed upon by the stress counsellor, undertake missions to the field according to an identified ToR.
- Develop a file management system that: (a) ensures absolute confidentiality, (b) assigns a dedicated provider for staff members, (c) ensures continued support during the staff member’s contract term, and (d) allows for coordination with the Geneva-based stress counsellors and health officer.
- Provide training on stress management and psychological support elements for larger groups, either staff or meeting participants on request.
- Contribute to the PSS annual report and to any statistics on request.
- Provide quarterly reports which will be shared with the HR Unit on a quarterly basis highlighting the major general issues while maintaining confidentiality of the clients.
- PSS counsellors will be expected to abide by the IFRC Code of Conduct in their dealings with all staff and volunteers.
Other requirements:
- Availability for short visits to surrounding countries at short notice.
- Being available to provide psychosocial support outside regular working hours as the situation requires.
Education
Required Qualifications
- Psychologist or psychotherapist (university degree and professional qualifications required, licensed).
- Trained in psycho- traumatology or critical incident debriefing (preferred).
Experience
Experience:
Required:
Psychological management of trauma cases and/or critical incidents
Counselling in non-mother tongue language
Preferred:
Work experience in the international humanitarian world, operating in emergencies.
Working in multi-cultural context
Experience within the RCRC movement
Knowledge, skills and languages
Skills:
- Self-supported in computing systems.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work with multi-discipline and multi-cultural teams in a cross functional environment.
- Able to perform presentation for larger groups.
- Ability to work under stressful situations.
Languages:
English: Fluent in written and verbal
French: An added advantage.
Other language: an asset
How to apply:
Please go to our webpage to check further details of application:
or send your application to the following email address: hr.europe@ifrc.org