Workplace Counsellor

Job categories Human Resources

Vacancy code VA/2024/B0042/29353

Level ICS-10

Department/office MP, PCG, People and Culture Group

Duty station Copenhagen, Denmark

Contract type International ICA

Contract level IICA-2

Duration Ongoing ICA – Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance

Application period 09-Dec-2024 to 31-Dec-2024

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.

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Background Information - Job-specific

People and Culture Group

The People and Culture Group (PCG) works with UNOPS leadership to deliver on the organization’s People Goals which aim to:

Shape UNOPS culture - by building a respectful, ethical and inclusive culture aligned with UN values
Nurture leaders - by identifying and developing leaders across the organization
Ensure flexibility and fairness - by developing agility, flexibility and equity in working conditions
Set our people up for success - by deepening focus on performance management for lasting impact
Build tomorrow’s workforce - by attracting, developing and retaining personnel with the right capabilities for the future.

PCG is delivering on these goals through core HR capabilities in partnering, integration, and process simplification and digitization. Through our people goals and HR capabilities, PCG is helping to realize UNOPS’ People Vision of empowered leadership and high-performing talent, culture transformation, and excellence in project delivery.

The Role

The Workplace Counsellor reports to the PCG Director. S/he plays a lead role in implementing the organization’s mental health and wellbeing strategy while supporting people across UNOPS with resources for responding effectively to personal, professional and emotional challenges which they face with an impact on their job performance. The Workplace Counsellor is also responsible for developing and delivering comprehensive workplace counselling services to personnel. The role is full-time and based in Copenhagen/HQ.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions: Mental H...

Summary of Key Functions:

Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy
Counselling Access and Services
Emotional and Psychosocial Support
Stress Management
Knowledge Building and Sharing

Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy

Drive implementation and adoption of the UN Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy within the UNOPS context.
Coordinate implementation, tracking and reporting of Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) recommendations related to mental health and wellbeing.
Contribute to the definition of practices, norms and strategies related to workplace wellbeing and mental health.
Work closely with UN agencies and contribute to inter-agency initiatives on wellbeing and mental health.
Develop workplace action plans on the mental health and wellbeing of personnel, identifying and removing barriers to accessing psychosocial support services.
Prioritize stigma reduction through mental health literacy initiatives, outreach and health-promotion measures.
Ensure wellbeing programmes and activities are embedded in and complement the organization’s evidence-based, data-driven approach to mental health and wellbeing. Also, implement routine monitoring and assessment mechanisms.

Counselling Access and Services

Ensure personnel have access to individual counselling (internally or externally) for work-related issues or personal issues impacting work performance, covering diagnosis, treatment and assistance.
Collaborate with personnel and supervisors to identify and resolve issues in individual cases, exploring options and developing courses of action.
Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of the organization’s guidelines and policies for personnel wellbeing.
Actively participate in and contribute to wellbeing and mental health projects, programmes and initiatives.
Provide immediate support during critical incidents, e.g. organizational rightsizings, workplace accidents, or traumatic events.

Emotional and Psychosocial Support

Offer a safe, confidential and respectful space for personnel to discuss stress, anxiety, burnout, or personal issues.
Help personnel to process individual feelings related to workplace conflicts, performance pressures, or organizational changes.
Assess and monitor psychosocial needs affecting personnel wellbeing. Identify and recommend measures to prevent systemic issues and trends which adversely affect good mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of personnel.
Support leadership and supervisors in identifying and addressing psychosocial risks within their teams.

Stress Management

Lead internally commissioned research to investigate and evaluate stress levels across regions and countries of operations, as well as develop mitigation strategies.
Teach techniques for coping with workplace stress such as time management, mindfulness or relaxation strategies.
Provide expert advice to leaders and supervisors on helping team-members maintain work-life balance.

Knowledge Building and Sharing

Contribute to knowledge networks and Communities of Practice (CoPS) on topics related to personnel counselling, personnel assistance programmes, and personnel wellbeing.
Provide training and consultation on personnel wellbeing and mental health by designing and delivering tailored workshops, webinars and dialogues.
Conduct periodic induction courses on psychological wellbeing for new personnel
Assist in organizing expert training, workshops and webinars on personnel wellbeing.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education Advanced University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in...

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA Contract level: I-ICA2 Contract duration: Open-ended, su...

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. Applic...

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TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.

Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

We are proud of our people. The UNOPS family brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf on our partners. Spread across 80 countries, our workforce is rich in diversity and culture – with inclusion at its core.

We understand the importance of balancing professional and personal demands and offer several flexible working options.

Explore what we offer here.