Vacancy
NOTE: This is a consultancy assignment with an expected duration of approximately 60 working days.
On January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC). Subsequently, on 11 March, WHO declared the outbreak of a “pandemic” and potential threat and risk to public health has been on the high level since then.
The restrictions that have disrupted many of the usual living and working routines due to the global Covid-19 pandemic have also brought about increased levels of stress and anxiety among working people, as well as heavily disturbed work-life balance. Consequences of the disruption on people’s mental health, resilience and the ability to manage stress include negatively impacting performance and are bound to be long lasting.
Therefore, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina wishes to engage a Mental Health Consultant, to support its personnel in re-establishing their wellbeing, resilience and ability to manage stress, both in the course of the pandemic and in its immediate aftermath.
Tasks and Responsibilities
Under direct supervision of the Chief of Human Resources and in close co-operation and guidance from the Mission’s Medical Officer and Task Force for Wellbeing, should you be selected for the position, you will be responsible for provision of individual and group mental health/therapeutic/counselling support to the Mission members. You will also be responsible for delivery/facilitation of presentations and workshops related to mental health and stress management.
As the Mental Health Consultant, should you be selected for the position, you will perform the following tasks:
1. Delivering an introductory presentation to all Mission personnel on “Why Mental Health Matters” comprising such elements as: what is mental health, factors which affect mental health, how to support your own mental health, stigma, stress and stress management; spotting signs of distress, supporting mental health in the workplace, useful statistics, helpful resources;
2. Providing group-counselling support to diverse groups/teams in the Mission. Group sessions should be done in a confidential and safe manner, including over the phone and/or on online platforms in the duration of up to 90 minutes. The aim of the group sessions is to get insight into group dynamics - how teams work, together within organisations and within their wider contexts and help them to function effectively and harmoniously;
3. Analysing organisational culture, the dynamics of power and roles and how it flows through the Mission to empower groups and individuals; Providing the Mission with key findings and professional advice on necessary follow-up activities;
4. Delivering presentations and workshops on topics such as: stress management, employee wellbeing and resilience, work-life balance and mental health, and managing teams remotely;
5. Providing individual counselling support to Mission Members as the Mission’s “on-call” mental health adviser. Such sessions are to be done in a totally confidential and safe manner, including over the phone or on online platforms in the duration of up to 60 minutes. Individual requests for counselling will always be arranged directly with the Consultant.
Deliverables and performance indicators:
Provision of high-level mental health support and couching for the Mission staff.
- Preparation and delivery of introductory presentation (2 days);
- Meetings with Task Force, Medical Officer, HR (5 days);
- Group sessions with teams (30 days);
- 5 workshops and presentations including preparation and delivery (15 days);
- Surveys, interviews and analysis of data (5 days);
- Report preparation and delivery (3 days).
Necessary Qualifications
- Advanced university degree (MA/MSc, MPhil or PhD) in psychology, counselling, or a related field, or first-level degree university degree with demonstrated experience in counselling work and possession of certification/licence for practice in their field of expertise;
- Minimum 10 years of professional work experience in providing psychotherapy and occupational health support to groups and individuals;
- Membership of the relevant national/regional/international professional institution or association;
- Ability and willingness to work with people of different cultural, national and religious background;
- Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, as well as the ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and in the local languages;
- Computer literate with practical experience in Microsoft packages, online platforms such as Zoom, Google Teams, WebEx, etc.;
- Previous experience with international organisations would be an asset.
Remuneration Package
Remuneration will depend on the selected consultant’s qualifications and experience and be in accordance with OSCE established rates.
How To Apply
This position is open to citizens and permanent residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina only.
If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under http://www.osce.org/employment. Please note that offline applications submitted via email, fax, or mail will not be considered.
Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer an appointment at a lower grade or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.
The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.
Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.