Staff Counsellor

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

21 December 2025‑23:59‑GMT+01:00 Central European Time (Rome)

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

At WFP people are at the heart of everything we do. The vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled and high‑performing teams selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment and living WFP’s values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity and Inclusion). We work with partners to save and change the lives of those we serve.

WHY JOIN WFP

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse and multicultural working environment.
• WFP invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship and other programs as well as internal mobility opportunities.
• A career path in WFP provides exciting opportunities to work across the various country, regional and global offices and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people worldwide.
• We offer an attractive compensation package (see the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The United Nations World Food Programme (UN WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. The core policies and strategies that govern WFP activities are: save lives in emergency situations; improve the nutrition and quality of life of the most vulnerable people; and to help build assets and promote the self‑reliance of poor people and communities, particularly through conditional food for work and training programmes.

The challenge of working in difficult conditions to bring much‑needed food and support to our recipients can place a great deal of pressure and stress on WFP staff. As part of a multidisciplinary team under the Wellness Service, the Staff Counselling Unit is committed to the promotion of psychological and physical health in the broadest sense so staff can continue to function at high levels and meet the mandate of the organization. We identify and address psychological risk factors in the workplace and provide counselling services to staff members and their dependents.

UN WFP is looking for a highly qualified Staff Counsellor to join the Wellness Service in Rome.

ACCOUNTABILITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

The Staff Counsellor will report to the Chief of Staff Counselling. A key requirement is the ability to summarize data and trends to develop programmes and policies that support staff. Travel may be required, often on short notice and to remote and difficult locations to provide support/coverage to regional staff counsellors.

• Provide empirically supported and culturally sensitive counselling services to WFP staff and, if requested, their dependents; this may include case management and referrals to other resources as required.
• Provide pre‑ and post‑deployment briefings to staff being deployed to emergency or hardship duty stations.
• Based on data trends and requests from other divisions/units develop and provide a range of training programmes, including but not limited to team building, resilience, harassment and cross‑cultural sensitivity to improve morale, health and team dynamics.
• Work closely with individuals and teams to address psychological risks at the individual unit and organisational level.
• When requested work closely with managers/supervisors towards improving the working atmosphere in their units.
• Provide counselling services to individuals and/or groups during emergencies and provide timely, sensitive support to staff and dependents after critical incidents; ensure follow‑up support after critical events.
• Support and maintain the Wellness Support Volunteers (WSV) through training and supervision; disseminate training materials and related protocols.
• Identify and liaise with high‑quality local and regional mental health resources that can be used for referrals or in times of crisis.
• Work in a collegial and professional manner with all units in the Wellness Service to ensure continuity of care.
• Ensure divisional priorities are implemented consistently with the yearly divisional work plan and the Wellness Service Strategic Plan.
• Develop and participate in multidisciplinary programmes in the Wellness Service.
• Build partnerships that support staff within the agency and with other agencies or relevant organisations.
• Provide supervision to the WFP Psychology Clinic staff.
• Contribute to the development of policies and guidelines, and written and visual materials to increase awareness of important themes and topics related to Staff Wellness.
• Maintain statistics on activities and complete reporting requirements as per the Wellness Service.
• Participate and collaborate in UNSSCG CISMU activities and working groups.
• Maintain the highest ethical standards related to the provision of psychological services.
• Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Education

Advanced university degree (Doctorate, Masters or equivalent) in Clinical or Counselling Psychology, Psychiatry, or demonstrably equivalent studies from a recognised institution. The candidate must hold active licensure/registration as a mental health professional with a recognised governing association and be a member of that organisation in good standing. Additional training or certification in a broad range of related fields such as alcohol/substance abuse, resilience, cross‑cultural communication, conflict resolution, mediation, trauma etc. will be an advantage.

Experience

Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible professional postgraduate experience relevant to the field. Experience either working in a hardship location or providing counselling services to staff working under very difficult and insecure environments is an asset.

Knowledge & Skills

Broad knowledge of all facets of the field of counselling and the ability to provide a confidential, trust‑based environment. Excellent communication skills (oral, written and presentations) with the ability to explain difficult issues to staff at all levels. Ability to identify client needs and suggest appropriate solutions, establish and maintain productive partnerships, and contribute to the strategic vision of the Wellness Service using population‑health insights. Must be an excellent team player who values multidisciplinary and culturally diverse collaboration. Very good working knowledge of technology tools such as PowerPoint, Excel and Word. Ability to operate effectively across organisational boundaries and in a multi‑cultural, multi‑ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Languages

Proficiency in written and verbal communication in English; intermediate knowledge of another UN language is advantageous.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

WFP Leadership Framework guides common standards of behaviour that guide how we work together to accomplish our mission.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation please contact: (contact details).

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

The United Nations does not charge any application processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• Ensure your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).
• Once your profile is completed please apply and submit your application.
• Upload your professional CV in the English language.
• Only CV and Cover Letter are required at this time.
• Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may be requested later.
• If you face challenges with submitting your application, contact: (contact details).
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organisational needs, job requirements, merit and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment and abuse of authority. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.

Key Skills

Experience working with students, organisational skills, classroom management, behavioural health, classroom experience, mediation experience, special education, conflict management, teaching, experience with children, public speaking, word processing.

Employment Type

Full‑Time, Experience: years, Vacancy: 1

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