Staff Welfare Officer

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE\:  please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local date and time.

(a)          Organizational Setting

The post is located in the Human Resources Management Department (HRMD).  HRMD aims to ensure that WIPO has the human resources necessary to fulfill the Organization's mandate, through working in strategic and operational partnerships with all sectors of the Organization.  WIPO is committed to providing a professional and healthy work environment for its staff using good employment practices in a client-oriented and efficient manner.

(b)       Purpose Statement

The Staff Welfare Officer works on the basis of the professional code of ethics (deontology) within which professional integrity and confidentiality are amongst the highest requirements.

(c)        Reporting Lines

The Staff Welfare Officer works under the general direction of the supervision of the Human Resources Management Department (HRMD).  The incumbent reports to the Deputy Director-HRMD and Head of HR Operations Service. 

(d)       Work Relations

The incumbent works in close coordination with the Medical Service.  She/he is the primary point of contact offering support, guidance and professional help to staff members and their families when facing crisis or personal concerns.  The incumbent is responsible for promoting the psychological and social well-being of staff through the elaboration of information resources and the provision of advisory services. 

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties\: 

(a)      Provide counselling and psycho-social support to WIPO staff and retirees confronted with personal difficulties\: financial, legal, socio-medical, extended illness, family concerns, substance abuse, stress, etc., particularly when they negatively impact productivity and the working milieu; perform preliminary evaluations in cases of staff members experiencing difficulty coping and/or presenting mental health related symptoms or syndromes; make referrals to internal or external resources, when appropriate.

(b)      Provide guidance to staff and their families on adapting to living and working conditions in Geneva and upon separation or retirement from service; develop information platforms on subjects related to work-life issues (housing, educational institutions, daycare facilities, medical facilities, nursing homes, local social services) and facilitate access to related information sources.

(c)      Establish and maintain good contacts with UN bodies (Mutual Insurance, Association of Retirees, Sickness Insurance, etc.); keep up to date with social policies and alert WIPO to policies having a specific interest for WIPO staff.

(d)      Liaise with UN Medical Service, local social and mental health services and authorities (Swiss and French) on matters related to staff welfare; share technical and professional knowledge and resources in the area of staff support.

(e)      Keep abreast of developments in organizational psychology, solution focused counselling, stress management and best practices as encouraged by the network of UN Staff Counsellors.

(f)       Participate in inter-agency activities including pre-retirement seminars and the children’s summer camp activities.

(g)      Perform other duties as required.

Education

Essential

First-level university degree in the field of Social Work, Clinical Psychology, Counselling, or another related field.

Desirable

Additional certification in a broad range of mental health related fields, stress management, cross-cultural communication, conflict resolution.

Experience

Essential

At least six years of relevant experience, including at the international level, in counselling, psychology, social work, social welfare or related area.

Desirable

Having worked in a multi-disciplinary team as a social worker or psychologist in an international environment either in the public or private sector; professional work experience with the United Nations or similar international organization, including experience with UN Staff Rules and Human Resources procedures.

Languages

       Essential

Excellent knowledge of English or French and good knowledge of the other.

Desirable

Knowledge of other UN official languages.

Knowledge

Desirable

Knowledge of the psycho-social agencies, medical support systems, and other relevant resources in Geneva and its neighborhood, including France. 

Job-related competencies

Essential

Complete discretion, diplomacy, ease and tact in relating to staff at all levels, respecting cross-cultural differences, and exercising sound judgment in evaluating situations.

Excellent communication skills, spoken and written.

1.  Communicating effectively.

2.  Respecting individual and cultural differences.

3.  Showing team spirit.

4.  Managing yourself.

5.  Producing results.

6.  Embracing change.

7.  Respecting ethics and values.