Psychosocial Support Expert (multiple positions)

Result of Service

The consultant will prepare a written report summarizing key aspects of the support consultation with witnesses, including:

-basic socio-demographic information
-clinical observation about cognitive, behavioural and emotional elements that may have an impact on the witness capacity to recall traumatic events
-existing coping strategies and protective factors
-support recommendations to reduce and minimize existing risks of re-traumatization (if any)

Work Location

Remotely

Expected duration

1 Feb to 31 Dec 2023

Duties and Responsibilities

The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar ("Mechanism") was established by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 39/2 dated 27 September 2018 to: (1) collect, consolidate, preserve and analyse evidence of the most serious international crimes and violations of international law committed in Myanmar since 2011; and (2) prepare files in order to facilitate and expedite fair and independent criminal proceedings in national, regional or international courts or tribunals.

Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Witness Support Officer or his/her delegate, the Psychosocial Support Expert will facilitate and provide psychosocial and other assistance to witnesses before, during and/or after their interactions with the Mechanism.

The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

- Support investigation teams by conducting pre-interview support consultations and where required post-interview debriefings to witnesses;

- Support investigators to interview traumatized or vulnerable witnesses by providing culturally sensitive counseling and psychological support interventions, including survivors of sexual and gender-based crimes and children victims of crimes;

- Liaise with the investigation teams to share support-related recommendations and to inform about practical needs of witnesses during interviews;

- Prepare written reports for investigation teams on support-related recommendations;

- In close consultation with the Witness Support Officer, identify psychosocial and other support needs that require referrals to organizations and entities relevant for the provision of medical, psycho-social and other support, and implement such referrals.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced University Master's Degree in Psychology (Clinical or Forensic psychology or related field). A first-level university degree in combination of at least two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
A minimum of two years of professional experience in psychological counselling
with vulnerable groups, such as victims of serious crimes and highly traumatized individuals, is required.
Previous experience with victims and refugees from the Rohingya population is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English together with oral fluency in Rohingya is required. Capacity in Burmese or other Myanmar languages is desirable.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.