Staff Counsellor, Mogadishu, Somalia

Mogadishu-based World Food Programme (WFP) is looking to fill the role of Staff Counsellor, Mogadishu, Somalia. The ideal candidate will have 3 - 4 years of professional experience in the Security field. The application deadline is Sep, 07 — early applications are encouraged.

Vacancy Announcement No: JR126074

Job Title: Staff Counsellor, Mogadishu, Somalia

Contract Type/Grade: Fixed Term ( NOB)

Duty Station: Mogadishu,

Contract

Duration: 12 Months (Renewable)

Date of Issue: August 24, 2026, |

Closing Date: September 07,2026

BACKGROUND OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

After nearly three decades of political and economic instability, Somalia is on a positive trajectory with significant progress made since the re-establishment of the

Federal Government in 2012. However, the country continues to struggle with recurrent food and nutrition crises, widespread insecurity, political instability,

underdeveloped infrastructure, and natural hazards such as drought and floods. In February 2015 WFP re-opened the Somalia Country Office in Mogadishu for the

first time in 20 years. WFP has presence across Somalia with three operational Area Offices (Mogadishu, Garowe, and Hargeisa) and eight deep field location offices.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

WFP Somalia’s greatest strength is its dedicated women and men working tirelessly to reduce hunger, often under difficult conditions where security threats and

risks to personal safety are considerable. The Staff Counsellor will provide efficient and effective psychological counselling to staff requiring support related to

workplace difficulties or personal issues. A large emphasis is placed on extensive engagement with staff and promotion of staff well-being.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority)

• Provide culturally sensitive psychosocial support to our WFP Somalia staff and employees and/or their immediate family members, to ensure staff

are assisted in difficult situations, and that comprehensive assessments and treatment plans are prepared.

• Provide active psychosocial support during emergencies and/or after critical incidents to ensure continued staff well-being.
• Conduct regular missions to Area and Field offices to support staff and managers.
• Actively engage with management and staff to establish relationships based on trust and respect. This includes working cross-functionally and

supporting team leaders as required.

• Contribute to staff readiness for deployment to Somalia through briefings, counselling sessions and other activities to ensure proactive support is

extended to staff.

• Deliver workshops, trainings, and information sessions on a wide range of topics (e.g., stress management, team building, problem-solving, conflict

resolution, etc.) both in-person and remotely, to ensure that staff regularly receive relevant information, and are aware of where to find resources,

information or assistance.

• Actively support Staff Association in their drive the agenda for staff wellness.
• Plan, budget, implement and provide reports on missions, trainings and other staff counselling activities to ensure the provision of cohesive

wellbeing services to staff.

• Liaise, collaborate, and proactively maintain relationships with relevant parties Management, National Staff Association, Medical, Wellness Division

in HQ, Regional Bureau Nairobi, Family Liaison Officer, PSEA Officer, Security Unit, Human Resources, Ombudsman, etc.

• Complete administrative duties such as maintaining statistics on activities and completing reporting requirements as directed by Staff Wellness

Division.

• Maintain at all times, high standard of professional ethics and confidentiality consistent with the Wellness Division Ethical Guidelines and Standards

of Practice

About Mogadishu

Mogadishu, known locally as Muqdisho, is the capital of Somalia and the country's largest city. It serves as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the nation. The city hosts the headquarters of numerous UN agencies, international NGOs, and government institutions, offering diverse career opportunities for development and humanitarian professionals.

Ereyada Soomaaliga (Somali Keywords): Shaqo Buuxda • Shaqo Muqdisho • Shaqo Cusub • Amniga

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

Education: Advanced University degree in Psychology, Psychiatry, Counselling or any other related fields. Registration as a Psychologist, Psychiatrist,

Counsellor or any other equivalent fields OR First University Degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training courses.

Experience: At least three (3) years of relevant experience with an Advanced University degree OR First University degree with a minimum of five (5)

or more years of experience in the field of counselling, wellness and psychosocial support including experience in working in UN or other humanitarian

organizations.

• Experience providing counselling, psychosocial support or staff wellness services within the Somali context is required, including a strong

understanding of local cultural norms, languages, community dynamics, and the realities faced by national staff working in challenging and

security-sensitive environments.

• Additional training or certification in related fields, such as stress management, critical incident stress management, trauma-informed care,

psychological first aid, cross-cultural communication, conflict resolution, mediation, staff wellbeing, and support in hardship or securitysensitive duty stations, will be an advantage.

Language Proficiency: Fluency (level C) in English and Somali language.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Broad knowledge of all facets of the field of counselling and ability to provide an environment in which others can talk confidentially and act

without fear or repercussions within a climate of established trust.

• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, and presentation) including the ability to defend and explain difficult issues and positions to staff

at all levels.

• Excellent multicultural awareness and competence, including skills to work with cultures different than one’s own and knowledge of how visible

and invisible cultural power structures can affect wellbeing and work performance.

• Ability to identify clients’ needs and, if required, suggest internal or external resources to support.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with clients.
• Skilled in taking initiative to promote and organize wellness activities.
• Conflict resolution and mediation skills.
• Ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries and establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural,

multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

This position is open for qualified Somali national candidates only. Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply. WFP offers female friendly

spaces in the workplace.

Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit online applications through Workday using the link below:

• Internal Applicants:

Click here!

• External Applicants:

Click here!

Applications that do not meet the above requirements will be disregarded. Only shortlisted candidates will be

contacted.

WFP seeks applicants of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles. WFP is an

equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance.

Selection of candidates is made on a competitive basis.

WFP does not charge any application fees to candidates.

Apply on employer site

Apply at: https://wd3.myworkday.com/wfp/d/inst/15$392530/9925$38263.htmld