About the opportunity
In this role, the Staff Counselor will support the health, well-being, and operational readiness of deployed WHO staff through timely, confidential psychosocial support, psychological first aid, and targeted well-being interventions. Operating within the Incident Management System of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, the consultant will work to prevent psychosocial risks, protect and promote mental health, and provide direct support to individuals and teams during critical incidents. The position is based in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, with frequent travel to North Kivu and other operational areas.
Salary and benefits
- P3-grade equivalent consultancy position
- 6-month contract duration
- Opportunity to work with a leading United Nations health agency in a critical emergency response context
Who can apply?
- University degree or equivalent in counseling psychology, clinical psychology, psychiatry, clinical social work, or psychiatric social work from a recognized academic institution
- Valid professional license or certification in the relevant field
- At least 5 years of post-licensure/certification professional experience in psychosocial counseling
- Professional experience within UN agencies, funds, programs, or similar international organizations
- Demonstrated experience providing psychosocial support in emergency contexts
- Excellent mastery of both English and French
- Excellent knowledge and mastery of Microsoft Office and standard digital communication/collaboration tools
Required documents
- Completed online application profile
- Proof of academic qualifications (degree/diploma)
- Valid professional license or certification
When to apply
- Application opening date: October 4, 2026
- Application closing date: October 10, 2026, at 9:59 PM (subject to system/device settings)
How to apply
- Click the 'Apply Online' button on the official WHO careers portal
- Log in to your existing account or sign up to create a new candidate profile
- Complete the online application form, ensuring all professional experience, academic qualifications, and language skills are fully documented
- Submit the application before the closing deadline on October 10, 2026
Additional information
- The consultant will be based in Bunia, DRC, with frequent travel required to North Kivu and other remote, difficult-to-access operational areas.
- The incumbent must maintain the highest standards of professional ethics, confidentiality, and conduct in line with the United Nations Stress Counselors and Staff Support Group (UNSSCG) guidelines.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- You are a licensed mental health professional with a strong background in emergency psychosocial support and crisis intervention.
- You have prior experience working within the United Nations system or similar international humanitarian organizations.
- You are fully bilingual in English and French, enabling you to communicate effectively with a diverse, multicultural workforce.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is a short-term, 6-month contract based in a high-pressure emergency response environment.
- Frequent travel to remote, challenging, and potentially hazardous areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is required.
- The application window is extremely short, closing just six days after the job posting date.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This consultancy is an excellent fit for an experienced clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker looking to apply their crisis intervention skills in a high-impact humanitarian setting. It offers valuable field experience with the World Health Organization, directly supporting the mental health and resilience of frontline emergency responders.
Our take
Highly qualified, bilingual mental health professionals with UN experience and a readiness for challenging field deployments should apply immediately due to the tight deadline. Those seeking a stable, long-term, or low-stress office environment should look elsewhere.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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