International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies(IFRC )Seeks Consultant Counsellor for Psychosocial Support in Europe-Apply before 23 Apr 2026

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has announced a consultancy opportunity for a Counsellor specializing in Psychosocial Support (PSS). This role forms part of the organization’s broader commitment to improving staff wellbeing and mental health within the humanitarian workplace. The consultancy focuses on providing psychological support services to IFRC staff and volunteers, primarily in the European region, while contributing to global mental health initiatives across the organization.

The consultancy contract will run for 12 months with the possibility of extension, depending on operational needs and performance.

About IFRC and Its Mental Health Strategy

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is the world’s largest humanitarian network, working through national societies to support vulnerable communities during emergencies, disasters, and crises.

Recognizing the mental health challenges faced by humanitarian workers, the organization developed a Human Resources strategy focused on workplace wellbeing and mental health support. A central element of this strategy is the Psychological Support Programme (PSP), which operates under the Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Unit.

For nearly two decades, the PSP has provided psychological services to delegates, national staff, and volunteers across the IFRC network. The program offers confidential support services designed to help staff manage stress, trauma, and work-related challenges encountered in humanitarian operations.

Purpose of the Psychosocial Support Consultancy

The primary purpose of this consultancy is to provide direct psychological support to IFRC staff and volunteers. The consultant will contribute to maintaining a safe, healthy, and supportive working environment for personnel operating in often demanding humanitarian contexts.

Services provided through the Psychological Support Programme include:

• Individual counselling sessions
• Psychological briefings and debriefings
• Stress management workshops
• Mental health awareness sessions
• Critical incident response support
• Webinars and training sessions on psychological wellbeing

Through these activities, the consultant will help staff maintain emotional resilience while working in high-pressure humanitarian settings.

Key Responsibilities of the Consultant

The selected counsellor will deliver a range of psychosocial services while ensuring strict confidentiality and professional ethical standards.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing individual counselling sessions to staff members upon request
• Conducting psychological briefings and debriefings for individuals or teams
• Delivering critical incident stress debriefings following emergencies or traumatic events
• Supporting staff in self-assessment of mental health and stress management techniques
• Facilitating training sessions, workshops, and webinars on mental health topics
• Maintaining confidential case management records in collaboration with the Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Unit
• Participating in regular virtual meetings related to the Psychological Support Programme
• Contributing to internal reporting and statistics while protecting client confidentiality
• Assisting with the development of guidelines and standard operating procedures related to staff wellbeing

In certain circumstances, the consultant may also be requested to undertake short field missions if psychological support is required in operational areas.

Professional Qualifications and Experience

The IFRC is seeking experienced mental health professionals capable of working within multicultural humanitarian environments.

Minimum qualifications include:

• A university degree in psychology or psychotherapy
• Professional licensing or certification in the relevant field
• Proven experience managing trauma cases or critical incidents
• Experience providing counselling in a non-native language
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams

Candidates should also be comfortable delivering presentations and training sessions for larger groups and capable of managing stressful situations.

Preferred Skills and Experience

While not mandatory, the following experience will strengthen an application:

• Training in psycho-traumatology or critical incident stress management
• Experience working in international humanitarian operations
• Familiarity with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
• Experience operating in emergency or crisis settings
• Knowledge of working within diverse cultural environments

These skills help ensure the counsellor can effectively support staff operating in complex humanitarian contexts.

Language Requirements

Because IFRC operates in multilingual environments, language skills are particularly important for this role.

Required languages:

• Fluent English
• Fluent French

Additional languages that may be considered an advantage include:

• Spanish
• Arabic
• Other international languages

Work Location and Contract Duration

The consultancy is global in scope, but candidates based in or working with the European region are preferred.

Key details include:

• Contract duration: 12 months
• Possible extension: Based on organizational needs
• Location: Global, preferably Europe
• Travel: Short missions to surrounding countries may be required

Consultants must also be prepared to provide support outside regular working hours when urgent situations arise.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit their applications directly through the IFRC website.

Application requirements include:

• Submission of the application in English
• Professional qualifications and licensing documentation
• Evidence of relevant counselling and trauma management experience

Applications for this consultancy must be submitted before the closing date of 23 March 2026.

Final Thoughts

The Counsellor for Psychosocial Support consultancy offers an opportunity for experienced mental health professionals to support humanitarian staff working under demanding conditions. By contributing to the Psychological Support Programme of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the selected consultant will play an important role in promoting staff wellbeing, resilience, and mental health across the global humanitarian workforce.

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