Jobs at Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Southern Africa (Now Hiring) — 8 open

REGISTERED COUNSELLOR – FIELD POSITION

About Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent medical humanitarian organisation providing medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters and exclusion from healthcare.

MSF works in challenging environments where access to healthcare is limited and where patients may experience significant psychological, social and emotional distress.

Position: Registered Counsellor

Department: Medical / Mental Health
Location: MSF Field Project

Main Purpose of the Position

The Registered Counsellor will provide professional psychosocial and counselling support to patients and communities within an MSF field project.

The position will contribute to the delivery of safe, confidential and culturally appropriate mental health and psychosocial support to individuals affected by conflict, displacement, violence, epidemics, disasters and other humanitarian crises.

The Counsellor will work closely with medical, mental health, community and social support teams to ensure patients receive appropriate assessment, counselling, referral and follow-up.

The role may involve working in health facilities, community settings, outreach activities, mobile clinics and other MSF-supported services, depending on the project context.

Key Responsibilities

Counselling and Psychosocial Support

• Provide individual and/or group counselling to patients and community members according to identified needs.
• Conduct appropriate psychosocial assessments and identify patients requiring additional support or referral.
• Provide psychological first-line support and basic psychosocial interventions within the scope of professional practice.
• Support patients experiencing distress related to conflict, displacement, loss, violence, illness or other humanitarian circumstances.
• Develop appropriate follow-up plans in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect the privacy and dignity of all patients.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

• Participate in the implementation of MSF mental health and psychosocial support activities.
• Identify signs of psychological distress and mental health conditions requiring specialised intervention.
• Refer patients to psychologists, psychiatrists, medical services, protection services or other appropriate providers when required.
• Support continuity of care and follow up on referrals.
• Contribute to patient-centred and culturally appropriate mental health services.

Community-Based Activities

• Participate in community outreach and psychosocial support activities.
• Provide health and mental health education to patients, families and communities.
• Support awareness activities aimed at reducing stigma associated with mental health.
• Work with community health workers and other community-based staff to identify individuals who may require psychosocial support.
• Contribute to improving access to mental health and psychosocial services for vulnerable populations.

Vulnerable Populations and Protection

Depending on the project context, provide appropriate counselling and support to vulnerable individuals, including:

• Survivors of violence and abuse.
• Displaced populations and refugees.
• People affected by conflict and disasters.
• Children and adolescents.
• Individuals experiencing grief and loss.
• Patients experiencing significant psychological distress.

Ensure appropriate referral and follow-up while maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding principles.

Training and Capacity Building

• Support training, coaching and mentoring of local healthcare and community-based staff.
• Provide basic psychosocial support training where appropriate.
• Share professional knowledge and good practices with colleagues.
• Participate in supervision and professional development activities.
• Contribute to strengthening local capacity in mental health and psychosocial support.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and confidential patient records.
• Document counselling sessions and follow-up appropriately.
• Contribute to the collection and monitoring of relevant mental health and psychosocial indicators.
• Participate in project reporting and review of activities.
• Ensure all patient information is handled confidentially and according to MSF procedures.

Teamwork and Field Responsibilities

• Work effectively within multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Participate in meetings, case discussions and coordination activities.
• Adapt to changing humanitarian and operational environments.
• Participate in field visits, outreach activities and community-based interventions where required.
• Demonstrate flexibility and resilience when working in challenging environments.
• Uphold MSF principles, humanitarian values, professional ethics and patient rights.

Candidate Profile

Essential Requirements

• Recognised qualification in Counselling / Psychology / Mental Health or a relevant professional discipline, according to the requirements of the country of practice.
• Current professional registration or authorisation to practise as required by the relevant regulatory body.
• Relevant professional experience providing counselling or psychosocial support.
• Experience working with vulnerable individuals and communities.
• Strong assessment, counselling and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to challenging environments.
• Willingness to work in field settings, including remote or resource-limited locations.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and patient-centred care.

Desirable Experience

Experience in the following areas will be an advantage:

• Humanitarian or emergency response.
• Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS).
• Trauma-informed counselling.
• Working with refugees, displaced populations or conflict-affected communities.
• Gender-based violence response.
• Child and adolescent mental health.
• Community-based psychosocial programmes.
• Experience working with an international NGO or humanitarian organisation.
• Experience in multicultural and resource-constrained settings.
• Training and mentoring of healthcare or community workers.

Languages

• French-speaking ability is a strong advantage, particularly for field assignments in French-speaking contexts.
• English proficiency is an advantage.
• Knowledge of local languages relevant to the project is desirable.

Personal Qualities

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Empathy and respect for patients and communities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Emotional maturity and professional boundaries.
• Resilience and adaptability.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Cultural sensitivity.
• Team spirit and collaborative working style.
• Commitment to confidentiality and ethical practice.
• Ability to work independently in challenging environments.
• Willingness to learn, share knowledge and support colleagues.