Mental Health Activity Manager

Paramedical

Practical information

  • Location: in our humanitarian projects
  • Contract type : Fixed term
  • Length of contract : min 6 months
  • Language skills: English
  • Time allocation: Full time
Apply here

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides assistance in more than 70 countries to populations in distress, to victims of natural or manmade disasters and to victims of armed conflicts, without discrimination and irrespective of origin, religion, creed or political affiliation.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Read the MSF principles and commitments outlined here
  • Availability to work in complex environments and to leave on an assignment without partner/family
  • A health status compatible with the nature of our activities and operational contexts and compliance with all vaccinations for MSF project assignments

As a Mental Health Specialist, you are part of a multidisciplinary health team supporting populations affected by humanitarian crises, such as conflicts or disasters. You are responsible for integrating mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into MSF projects.  

This may include care for people living with painful or stigmatised medical conditions, as well as people affected by discrimination or violence. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Manage the overall mental health programme in emergencies, protracted crises or contexts where people face barriers to healthcare 
  • Conduct assessments and propose the MHPSS strategy 
  • Coordinate, plan and supervise MHPSS activities, in line with the project strategy 
  • Ensure that interventions are adapted to the context and evidence-based 
  • Implement appropriate monitoring and evaluation systems 
  • Support the integration of MHPSS competencies and considerations across MSF activities 
  • Recruit, train, develop and supervise staff who carry out MHPSS activities in health facilities and in the community  
  • Ensure that MHPSS activities follow ethical standards and the ‘do no-harm principle’ 

PROFILE  

  • Master’s degree in clinical psychology, or an equivalent clinical master’s-level professional qualification, such as Clinical Psychologist, Counseling Psychologist, Clinical Social Worker, or another relevant clinical qualification; OR Medical doctor specialised in Psychiatry, for at least 3 years 
  • A minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience in clinical care  
  • Experience in multidisciplinary clinical settings is an asset  
  • Experience in team management, training and supervision is an asset 
  • Experience in humanitarian settings or previous work experience with an NGO is an asset 

LANGUAGES 

  • Proficiency in English, both written and spoken is mandatory 
  • Good knowledge in French, Arabic or Spanish is an asset 

COMPETENCIES 

  • Collaborate and communicate clearly; build trust with colleagues   
  • Lead, support, guide, and motivate teams with confidence and empathy 
  • Take initiative, remain solution-oriented, and act proactively 
  • Translate strategic vision and operational realities into clear priorities and actions 
  • Work independently, plan effectively, and organise your and your team’s work properly 
  • Remain resilient and manage stress in challenging situations 
  • Practise cross-cultural awareness and work effectively with diverse teams 
  • Show flexibility by adjusting plans, locations and ways of working in coordination with others when circumstances and priorities change 
  • Knowledge of IT skills