Psychologist at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)

Main Purpose

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Mombasa is engaged with supporting the health and well-being of adolescents and young people, in particular ‘key populations’ of sex workers, people who use drugs, and LGBTQ+ people. To evaluate and improve these activities, ongoing social and public health research is undertaken.

A candidate is required to provide psychological support to patients according to MSF principles, standards and procedures in order to improve the patients’ mental health.

Accountabilities

• Carrying out evaluation of mental health needs of patients and establishing a diagnosis and a plan of treatment. Informing the patient and his/her relatives about the possible consequences of the illness and the drug treatment to follow and referring patients to other health professionals whenever necessary, in order to provide the most appropriate treatment and improve the patient's condition
• Implementing the Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) protocol, identifying possible victims of SGBV and referring them to the medical team so that they receive the necessary treatment.
• Providing psychological support and psychotherapy sessions (individual, family, group) to patients according to MSF protocols in order to improve their mental health conditions
• Assisting and training staff members and resourceful people whenever necessary in order to enhance the scope of MH activities. Working in close collaboration with translators in order to ensure appropriate terminology and behavior during sessions
• Collecting statistical and monitoring data about mental health activities
• Informing the supervisor and the medical team about any issues or problems that may arise related to patients’ treatment in order to provide the best possible solution from a medical perspective

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s in psychology or Clinical Psychology

Experience

• Essential 2 years’ experience minimum as a Psychologist
• Desirable previous experience with MSF or other NGO’s in developing countries
• Working experience with AYKPs and youth groups is a plus

Languages

• Mission language essential. Local language desirable

Knowledge

• Desirable computer literacy (word, excel and internet)

Competencies

• Results and Quality Orientation L2
• Teamwork and Cooperation L2
• Behavioural Flexibility L2
• Commitment to MSF Principles L2
• Stress Management L3