Psychologist: Mental Health Research and Support (40%/ 2 days a week)

About MSF

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation committed to two objectives: providing medical assistance to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion, natural and man-made disasters; and speaking out about the plight of the populations assisted. MSF assists people based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender, or political affiliation. Today, MSF is present in more than 70 countries, where thousands of MSF doctors, nurses, logisticians, water-and-sanitation experts, and other medical and non-medical professionals work together to bring essential health services to people caught in humanitarian crises.

Psychologist

Mental Health Research and Support for International Mobile Staff. 

Location

Johannesburg, but also coordinates network of external psychological therapists in all our recruitment areas in Africa.

Type of contract

Permanent (part-time) Contract . The position is part time for 2 days per week, (16 hours/week flexible time agreed with the supervisor). The psychologist works with a wide network of other psychologist in global movement hence adjustment to consistency of day work may change when engaging internationally.

Responsibilities and main activities

MSF SA Field Human Resources unit manages over 160 active International mobile staff (IMS) members working in harsh, insecure, and difficult conditions to fulfil MSF humanitarian mandate. This position is open on a part-time basis to help the unit provide quality care to its staff through psychosocial support. It also aims at gathering and analysing data to better understand the stressors that the staff experience and explore the best way to support them.

Minimum service

Provide psychosocial briefings to Internationally Mobile Staff (IMS), particularly those departing on their first mission(FM).

Conduct a wellbeing check- in with first missions within the first month on mission. Provide psychosocial debriefing to IMS returning from mission.

Provide psychosocial support, on request, to IMS while on mission.

Screening for psychological distress and making appropriate referral for further psychological/psychiatric care.

Building /maintaining a network of psychologists/psychiatrists in the Southern Africa region for referral of IMS who may require ongoing psychological care.

Case management of IMS referred for ongoing clinical/psychiatric care.

Record keeping, data monitoring and analysis for improvement of psychosocial services.

Develop tools and techniques for better service delivery.

Design/co-ordinate psychosocial training programmes and materials aimed at supporting resilience and preventing distress.

Assist in the facilitation of the Stress module on the MSF Induction programme (BAM)

Collaboration and engagement with stakeholders in the larger MSF movement and beyond to improve the psychological care and wellbeing of MSF staff and beneficiaries. Including, attending psychosocial Operational Centre Brussels (OCB) and intersection meetings.

In the event of a critical incident, providing support as per the MSF Crisis Management protocol.

Contribute new approaches through research/study that will help operations improve MH care of its field workers.

Monitoring issues affecting the wellbeing of IMS and advising HR on approaches to effectively support staff and encourage resilience.

Administrative duties, including participation in HR / regional meetings and other activities .

Requirements for the Profile:

Masters in psychology and current registration with the HPCSA, as a psychologist

Additional training /excellent knowledge of staff support and traumatic/critical incident stress as well as a broad range of related fields. Experience and interest in humanitarian work.

Commitment to ethical and professional standards.

Must inspire confidence from the outset as his/her intervention will most often be confined to a single session.

Research experience

Willingness to travel in Africa and Europe if needed.

Be able to work under pressure (case management).

MSF experience is an added value.

Added advantage: Ability to speak/learn Portuguese.

The Salary Detail is as follows

Basic Salary R 19 283, 90 [2 days a week position]

13th cheque in November

10% additional pension allowance

100% Medical Aid Contribution

Transport allowance

Cell phone Allowance

Commitment

Length of commitment: Permanent Contract 

Closing date: 10 March 2026

Possible Starting date: ASAP

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

People living with disability are encouraged to apply.

NB: Information

The protection of your personal data is important to MSF SnA. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal data only for the recruitment process to have all the information and documents necessary to proceed with the recruitment, validation of your application and selection of the most suitable candidate. Your personal data will be treated confidentially. MSF SnA will not use your personal data in any other way not foreseen for purposes of recruitment.

MSF values diversity and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation, and all other diversity characteristics.

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