Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters and exclusion from healthcare. MSF offers assistance to people based on need, irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.
Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of neutrality and impartiality.
A worldwide movement
MSF was founded in Paris, France in 1971. Its principles are described in the organisation’s founding charter. It is a non-profit, self-governed organisation.
Today, MSF is a worldwide movement of 24 associations, bound together as MSF International, based in Switzerland.
Thousands of health professionals, logistical and administrative staff – most of whom are hired locally – work on programmes in some 70 countries worldwide.
Humanitarian action
MSF’s work is based on humanitarian principles. We are committed to bringing quality medical care to people caught in crisis, regardless of race, religion or political affiliation.
MSF operates independently. We conduct our own evaluations on the ground to determine people’s needs. More than 90 per cent of our overall funding comes from millions of private sources, not governments.
MSF is neutral. We do not take sides in armed conflicts, we provide care on the basis of need, and we push for independent access to victims of conflict as required under international humanitarian law.
Bearing witness and speaking out
MSF medical teams often witness violence and neglect in the course of their work, largely in regions that receive scant international attention.
At times, MSF may speak out publicly in an effort to bring a forgotten crisis to public attention, to alert the public to abuses occurring beyond the headlines, to criticise the inadequacies of the aid system, or to challenge the diversion of humanitarian aid for political interests.
Quality medical care
MSF rejects the idea that poor people deserve third-rate medical care and strives to provide high-quality care to patients. In 1999, when MSF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the organisation announced the money would go towards raising awareness of and fighting against neglected diseases.
Through the Access Campaign, and in partnership with the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, this work has helped lower the price of HIV/AIDS treatment and stimulated research and development for medicines to treat malaria and neglected diseases like sleeping sickness and kala azar.Main Duties and Responsibilities
Providing Psychological support to patients according to MSF principles, standards, and procedures to improve the patients’ mental health.
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 to improve their mental health conditions.
Assisting and training staff members and resourceful people whenever necessary to enhance the scope of MH activities. Working in close collaboration with translators 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.
Ensuring that all patient information is kept confidential.
MSF Section/Context Specific Accountabilities
Work with MHAM to adapt and/or develop key messages for psychosocial group activities.
In collaboration with other MSF medical staff, implement MHPSS group activities to promote services, raise awareness and sensitize beneficiaries on various mental health topics related to the emotional affectation of GBV/SV
Conduct individual/ family sessions and psychological assessments in accordance with MSF protocols and guidelines using a psychosocial approach, as well as follow-up sessions based on brief psychotherapy.
Assess and identify patients’ needs, prioritizing survivors of sexual violence for emergency care, ensuring comprehensive care (medical and psychological) and, where necessary, referring them to other actors/services.
Carry out diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for the patient survivors of SV/GBV in line with brief psychotherapy intervention.
Identify and report to MHAM cases of SV survivors (within 72 hours) and activate referral pathway to medical attention, as well complex cases requiring specialized (psychiatric) care, ensuring patient confidentiality and safety.
Ensure that clinical records are completed, and information is compiled in a timely and appropriate manner in accordance with MSF guidelines.
Participate in the compilation of information and the creation of reports (DHIS) • Actively participate in internal technical reinforcement and supervision sessions with MHAM.
In conjunction with MHAM, participate in the training of other MSF staff or contra parts.
Requirements
Educational Qualification
Essential: Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s Degree (B.Sc. or B.A.) in Psychology.
Experience:
Essential: 2 years’ experience minimum as a Clinical Psychologist
Desirable: previous experience with MSF or other NGO’s in developing countries.
Languages:
Essential English and Igbo language speaking.
Knowledge Competencies:
Computer skills desired (MS word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)
Results and Quality Orientation L1
Strong Analytical and critical thinking Skills
Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
Teamwork and Cooperation L1
Behavioural Flexibility L1
Commitment.to MSF Principles L1
Service Orientation L1
Stress Management L2