Psychologist at Medecins Sans Frontieres

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