CONTEXT
The OCB Medical Department (OCB – Operational Center Brussels) plays a strategic role by defining the modalities of implementation of MSF’s medical strategy so that both coherence and quality can be safeguarded across operations. They provide strategic support throughout the project cycle, combining a normative function with technical guidance for implementation and follow-up. Additionally, they ensure knowledge transfer to the medical workforce and foster research and innovation by challenging current practices and exploring new approaches.
It is composed of multiple specialists based across a network of units worldwide (Belgium, Brazil, Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Luxembourg, and South Africa) and works in close collaboration with operations, other OCB departments and MSF movement. We are also supporting the projects of MSF Western & Central Africa (WaCa).
As Regional Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Advisor primarily for West & Central Africa**,** you work in contexts with recurring humanitarian needs, requiring rapid assessments and agile responses to support timely and effective mental health interventions.
The role enables regular face-to-face coaching, supervision, and contextualised support to project teams, contributing to the maintenance and improvement of care quality.
MHPSS is integrated across a wide range of medical activities, requiring tailored approaches and close cross-sector collaboration.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide technical support and supervision to MHPSS staff in designated MSF projects in West and Central Africa
- Conduct project visits for coaching, training, and quality assurance
- Collaborate with project teams in the development of strategies to ensure alignment with MSF standards, practices and priorities
- Support rapid mental health assessments in emergencies and contribute to response planning
- Collaborate with medical and operational teams to integrate MHPSS into broader health and humanitarian strategies
- Contribute to advocacy and lobbying efforts to promote mental health priorities within regional platforms
- Develop and disseminate context-specific tools, guidelines, best practice examples and training materials
- Nurture and facilitate knowledge and good practice transfer across the different projects through MHPSS peer virtual meet ups, webinars, and online presentations
- Monitor and evaluate the impact and quality of MHPSS interventions
- Represent MHPSS in regional coordination forums and technical working groups
- Collaborate in operational research as required
- Supervise projects in the proper collection and handling of data (monitoring tools, etc) and when needed be responsible for implementation of monitoring tools for MHPSS activities
REQUIREMENTS
Education & Experience
- Master’s degree in psychology or social work or Medical Doctor degree with specialization in psychiatry
- Essential working experience of at least 2 years as psychologist or other similar profession
- Minimum 3 years of international experience with international NGOs as a Mental Health Activity Manager (MHAM) or similar, including at least 1 year as MHAM with MSF, with experience in different health thematic areas such as HIV, Mpox, “Survivor of Violence”, Ebola, and emergencies
Competencies
- Strong understanding of regional dynamics, including political, environmental, and cultural factors
- Excellent coaching skills
- Flexibility
- Analytical Thinking & Strategic Vision
- Teamwork and Cooperation
- Results and Quality Orientation
- Initiative and Innovation
- Cross-cultural Awareness
Languages
- Proficiency in English and French, both written & spoken is mandatory
CONDITIONS
- Expected starting date: As soon as possible
- Location: Abidjan (Ivory Coast)
- Mobility: 70% in MSF projects
- Contract type: Fixed-term contract – full time
- Contract duration: 1 year (potential extension)
- The contractual terms, conditions and salary will be established according to the official residence of the selected candidate and in compliance with the standard MSF function and salary grids
- Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment
- Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments
Deadline for applications: 29/07/26
How to apply
How to apply?
- Submit your application via the ‘Apply here‘ button on the vacancy page
- You will be directed to the online application form for this position
- It should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for having your CV and motivation letter ready to upload (in pdf format)
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
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