Your skills and experience don’t quite match the requirements? MSF-OCBA is committed to promoting diversity and equity by providing equal access to employment opportunities. We understand that women, people of color, Indigenous people, members of the LGBTQI+ community, and other underrepresented groups often hesitate to apply for a job if they don’t meet all the requirements. At MSF-OCBA, we strive to create a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. Therefore, if you are interested in this position but your experience doesn’t perfectly match the selection criteria, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the ideal candidate for this or other positions.
GENERAL CONTEXT
Doctors Without Borders is an independent international medical and humanitarian organization that provides assistance to populations in distress, victims of natural or man-made disasters and victims of armed conflict, without discrimination and without distinction of race, religion, belief or political affiliation.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is a civil society initiative that brings together people committed to assisting others in crisis. As such, MSF is by choice an association. Every person working with MSF does so out of conviction and is prepared to defend MSF’s values ​​and principles.
BUT PRINCIPAL
Define, implement, and coordinate all mental health activities in the project area; ensure the quality of care by analyzing statistics and reports; manage staff involved in mental health activities in accordance with MSF protocols in order to provide the
the most appropriate support for patients.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS
- Identify the population’s SM support needs within the project framework and participate in the implementation of MSF’s strategy accordingly.
- Participate in the definition, planning, organization and updating of mental health activities and its budget, in close collaboration with other members of the medical team, in order to ensure the effective and efficient use of the necessary resources while maintaining high levels of quality of MSF mental health activities.
- To ensure the implementation of all standard mental health protocols and methods prescribed by MSF and to supervise their application by all professionals under their responsibility, in order to provide the most appropriate treatment to patients
- Plan and supervise, in close collaboration with the HR department, the associated processes (recruitment, training/induction, evaluation, potential detection, development and communication) of the staff under his/her responsibility in order to ensure both the size and importance of the knowledge required.
- Supervise and ensure that mental activities (within and outside health facilities) with clients are carried out with regular follow-up and in accordance with MSF protocols and standards in order to provide the most appropriate treatment to clients suffering from psychosocial problems, ensuring that the mental health team is calm and neutral during sessions regardless of personal feelings and/or beliefs.
- Analyze and develop technical materials, tools, guidelines, and documents created for mental health activities in order to develop appropriate support for patients
- To map and maintain regular updates of existing services, including other INGOs, local NGOs, community groups and government health services, etc., and to maintain regular communication and collaboration according to objectives and context.
- Ensure good communication with the other components of the project.
- Ensure, in close collaboration with the medical department, that the mental health department participates in consultation, prevention of parent-to-child transmission (PTPE) and voluntary counseling and testing (AVCT) activities when necessary, and according to existing protocols in force at all times.
- Monitor and evaluate mental health support activities (define indicators and track tools, data collection and analysis, regular reporting on mental health activities, etc.) to ensure reliable information for activities and adapt them accordingly. Contribute to monthly reports as directed (SitRep, statistical report, etc.).
- Share problematic situations and cases with the medical coordinator for help in decision-making and problem-solving.
- Ensure that psychiatric patients presenting at MSF facilities receive adequate treatment, including psychotropic medication and psychosocial support in an MSF program or by referral to an appropriate resource.
- Identify potential arguments and inform the MC and PC before taking any action. Advocacy is not the responsibility of the Director of Mental Health Activities.
- Provide training and supervision on a regular basis.
- Ensure that translators are trained on the terminology and appropriate behavior during sessions.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Education
For the profile of the psychiatrist
- Medical degree with registered psychiatry diploma.
- Psychiatry resident with 6 semesters (three years) validated in psychiatry, plus at least two years in adult psychiatry, plus clinical training.
- A valid license/registration to practice in the country of residence.
Regarding the psychologist’s profile
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology.
- Master’s degree in clinical psychology or equivalent.
Experience
- Essential minimum of 2 years’ experience as a psychiatrist with adults or
- Essential minimum 3 years of experience as a professional clinical psychologist in diverse mental health roles, ideally in multidisciplinary settings
- International field experience working with diverse populations and cultures is a plus.
- Skills and professional experience in diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Experience in clinical supervision and training management is a plus.
- Experience in individual, family and group sessions, using counseling/psychotherapy methods.
- Experience in management is an asset.
Awareness
Proficiency in office software; ability to work in a multidisciplinary team; excellent communication and organizational skills. Qualified candidates or those wishing to enhance their skills and knowledge in:
- Mental health in complex emergency situations.
- Community-based approach to mental health
- Evidence-based interventions in mental health (MhGAP, PFA, Evidence-Based Psychotherapy, brief therapy, CBT, client-centered therapy…).
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Location: Field-based position in our humanitarian projects (destination to be confirmed according to operational needs).
- Contract type: Fixed-term contract (CDD) – Full-time
- Contract duration: minimum one-year commitment, including two six-month periods of departure in our projects.
- Salary: IRFFG Level 10 and according to MSF remuneration policy.
- Contractual terms, conditions, and salary will be established based on the official residence of the selected candidates and in accordance with MSF’s standard job and salary scales.
- Adhere to MSF principles and our management values: respect, transparency, integrity, responsibility, trust and empowerment
- Adhere to the commitments for responsible behavior
How to apply
HOW TO APPLY
- To apply, all candidates must send their CV and a cover letter to the following address:
https://careers.msf-applications.org/job-invite/169
- Closing date: March 8, 2026, 23:59 CET (Central European Time)
MSF is a civil society initiative that brings together individuals committed to assisting other human beings in crisis situations. As such, MSF is by choice an association.
Every person working with MSF does so out of conviction and is ready to defend MSF’s values ​​and principles.
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
MSF offers a work environment that reflects the values ​​of gender equality, teamwork, integrity, and work-life balance. MSF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, nor any type of harassment, including sexual harassment, nor discrimination. All selected candidates will therefore be subject to reference checks.
Médecins Sans Frontières, as a responsible employer, under the 2013 General Law on Disability (LGD), invites people with a recognized disability and an interest in the humanitarian field to apply for the position mentioned above.