Job Opportunity: Locum Psychologist – Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent international medical humanitarian organization providing assistance to people affected by armed conflicts, epidemics, natural or non-natural disasters, or persons excluded from access to health care. The organization has health projects in more than 68 countries.

MSF France Mathare project is looking to fill the position of a Daily Worker/Locum Psychologist. The successful candidate reports to the Medical Activity Manager.

MSF France has had a significant presence in Kenya since 1996. In Mathare Lavender House Clinic, MSF runs a 24-hour SGBV Clinic for victims of sexual and gender-based violence and an Emergency program that provides pre-hospital care and trauma/medical stabilization. We also have a clinic in Dandora offering youth-friendly services to those between the ages of 10 to 24 years. All our services are free including a toll-free hotline.

The objective of the Position:

Organizing and ensuring psychological consultations to the target population providing treatment to patients within the scope of his/her medical competencies and referring them when appropriate, according to MSF protocols and procedures in order to guarantee quality and efficiency of the service provided.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1.Provision of counselling activities in the Trauma & SGBV clinics and Youth Friendly Centre.

• Liaise closely with other departments in the programme to enable open communication and ensure smooth referral of patients
• Attend departmental meetings, discussing relevant issues concerning the counselling department.
• Reinforce confidentiality in the clinics
• Order requests of commodities and stationery for the department activities

2.Psychological care for SGBV patients and other Mental health emergencies

• Provide patient centered psychological care for clients according to MSF guidelines.
• Sensitize the medical team to recognize psychological disorders and to refer patients to the psychologist for further assessment and management
• Ensure the patients receive open-minded support regarding their right to choose, especially in delicate issues like unwanted pregnancies, desire for a child, marital discrepancy etc.
• Provide psychotherapy interventions for patients with complicated psychological diagnosis and evaluate the necessity of referral for external support or for a 2nd opinion
• Referral of acute mental health emergencies and follow up of the patients in referral facilities (together with MAM)

3.Continuous Medical Education (CME) presentations about psychological disorders

• To participate in CMEs and on job training for staff on trauma cases, SGBV cases, child development, counselling techniques etc. The counsellors should be encouraged to present with your support and input.
• Participate in training new Staff or other health workers from MOH/ other organizations
• Develop treatment literacy sessions and provide materials and tools.
• Train and supervise counsellors and expert patients, as needed, to conduct such sessions with the involvement of the medical team
• Provide health education materials for patients

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Education: – Degree in Medical Psychology from an accredited institution.
• Experience: – Psycho-social counselling experience of at least 2 years. Previous experience in other NGO’s/MSF is a plus.
• Languages: – Fluency in English and Kiswahili is a must, other local language is a plus.
• Knowledge: – Computer operation, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Competences: – Results, teamwork, flexibility, commitment, service

  – Good communication skills both verbal and written

  – Detail oriented and meticulous in all aspects of work

  – Ability to work independently as well as within a team

  – Ability to work in strenuous condition with minimal supervision

• Applicants MUST be Kenyan nationals and have the necessary statutory documents (ID, NSSF, NHIF, and a PIN certificate).