Counselor Educator

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

JOB VACANCY

MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES FRANCE –BLANTYRE

 Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a non-profit, independent international humanitarian organization committed to delivering medical aid to populations facing crises, with a steadfast commitment to impartiality and without regard to race, religion, creed, or political affiliation. In Malawi, MSF collaborates closely with the Ministry of Health and the local community, particularly in the Cervical Cancer project in the Blantyre district, as well as the CBO Project in Zalewa and Dedza District.

MSFF is looking for its CBO Project Office:

COUNSELOR EDUCATOR – 1 POSITION

Workplace                   :        Blantyre with frequent travel to Dedza and Zalewa

Type of contract        :        Fixed Term Contract

Start date                       :    April 2024

Main purpose of the position

Perform counselling and/or education sessions to women in Female sex workers project, following different medical and mental health MSF protocols and procedures, to improve their psychosocial condition.

Main Responsibilities

  • Identify the psychosocial needs of female sex workers (SW) in Dedza and Zalewa.
  • Provide daily individual and group counseling to SW to address identified mental health needs during outreach clinics. Offer basic psychotherapy, assess the need for referrals, and facilitate connections with referral centers when necessary.
  • Collaborate in the development of materials required for counseling activities. Train and support Community-Based Organization (CBO) members and peers in leading psycho-educational sessions on mental health, Psychological First Aid (PFA), and identifying SW with mental health needs, referring them to MSF counselors.
  • Utilize screening tools to plan and implement appropriate therapeutic interventions tailored to each individual’s needs.
  • Maintain accurate records and statistics of daily activities. Participate in team meetings to share experiences, discuss special cases with other counselors, and ensure confidentiality.
  • Monitor daily activity and input necessary data into activity monitoring tools for proper follow-up. This includes completing medical records, scheduling appointments based on patient needs, and conducting phone follow-ups when required.
  • Deliver high-quality counseling services in a safe space for patients in need.
  • Foster strong collaboration with CBOs, referring patients who require health care and providing feedback on treatment plans and progress while maintaining beneficiary confidentiality.
  • Identify available SGBV (Sexual and Gender-Based Violence) services in Dedza and Zalewa. Propose collaboration with stakeholders supporting SGBV and facilitate linkage with CBOs.
  • Work with the support of MHAM (Mental Health and Addictions Management) to develop simplified counseling tools for long-term use by CBOs and peers.
  • Update the mental health service mapping, establish connections with other key stakeholders, and refer patients with psychiatric needs to external organizations for appropriate mental health care.
  • Actively participate in trainings and supervisions, supporting activities manager in sensitizing MSF staff or external partners about mental health and psychosocial issues when needed.
  • Discuss counseling difficulties and problems with the supervisor.
  • Provide weekly situation reports detailing activities and challenges encountered.

Requirements

Education A degree or diploma in counseling, psychology, or a related field.
Experience Experience working with key populations, SRH (Sexual and Reproductive Health) projects, and/or SGBV (Sexual and Gender-Based Violence) projects is preferred. One year of experience is required, with experience in an NGO being preferable.
Languages English and Chichewa
Knowledge Essential proven computer literacy.
Competencies Results, teamwork, flexibility, commitment, service, collaborative and tolerant

How to Apply

Applicants meeting the requirements are encouraged to send their Cover Letter, Updated CV, ID Copy, and relevant certificates, in Pdf or word format, to the Personal Development Manager at Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) France through email to  msfflilongwe-recruitment@paris.msf.org. Please use the subject line “COUNSELOR EDUCATOR, Your Full Name,” and ensure that each file is appropriately labelled, such as “CV – (Name)”. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Closing date for receiving applications is 28th March 2024 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

MSF is an equal opportunity employer: all applicants will be equally considered under the same criteria and expectations. MSF does not charge any application/recruitment or training fees: if ever you are requested to pay any amount to process your application or access employment with MSF, do not pay and please inform the MSF administration on email: msff-lilongwerecruitment@paris.msf.org as soon as possible.