Psychologist Full Time

Context of the mission

For more than 30 years, Médecins du Monde (MDM) France, a campaigning medical organization committed to international solidarity, has been caring for the most vulnerable populations at home and abroad. It has continued to highlight obstacles that exist in accessing health care and has secured sustainable improvements in health-for-all policies. Those working for this independent organization do not solely dispense care and treatment but condemn violations of human dignity and rights and fight to improve matters for populations living in precarious situations. MdM currently works in 44 countries across all continents where it focuses on 4 priority areas: caring for the health of migrants and displaced people, promoting sexual and reproductive health, harm reduction associated with drug use, emergencies and crisis.

Médecins du Monde is operating in Ethiopia since 1986 in different types of health projects from long-term interventions to emergency response.

MdM France has concentrated its efforts on projects related to access to primary health care (projects centered on rural health facilities and isolated populations), reduction of maternal mortality through improved quality of obstetric care, promotion of sexual and reproductive health rights including protection against gender-based violence, provision of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and reduction of malnutrition.

Title: Psychologist

Status: Contract

Duration: Until October 31,2026

Reports to: Program manager

Location: Dehas & Wachile woredas of Oromia region and Hudet Woreda of Somali region

Reuired No. : 2

Travel required: Yes

Job Summary

The psychologist will be based in Dhas/Wachile woreda of Oromia region and Hudet Woreda of Somali region. The Psychologist will provide mental health and psychosocial support(MHPSS) to individuals and communities in the region. This position will focus on conducting psychological assessments, delivering interventions, and offering ongoing support for a range of psychological concerns. The psychologist will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to improve the mental well-being of the affected communities.

Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager/Field Coordinator, the psychologist will also maintain a technical link with the Mission MHPSS Advisor to ensure alignment with best practices and overall program objectives.

Essential duties and responsibilities.

Under the supervision of the Program manager/ Field Coordinator plus a technical link with the MHPSS Advisor, the psychologist has the responsibility to:

• Assesses beneficiaries’ MHPSS needs, including GBV survivors, their personal situation and, strengths in order to develop plans to improve their well-being.
• Delivers one-on-one (Individual) and group counselling sessions to identified beneficiaries according to the logical framework and create links with organizations working on MHPSS services.
• Supports the MHPSS Advisor in developing, delivering, psychosocial materials and group activities in close collaboration with the community Mobilizers.
• Conducts group counselling sessions or support groups for special needs e.g., PLHIV, GBV survivors, caregivers of children with nutrition needs.
• Obtains assistance for the beneficiaries referring them to community resources; arranging for appointments; establishing referral linkage with other agencies.
• Maintains records of cases by documenting all session notes and adhering to data protection regulations.
• Monitors planned actions through regular follow-up.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of beneficiaries’ personal information receiving MHPSS services
• Follows up with beneficiaries to ensure that their situations and wellbeing has progressed
• Participates in MHPSS working group coordination meetings at field level
• Reports on MHPSS activities in the monthly progress activities report
• Performs any other task assigned by the Program Manager/ Field Coordinator

Educational Qualification

• MSc /BSc Degree in Psychology/Clinical Psychology/psychiatric Nurse
• Training/certification in mhGAP/PM+ is a plus

Work Experience

• At least 2 years of working experience as Psychologist in health care setting / Counsellor in a health facility in emergency situations
• Experience with other NGO is a plus.
• Demonstrable experience in reporting, supervising and training others in a team setting.

Skills and qualities required

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Good computer skills: MS Word and MS Excel
• Strong clinical assessment skills to evaluate an individual’s mental status, identifying signs of psychological distress or vulnerabilities..
• Ability to assess the individual’s family and social environment, understanding how these factors may influence their mental health and overall well-being.
• Choose a psychological support method (including referral), suggest psychosocial support activities
• Know how to work in a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to formalize and communicate professional expertise, sharing knowledge and insights in clear with team members and other stakeholders.
• Lead individual, group, and family psychotherapy sessions, guiding people through therapeutic exercises such as role-playing, relaxation techniques, and other activities.
• Draft and format clinical notes, documents and/or reports relating to the specialist area

Languages

• Fluent in English and local languages (speaking, writing and listening)
• Women are strongly encouraged to Apply