Psychologist: Mental Health Research and Support

Psychologist: Mental Health Research and Support for International Mobile Staff.

Location: Johannesburg, but also coordinates a network of external psychological therapists in all our recruitment areas in Africa.

Type of contract: Permanent (part‑time) Contract. The position is part‑time for 2 days per week (16 hours/week, flexible time agreed with the supervisor). The psychologist works with a wide network of other psychologists in a global movement, hence adjustment to the consistency of day work may change when engaging internationally.

MSF SA Field Human Resources unit manages over 160 active International Mobile Staff (IMS) members working in harsh, insecure, and difficult conditions to fulfil MSF's humanitarian mandate. This position is open on a part‑time basis to help the unit provide quality care to its staff through psychosocial support. It also aims at gathering and analysing data to better understand the stressors that the staff experience and explore the best way to support them.

• Basic Salary R 19 283, 90 [2 days a week position]
• 13th cheque in November
• 10% additional pension allowance
• 100% Medical Aid Contribution
• Transport allowance
• Cell phone Allowance

• Length of commitment:
  Permanent Contract
• Possible Starting date: ASAP

• Provide psychosocial briefings to Internationally Mobile Staff (IMS), particularly those departing on their first mission (FM).
• Conduct a well‑being check‑in with the first missions within the first month on mission. Provide psychosocial debriefing to IMS returning from the mission.
• Provide psychosocial support, on request, to IMS while on mission.
• Screening for psychological distress and making appropriate referrals for further psychological/psychiatric care.
• Building /maintaining a network of psychologists/psychiatrists in the Southern Africa region for referral of IMS who may require ongoing psychological care.
• Case management of IMS referred for ongoing clinical/psychiatric care.
• Record keeping, data monitoring and analysis for improvement of psychosocial services.
• Develop tools and techniques for better service delivery.
• Design/co‑coordinate psychosocial training programmes and materials aimed at supporting resilience and preventing distress.
• Assist in the facilitation of the Stress module on the MSF Induction programme (BAM).
• Collaboration and engagement with stakeholders in the larger MSF movement and beyond to improve the psychological care and well‑being of MSF staff and beneficiaries. Including attending the psychosocial Operational Centre Brussels (OCB) and intersection meetings.
• In the event of a critical incident, provide support as per the MSF Crisis Management protocol.
• Contribute new approaches through research/study that will help operations improve MH care for its field workers.
• Monitoring issues affecting the well‑being of IMS and advising HR on approaches to effectively support staff and encourage resilience.
• Administrative duties, including participation in HR / regional meetings and other activities.

• Master's in psychology and current registration with the HPCSA, as a psychologist.
• Additional training / excellent knowledge of staff support and traumatic/critical incident stress as well as a broad range of related fields. Experience and interest in humanitarian work.
• Commitment to ethical and professional standards.
• Must inspire confidence from the outset as his/her intervention will most often be confined to a single session.
• Research experience.
• Willingness to travel in Africa and Europe if needed.
• Be able to work under pressure (case management).
• MSF experience is an added value.
• Added advantage:
  Ability to speak/learn Portuguese.

People living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

APPLY HERE

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Date posted: 27 February 2026