CONTEXT
The psychosocial service of the Staff Health Unit (SHU), within the Operational Centre Brussels (OCB) is in charge of defining and implementing the psychosocial support necessary for the staff working for MSF (international staff and national staff). The psychosocial support offered is a set of preventive measures aimed at reducing the risks to the well-being and mental health of MSF workers.
Each psychologist in the SHU psychosocial service works within this prevention framework, on individual or group support activities.
The psychosocial team of MSF-OCB in Brussels is composed as follows:
- 1 psychologist responsible of the psychosocial team (team leader)
- 1 psychologist to support staff working at MSF’s headquarters in Brussels
- 2 psychologists, based in Brussels, to support national and international staff working in MSF-OCB projects abroad
In addition to this team at the Brussels operational centre, there are:
- 8 Psychologists focal points based in MSF OCB’s partner sections (Brazil, South Africa, Hong Kong, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Belgium) offering pre- and post-mission support to international staff recruited by their section
Under the supervision of the team leader, you will join the psychosocial team of MSF OCB in Brussels in charge of supporting national and international staff in MSF OCB projects.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Projects support (60% to 70%)
- In collaboration with the medical coordinators of the various projects, participate in the analysis of psychosocial risks and the implementation of the psychosocial support strategy for the staff according to the evolution of the projects and the context
- Carry out project visits to support the implementation of psychosocial prevention strategies (1 to 2 per year)
- Develop and facilitate training modules or webinars
- On well-being, prevention of psychosocial risks and stress prevention and management for MSF staff active in projects
- On the prevention and management of stress with the various actors of staff health in the projects
- Guarantee psychosocial support for staff during emergencies, crises or critical incidents: definition and follow-up of the implementation of the psychosocial support strategy, remote support of teams involved and/or emergency intervention in projects
- Ensure the work of reflection and development of the strategy for the prevention of psychosocial risk factors and stressors for staff in the projects
- Write guidance documents and tools necessary for the development of support for staff on assignment and offer technical support to any psychologists in charge of supporting staff in the projects
- In collaboration with psychosocial actors from other MSF sections or operational centres, develop common tools and strategies
Support to individuals[1] (30%to 40%)
- Ensure remote first line psychosocial support for staff working in projects and/or referrals to external professionals
- Provide coordinators with briefings on the prevention and management of stress in teams
- Ensure a number of emotional debriefings of international staff members returning from projects and, if necessary, refer staff to a mental health professional external to MSF
REQUIREMENTS
Education & Experience
- Master’s degree in psychology
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in the psychosocial and/or mental health sector
- Experience in managing psychosocial projects
- Individual and group clinical experience
- Humanitarian experience in the field, preferably with MSF
- Previous experience in supporting staff is an asset
Competencies
- Good team player, adaptability and ability to work with multicultural teams
- Good organizational skills, flexibility and autonomy
- Excellent communication and training skills
- Good self-awareness and stress management skills
- Analytical, reflective and writing skills
- Ability to collaborate with diverse professional profiles
- Knowledge of the concepts of prevention of psychosocial risks at work
Languages
- Very good oral and written command of English and good knowledge of French
- Other languages commonly used by MSF (Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese) are a major asset
Other
- Willingness and ability to travel abroad in all contexts, sometimes under difficult conditions, and compliance with preventive health measures requested by MSF
CONDITIONS
- Expected starting date: 1st of March 2024
- Location: Brussels (Belgium)
- Mobility: 1 to 2 scheduled visits per year of 2 to 3 weeks + short emergency interventions
- Type of contract: Open-ended contract – Full-time – Possibility of teleworking at 40%
- Salary according to MSF-OCB HQ grid
- Meal vouchers – Hospitalisation Insurance (DKV) – Pension Plan – 100% reimbursement for public transport costs
- Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment
- Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments
Deadline for applications: 6th of February 2024
[1] No psychotherapeutic care is offered directly by the psychosocial service.
How to apply
Please send your CV and cover letter torecruit-hq-hr@brussels.msf.org and mention “Psychologist – SHU” in the subject of your email.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
MSF values diversity and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
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