Psychologists & Psychiatrists

The genocide in Rwanda in 1994, civil wars and massacres in countries like Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sierra Leone or Kosovo, lasting crises like those in Burundi, Indonesia or the Palestinian territories confronted MSF in the mid nineties for the first time with the necessity to also deliver aid for mental diseases. The need for mental health professionals with experience in dealing with trauma has therefore increased in MSF' projects.

Their main task during their mission with MSF is training local specialists in crisis intervention and psycho-social first aid. Together with local staff they attempt to help victims to come to terms with traumatic experiences after war and deportation of people, by means of counseling, modelling and painting therapy, as well as through occupational therapy. Furthermore it is their job to work on and develop national education strategies.

Special Requirements:

• Completed medical training and specialization for psychiatrists
• Completed education in clinical psychology for psychologists
• At least 2 years of practical experience with trauma / PTSD patients, victims of violence, HIV/Aids counselling
• Experience in training and supervision
• Creativity and initiative to work with non-professionals in a different cultural setting
• At least 6 to 12 months of availability for a mission

Please note:
As a result of the type of MSF aid and/or the conditions in the MSF projects there are no possibilities to recruit Psychotherapists without specialization in clinical psychology or psychiatry.