Counselor Educator at Medecins Sans Frontiers

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) is an international, private, non-governmental, non-profit humanitarian organization. Our organization offers assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters, to victims of armed conflict, without discrimination irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation. We have been working in Nigeria since February 1996. MSF-OCA employees are guided by a Code of Conduct, which aims to strengthen and support ethical cultures throughout MSF-OCA, based on the core values that guide our medical humanitarian mission.

We are looking to fill COUNSELOR EDUCATOR Position in our Sokoto Noma & Emergency Response Project.

Job Title: COUNSELOR EDUCATOR

Job Type: 1 Year Definite Contract (with possibility of extension)

Duty Station: Sokoto

Publication Date: 16 July 2025
Deadline for Applications: 29 July 2025 (5:00 PM)

Main Objective of the position

To Perform counseling and/or education sessions to patients, following different medical and mental health MSF protocols and procedures, in order to improve their psychosocial condition.

General Accountabilities

• Identify and address the psychosocial,socio-economic, and administrative needs of patients.

• Provide individualor groupcounseling and psycho-educationalsessionsto patients and theirfamilies.

• Refer patientsto specialists orinstitutionsfor additionalsupport whennecessary.

• Maintain records of activities, ensure confidentiality, and participate in team meetings.

• Supporttraining,supervision, and sensitization activities onmental health and psychosocial issues.

MSF Section/Context Specific Accountabilities

 Ensure individual and/or group counselling and psychosocial support (awareness, psychoeducation) to the
patients and caregivers at Sokoto Specialist Hospital (ITFC unit patients and caregivers, as set by the project) and other MSF Sokoto project target populations.

To identify the psychological, emotional and behavioural needs and develop a treatment plan, according to the protocol and universal survivor centred principles.

– Conduct in-take and psychosocial assessments of each client
– Provide PFA, Psycho-stimulation, support group sessions, and one-on-one emotional support counselling and guidance to caregivers and malnourished children, survivors of violence, SV and IPV (children,
adolescents, adults and elders) and other vulnerable groups.

– Provide group counselling when needed

– Provide referrals for clients in need of additional specialized mental health support.

– Develop action plans to address patients’ physical, emotional, psychological, social, protection, and financial needs and provide follow up to ensure provision of needed services.

– Give survivors information (psychoeducation) and help them identify their needs and options (coping
mechanisms).

– Participate in the setting, implementation and reporting of psychosocial activities and other group interventions with specific target population (Survivors of violence, ITFC patients, ITFC caregivers, others).
Seek out patients that have defaulted while in collaboration with the outreach team.

 Ensure that in providing psychosocial support to the patients, their rights, needs and wishes are prioritized:

– To be treated with dignity and respect

– To allow them choose a course of action in dealing with the violence

– To ensure privacy and confidentiality

– To ensure non-discrimination

– To provide comprehensive information to help make their own decision

– Treat patients and other vulnerable beneficiaries with respect, kindness and in a caring manner, always maintaining confidentiality and based on patients’ needs and wishes.

 Work in close collaboration with the other team members – health promotion (HP) team, medical team and other actors regarding community awareness raising about SV/IPV and the importance of MHPSS component on ITFC interventions, stigma, health consequences, comprehensive medical support, including
psychosocial needs and importance of access to care, and assisting with sensitization of new staff on the
importance of Mental Health in Sokoto MSF interventions.

– When possible, ensure the awareness raising activities in the community in conjunction with the HP team
so that they can understand about the involvement of MH in SGBV, Malnutrition, and promote initiatives to get the support.

– Conduct focus group discussion with family members, community members and neighbours in the field orin the health care centre to understand specific needs.

– Work in collaboration with the medical team (doctors, nurses, midwives and other actors) to ensure comprehensive support for the patients and caregivers at ITFC unit (based on MSF MHPSS intervention plan).

– If needed, support referral pathway, with MTL support when patients’ needs requires more specialized MHPSS support (psychiatric/pharmacological care).

– Assist with initiation of culturally sensitive community support programs in collaboration with the outreach team.

– Take an active role in trainings/interventions and support the MHS, MHAM, MTL when necessary in doing
sensitization for MSF staff or external partners about MHPSS.

 Perform duties observing the MSF policies and in compliance with relevant SOPs of the department, and
immediately reporting to supervisor whenever compliance is or cannot be met.

Data and reporting:

 Ensure regular reports on activities, assessments, follow-up and other related documents to ensure the quality and reporting of the project data.

 Support MHS to set inputs for MHPSS reports (MMR, 12M, others), and set the reports when needed.

 Maintain and ensure strict confidentiality of the patients’ data, report and everything as well MSF documents.

Supervision/meetings:

 Participate in weekly supervision for cases from MH supervisor/MHAM/MTL and share challenges with supervisor in an immediate manner.

 Attend and actively participate in group and individual clinical supervision with the MHAM/MH supervisor.

 Attend the project meeting on daily, weekly or monthly basis and share the update of activities.

 Any other responsibilities assign by supervisor based on need.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

To apply for this role applicants MUST meet the following criteria:

Education

University Degree in Psychology or other similar degree/diploma.

Experience

At least 1-year experience is essential. Experience with NGO desirable.

Languages

English language is essential; Local language also essential

Knowledge

Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet)

Competencies

Results, teamwork, flexibility, commitment to MSF Principles, Service Oriented

How To Apply

Click Here To Apply

– After filling out the form,submit your CV, Cover Letter, License and necessary credentials only to this email: [email protected]

Subject of the mail Should be ONLY as “COUNSELOR EDUCATOR”.

– Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

– Lastly, only one online application form should be submitted as multiple submissions will not be considered.

NOTE:

1. The deadline for the position is 29th July 2025 (5:00 PM)

2. Only shortlisted candidates would be contacted.

3. No Transportation and/or Allowance will be provided during the recruitment process.

4. Any document sent to MSF-OCA (CV, cover letter, copies of diploma etc.) will not be returned.

5. No accommodation will be provided upon resuming to the job location if selected.
MSF is an equal opportunities employer and promotes diversity within the organization.

Qualified FEMALE Candidates are encouraged to Apply.