Career Opportunity: Counsellor/Educator (Zurmi, Zamfara State) at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

In regions affected by crisis, physical healing is only half the battle; the psychological scars left by conflict and displacement require equally urgent attention. Mental health support is a cornerstone of humanitarian dignity, providing individuals with the emotional tools to navigate trauma and rebuild their lives. By joining this mission, you become a vital source of resilience for communities in distress, ensuring that mental healthcare is accessible to those who need it most.

Job Summary

The Counsellor/Educator serves as a frontline mental health advocate, delivering essential psychosocial support and educational sessions to patients and their families. Operating within MSF’s medical protocols, you will work to identify hidden emotional needs and provide the guidance necessary to improve the overall well-being of the population in Zurmi. Your contribution ensures a holistic approach to healthcare where the mind is treated with the same priority as the body.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Support and Clinical Care

• Psychosocial Assessment: Systematically evaluate the social, economic, and administrative challenges facing patients to provide comprehensive support.
• Direct Counselling: Facilitate both individual and group therapy sessions, utilizing psycho-educational techniques to mitigate emotional distress.
• Emergency Intervention: Provide immediate Psychological First Aid (PFA) to patients and families during acute crises at fixed clinics or outreach sites.
• Continuity of Care: Manage a robust referral network, connecting patients with specialized institutions or specialists when their needs exceed the project’s scope.

Community Outreach and Education

• Advocacy: Proactively promote mental health services within the community to reduce stigma and increase service uptake.
• Collaborative Follow-up: Partner daily with community health workers to ensure patients remain engaged with their treatment plans.
• Resource Development: Contribute to the creation of innovative educational materials tailored to the local cultural context.

Administration and Development

• Data Integrity: Maintain precise, confidential patient records and ensure all clinical statistics are reported accurately and on time.
• Professional Growth: Actively participate in weekly clinical supervision and internal training sessions to refine counselling practices.
• Team Integration: Support the Mental Health Activity Manager in sensitizing both MSF staff and external partners on psychosocial issues.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Educational Foundation: A Degree or Diploma in Counselling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related behavioral science field.
• Professional Experience: At least one year of practical experience in counselling is required; previous work with an international NGO is highly valued.
• Linguistic Ability: Full professional proficiency in English is required, along with fluency in the local language(s) of Zamfara State.
• Core Competencies: Demonstrated ability in teamwork, flexibility in demanding environments, and a deep-seated commitment to humanitarian service.
• Technical Proficiency: Ability to maintain organized documentation and basic comfort with data encoding.

Why This Job is Important

In Zamfara State, where communities face ongoing challenges, your role is the bridge between despair and recovery. Many patients suffer from “invisible wounds” that hinder their physical recovery; your expertise ensures these issues are identified and addressed, preventing long-term psychological disability and fostering community resilience.

Benefits of Applying

• Impactful Work: Join the world’s leading independent medical humanitarian organization.
• Professional Development: Receive specialized training in MSF mental health protocols and Psychological First Aid.
• Inclusive Environment: Work within a culture that prioritizes gender equality, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance.
• Competitive Remuneration: Benefit from a Level 05 salary on the MSF national scale with a stable 6-month renewable contract.

Salary Expectations

This position offers a competitive salary based on the MSF Spain national remuneration scale for Level 05 employees in Nigeria.

About the Organization

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization that has been providing emergency assistance in Nigeria for two decades. We operate on the frontlines of natural disasters, man-made crises, and armed conflicts, delivering aid without regard to race, religion, or political stance. Our mission is fueled by the conviction of individuals committed to assisting fellow human beings in their most vulnerable moments. In Nigeria, we remain dedicated to restoring health and dignity through medical excellence and outspoken advocacy.

Position Details & Application

• Location: Zurmi, Zamfara State (Based at MSF Spain, Rukudawa Road).
• Schedule: Full-time (208 working hours per month).
• Deadline: January 7, 2026, at 05:00 PM.

How to Apply: Qualified and interested candidates should apply through the following link: APPLY NOW

Alternative Submission: You may drop a physical copy of your application (Motivation Letter, Updated CV, and Academic Certificates) at: MSF Spain Office, Zurmi, along Rukudawa Road, after Zurmi General Hospital, Zamfara State. Please ensure the job title is clearly written on the envelope.

Tips for Applicants

• Showcase Local Context: If you have experience working in Zamfara or similar environments, highlight your understanding of local cultural nuances in your motivation letter.
• Emphasize Ethics: MSF places a high value on confidentiality and ethics; be sure to mention your commitment to these principles in your interview.
• Prepare Certificates: Ensure all academic credentials are ready for upload, as incomplete applications will not be processed.