Head of Mental Health Activities
Organization: Doctors Without Borders in Switzerland
Closing date: August 28, 2026
For several weeks, the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been spreading rapidly, including to new health zones, in a context marked by security challenges and difficulties in accessing populations. This evolution complicates detection, case monitoring, and medical care activities, requiring continuous strengthening of response capacities on the ground.
In this context, MSF Switzerland is deploying and strengthening its teams to contribute to surveillance, prevention and patient care activities in the affected areas, including mental health support for patients, survivors, bereaved families and healthcare staff facing an epidemic context with high levels of stress and trauma.
As part of this response, we are seeking candidates with experience in mental health activities within humanitarian contexts. Specific experience in responding to the Ebola epidemic or other viral hemorrhagic fevers is an asset.
This opening concerns international positions. For local applications, please contact the MSF offices in the DRC directly.
Responsibilities:
• Organize and coordinate mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) activities within the project, using strategies and tools adapted to the epidemic context and local culture, paying particular attention to the psychological impact of Ebola on patients, survivors, bereaved families and health personnel.
• To be responsible for the mental health service, the implementation and consolidation of activities, as well as the technical supervision of the team (psychologists and counselors), ensuring that a consistent approach to care and regular follow-up of patients are applied within the project.
• In collaboration with the medical team, patients and the local community, identify needs with a view to co-defining and co-creating mental health and psychosocial support activities adapted to the Ebola context.
• Define, plan and organize the mental health and psychosocial support strategy and the corresponding budget, and ensure the implementation of all MSF standard mental health protocols and procedures, including the availability of psychotropic treatments listed in the MSF standard list of medicines.
• Manage, train and supervise the mental health team through activities such as recruitment, defining job descriptions, skills development, staff briefing/debriefing, their evaluation and monitoring of schedules.
• Participate in and ensure good resource management: pharmacy management and orders related to mental health, administrative procedures, patient file, register, data collection, as well as monitoring and updating existing mental health services in the intervention area (other NGOs, community actors, government health services).
Your profile:
Required:
Master's degree or equivalent in psychology, with a specialization in clinical psychology, counseling, psychotherapy, psychopathology or a related field, including a clinical training component with a defined number of supervised clinical hours (to be documented in the CV)
Valid and up-to-date practice authorization
A minimum of two years of professional experience after obtaining a Master's degree, including clinical care with adults (behavioral or counseling techniques), with significant experience in bereavement support, complicated bereavement, family support, and end-of-life psychological support.
Experience in team management
Proficiency in French
Good team spirit, ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
Flexibility and resilience to stress – this position requires a significant workload and a degree of autonomy.
Responsible behavior contributing to the safety and integrity of everyone – preventing, reporting and refusing any abusive behavior and/or behavior contrary to MSF values
Strengths:
Experience in mental health activities during an epidemic response to the Ebola virus or another hemorrhagic fever virus (e.g. in an Ebola Treatment Center or equivalent) is an asset.
MSF offers:
A unique and varied professional experience where your skills make the difference
Preparatory course and briefing about the identified project
Contract for the duration of the mission
Monthly salary according to the MSF salary scale (based on professional experience and country of residence)
Insurance coverage including repatriation
Accommodation and meals provided
Transportation, visa and vaccination costs covered
Psychosocial support before, during and after the mission
How to apply:
MSF is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge any application, recruitment, or training fees. MSF Switzerland welcomes applications from people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and particularly encourages women to apply.
Protecting your personal data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you authorize MSF to use your personal data solely for the recruitment process (specifically, to receive the information and documents necessary to process your application, evaluate profiles, and select the most suitable candidate for the position).
Your personal data will be treated confidentially and will not be used for any purpose other than those related to this recruitment.
Apply Here:
Interested candidates should complete their application by following the link below.
https://msfsuisse-career.talent-soft.com/Pages/Offre/detailoffre.aspx?idOffre=308&idOrigine=502&LCID=1036
Please include:
• CV (3 pages max.)
• Cover letter, maximum 2 pages
Application deadline: before 28.08.2026
Applications will be treated confidentially.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.