General Context:

After eight years of low-intensity conflict in eastern Ukraine, Russian forces launched an all-out military assault on 24 February 2022, causing extensive human, infrastructure, and energy damage, particularly in the country’s east, southeast and northeast. By late 2023, Russia controls 20% of Ukraine’s territory, mainly in the south and east. The invasion caused a massive humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and thousands killed. Mental health support has become a crucial component of MSF response in Ukraine.

Context of Vinnytsia:

In September 2023, as the war intensified, MSF Switzerland started providing specialised psychotherapeutic services for people experiencing PTSD symptoms at a new centre in Vinnytsia region. Located in western Ukraine, Vinnytsia (pop. 376,000 in 2024) is relatively less affected by direct attacks, though drone or missile strikes occasionally occur due to nearby military targets. The city has an effective air defence system and serves as a key transit hub for internally displaced persons (IDPs), humanitarian and military supplies. To fulfil its mission and ensure quality and continuity of care, MSF is looking for a War-Trauma Specialist (MHAM) to work in its project in Vinnytsia.

Job Description

This is a flying position supporting countries in Cell 2, mainly Ukraine, with the possibility of being deployed to other MSF contexts, such as Kazakhstan. The Flying War-Trauma Specialist supports Cell 2 missions in implementing highquality MHPSS activities focused on trauma rehabilitation. The position is mainly devoted to the Vinnytsia Project in Ukraine as MHAM/Trauma Specialist with specific deployment in the field for an estimated 4 months each time and in collaboration with the second MHAM assigned to the project. When not deployed in Vinnytsia, the position is providing remote support from home to the project based on agreement with the project and its needs, additionally working on the development of Trauma expertise for OCG (e.g. guidelines). The person holding this role is expected to have a strong foundation in trauma-focused therapies, including in-depth knowledge, formal training, and clinical practice experience.

Main Responsibilities and Tasks:

1. Field Position (MHAM role):

• Collaborate with team members to plan, organize, and implement activities aimed at provision of comprehensive Mental Health Care for War-Related Traumatic Stress in Vinnytsia region, with main focus on Complex PTSD cases.

• Provide technical support and guidance to the project team as needed and in coordination with the second Mental Health Activity Manager. • Engage and co-produce activities with the patients and population as partners.

• Provision of individual and group clinical supervision to members of the psychologists’ team, including the mental health supervisor.

• In close collaboration with mhGAP medical doctors and Psychiatrist, ensure a comprehensive assessment, medical evaluation, appropriate treatment, and referral to appropriate care options for all patients.

• Be actively involved in the response for sexual violence survivors and their care in the project.

• Regularly updating the map of existing Mental Health services and actors within Vinnytsia to collaborate with and transfer care of mild to moderate traumatic stress, in collaboration with the Project Medical Referent.

• Ensure accuracy in MH files completion by psychologists and monitoring data on DHIS2, based on MH Data Guideline.

2. Remote:

• Is involved in the writing and the revision of internal documents (e.g Mental Health strategy, activity reports, capitalization reports, trainings, etc) and other ad hoc reports.

• Takes part in the appraisals of the line-managed staff in collaboration with the MHAM in the project.

• Prepares detailed handover with the MHAM on the ground at the time of swapping of roles and responsibilities.

• Participate in key moments of the project during Plan of Action and Mid-Year-Review discussions in collaboration with the MHAM in the field.

• Contributes to the writing and analysis of activities review and case reviews.

• Provides synchronous and asynchronous technical support and guidance to the project team as needed and in coordination with the other Mental Health Activity Manager

• Provides input to any capitalization and/or operational research ambitions in the project

• Actively contributes to data analysis, preparation of project presentations and communication initiatives if required

• Together with the Mental Health advisers in the medical department, follows up on innovation opportunities including the use of psychedelics for severe trauma

3. Strengthens the integration of trauma expertise across relevant OCG Cell 2 programs:

• In the field of trauma rehabilitation, keeps up with emerging trends, challenges, and technologies, helping bring relevant innovations and good practices into Cell 2’s work.

• Upon delegation, and in close collaboration with HQ Mental Health Advisors, provides technical support to Cell 2 missions on complex trauma rehabilitation issues, contributing to quality care aligned with MSF standards.

• Under the guidance of HQ Mental Health Advisors, contributes to the development, adaptation, and roll-out of protocols, guidelines, and SOPs related to trauma rehabilitation.

• In the field of trauma rehabilitation, and upon request, liaises with relevant external actors and platforms (e.g., academia, INGOs) to support networking, training opportunities, and the exchange of experiences.

• When needed, supports HQ Mental Health Advisors and the HR Department in the recruitment, development, and retention of trauma specialists for Cell 2.

• May take on additional tasks, depending on priorities and operational needs. Your Profile

Education

▪ Master’s level degree in clinical psychology or MD degree with specialization in psychiatry

▪ Trauma-focused training (preferably evidence-based), such as CBT (including PE, CPT, or TF-CBT), EMDR, or NET, and accreditation as a psychotherapist. Other trauma-focused therapy trainings may also be considered (e.g., Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Therapy, TF-DBT, etc.).

▪ Additional relevant trainings (e.g., attachment issues in trauma, moral injury, TBIs, etc.) are considered an asset.

Experience

▪ Essential: At least three years of demonstrable direct experience providing trauma-focused therapy to patients with PTSD (including complex PTSD).

▪ Experience working with displaced populations, refugees, or military/veterans is a strong asset.

▪ Experience in teaching, training, or supervising health or mental health staff in trauma-focused therapy is a strong asset.

▪ NGO experience or prior MSF experience is also an asset.

▪ Experience working with patients suffering substance use disorder is an asset.

Technical competencies:

▪ Computer: Excel, Word and PowerPoint

▪ Critical reading and writing

▪ Data tools and DHIS 2

▪ Mentoring and capacity to deliver trainings

Personal competencies:

▪ Excellent ability to work in a multicultural environment successfully and to demonstrate commitment and support for diversity, gender-responsive, inclusive, and non-discriminatory behavior and attitudes

▪ Commitment to MSF’s Principles

▪ Cross-cultural Awareness

▪ Analytical Thinking

▪ Strategic Vision

▪ Results and Quality Orientation

▪ Initiative and Innovation

▪ Teamwork and Cooperation

Language:

▪ Fluent in English (written and spoken) mandatory

▪ Ukrainian or Russian is an asset

Contract specifics

Ideal start date: 15 July 2025

Duration: 12 – 24 months

Location: 70% Vinnytsia Project, 30% remote at home with working hours the same as in Vinnytsia

Salary: 5,500 Swiss Francs gross monthly salary

Holidays: 25 annual leave days per year to be taken while working remote and to be validated by the supervisor and the Project Coordinator

Other benefits: Health insurance, per diem in the field, and coverage of travel expenses between home and the field, as well as coverage for trips to HQ for briefings, debriefings, and trainings

Important Note for U.S. residents: In accordance with U.S. legal and regulatory requirements, American citizens may be subject to different contractual terms. A preliminary discussion will be necessary to review and agree upon the appropriate employment conditions.

How to Apply:

Application deadline: 22th May 2025

Please send your application with the following documents:

– Motivation letter

– CV in English

– Copy of diploma(s) (link to mental health and trauma therapy)

– Specific form filled: click here to open the form

to: rogier.van.helmond@newyork.msf.org

Applications will be treated confidentially Only short-listed candidates will be contacte