About Company
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), known in English as Doctors Without Borders, is an independent international medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters, and exclusion from healthcare. Guided by medical ethics and the principles of impartiality, neutrality, and independence, MSF provides assistance to people based on need alone, regardless of race, religion, gender, or political affiliation. Operating in over 70 countries worldwide, MSF has an extensive and critical presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), addressing profound and complex humanitarian crises. In Bukavu and throughout the South Kivu Province, MSF teams work tirelessly on the front lines, providing essential medical care, mental health support, and other vital services to vulnerable populations impacted by conflict, displacement, and limited access to basic infrastructure. Joining MSF means becoming an integral part of a dedicated, global team committed to making a tangible, life-saving, and life-changing difference in the lives of those most in need, often in extremely challenging and dynamic environments.
Job Description
We are actively seeking a highly compassionate, resilient, and experienced Social Worker to join our vital humanitarian team operating in Bukavu, South Kivu Province. This crucial field role places you at the heart of our mission, providing essential psychosocial support, protection services, and dedicated advocacy for individuals and communities severely affected by ongoing conflict, widespread displacement, and other acute humanitarian crises. Your responsibilities will encompass identifying pressing needs, conducting thorough psychosocial assessments, and meticulously developing tailored intervention plans designed to promote the holistic well-being and foster the resilience of our beneficiaries. This includes sensitive and direct engagement with survivors of various forms of violence, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and children confronting exceptionally difficult circumstances. You will integrate seamlessly into a dynamic, multidisciplinary team, collaborating closely with medical professionals, psychologists, and community health workers to ensure a truly holistic and integrated approach to care. The demands of this role require exceptional cultural sensitivity, profound adaptability, and the demonstrated ability to perform effectively and ethically within a demanding and frequently rapidly changing operational environment. You will be expected to expertly navigate complex social and cultural dynamics, tirelessly advocate for the fundamental rights and dignity of our beneficiaries, and actively contribute to building sustainable community capacity for self-support and recovery. This position offers a unique and impactful opportunity to apply your specialized social work expertise directly within a critical humanitarian context, directly contributing to life-saving and life-changing interventions for some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. You will be on the front lines, helping individuals and families cope with severe trauma, regain their dignity, and courageously begin to rebuild their fractured lives, all while strictly adhering to MSF’s core principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence. The inherent complexity of the local context necessitates a resilient, resourceful, and deeply ethical professional who is committed to continuous learning and professional development. Furthermore, you will play a pivotal role in training and mentoring local staff and volunteers, thereby enhancing the overall capacity and effectiveness of our collective humanitarian response. The ability to work efficiently under immense pressure, expertly manage complex caseloads, and maintain stringent professional boundaries while demonstrating unwavering empathy is paramount to success in this role.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments of individuals and families to identify needs, strengths, and risks.
- Develop and implement individualized intervention plans, including counseling, psycho-education, and referrals to specialized services.
- Provide direct psychosocial support to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), conflict-related trauma, and other protection concerns.
- Facilitate support groups and community-based interventions to foster resilience and social cohesion.
- Advocate for the rights and needs of beneficiaries with local authorities, community leaders, and other humanitarian actors.
- Collaborate effectively with medical, psychological, and other humanitarian staff in a multidisciplinary team approach to care.
- Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date case records, ensuring strict adherence to data protection protocols.
- Participate actively in community outreach activities to identify vulnerable populations and raise awareness of available services.
- Contribute to the development and adaptation of culturally appropriate psychosocial support materials and strategies.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, adapting approaches and strategies as necessary to improve outcomes.
- Provide training, mentorship, and capacity-building support to local staff and community volunteers on social work principles and best practices.
Required Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Social Sciences, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of progressive professional experience as a Social Worker, with at least 1 year specifically in a humanitarian or conflict-affected setting.
- Proven practical experience in psychosocial support, case management, and protection activities.
- Fluency in French (both written and spoken) is absolutely essential, and demonstrable proficiency in Swahili is highly desirable.
- Strong understanding of protection principles, SGBV guidelines, and child safeguarding policies.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and cross-cultural skills, with the ability to build rapport.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team in a challenging and dynamic environment.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and ability to work respectfully and effectively with diverse populations.
- Proficiency in basic computer applications (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel).
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Social Work, Clinical Psychology, Public Health, or a directly relevant field.
- Previous experience working with Médecins Sans Frontières or another established international NGO in a similar capacity.
- Deep familiarity with the socio-political and humanitarian context of South Kivu Province, DRC.
- Specific training or certification in trauma-informed care, conflict resolution, or non-violent communication.
- Prior experience in community mobilization, capacity building, and participatory approaches.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package commensurate with experience and organizational guidelines.
- Robust medical and life insurance coverage.
- Generous paid annual leave and recognition of public holidays.
- Extensive opportunities for continuous professional development, training, and career advancement within a leading global humanitarian organization.
- The unparalleled chance to make a profound and direct impact on the lives of extremely vulnerable populations.
- A supportive, diverse, and highly collaborative international team environment.
- Access to psychological support and debriefing sessions, acknowledging the challenging nature of the work.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their application by clicking the link provided below. Please ensure your comprehensive CV and a compelling cover letter highlight your relevant experience in humanitarian contexts, your specific skills, and your unwavering commitment to MSF’s core values and mission.