ABOUT 

UNC Project, a biomedical research, training and service organization based in Lilongwe, invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals to fill the following position:  

PSYCHOSOCIAL/HTS COUNSELOR

Job Summary  

The Psychosocial/HTS Counselor based at the RuSH Clinic, Lilongwe, is responsible for providing psychosocial support to survivors presenting to the One Stop Center following acts of gender-based violence. The Psychosocial/HTS Counselor administers adult and child-centered trauma-based counseling and support for families of survivors of gender-based violence. This includes parents, guardians, partners, and/or siblings who may have also been impacted by the experience.

Specific Duties/Responsibilities

Management of Clients

Endeavor to understand subjects' views/problems

Ensure that subjects are given detailed information about the process before commencement of any intervention arrangements

Responsible for case management and follow-up services through communications with stakeholders including Police, Social Welfare, Legal Representatives, and Physical Healthcare Providers

Ensure survivors have received proper care

Generate referrals to stakeholders to access required services, ensuring the survivors understand what next steps they should take

Coordinate stakeholders to make follow-up care as easy as possible for referred survivors

Where appropriate, administer HIV, STI and Hepatitis testing services

Counselling Services

Conduct Informed consent process; ensure that participants are given detailed information about the process before the commencement of any procedures

Familiarize oneself with depression: depression assessment and depression treatment

Provide voluntary counseling prior to providing HIV/Hepatitis/STI testing services

Professional Development

Attend study trainings as required

Ensure adherence to Good Clinical Practices

Data Management

Ensure the collection of accurate and legible data

Document all required information on data collection forms and ensure collection of accurate data

Maintain survivors' confidentiality at all costs

Ensure accurate and timely reporting

Utilizing existing protocols and national, local and site policies, regulations, SOPS developed by MOH, UNC, and stakeholders

General

Ensure quality control of reagents

Seek out and respond accordingly to feedback and supervision from the supervisor on a routine basis in order to improve and maintain effective and efficient service delivery

Conduct sensitization meetings when appropriate

Attend weekly, monthly, internal and network meetings

Maintain frequent contact with other team members and counselors working directly under the supervisor

Perform any other duties as assigned

Required Skills

Advanced counseling skills

Problem solving skills

Communication skills in both oral and written form

Good judgment skills to select appropriate and applicable guidelines in counseling and testing services

Flexibility and confidence in decision making when determining the best practices and procedures necessary to support clients

Good leadership skills

Knowledge Required

Thorough knowledge of HIV/AIDS and STI related issues and concerns

Excellent knowledge of provision of Voluntary Counseling and Testing following HTC policies, standards and guidelines developed by MoH

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Psychosocial Counselling or other relevant field

HTC Certificate according to the MoH guidelines

In service training on HIV/AIDS/Hepatitis/STIs guidelines

At least 2 years relevant work experience

Please send your applications via email to:

The Country Director  

UNC Project  

Lilongwe  

Email: administration@unclilongwe.org  

Deadline for receiving applications:  

Thursday, April 23, 2026  

Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.