MiCT Is Hiring a Freelance MHPSS Expert for East Africa | Remote Consultancy Opportunity (2026–2027)

Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in humanitarian settings have an exciting opportunity to work with Media in Cooperation and Transition (MiCT). The organization is seeking a Freelance MHPSS Expert to support journalists and media professionals across East Africa through its MiCT Fellowship for Critical Voices 2026–2027.

This consultancy offers qualified individuals or organizations the opportunity to provide vital psychosocial support services to journalists working in conflict-affected environments while contributing to a globally recognized media resilience initiative.

About MiCT

Media in Cooperation and Transition (MiCT) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening independent media in fragile and conflict-affected regions. Operating across three continents and more than 15 countries, MiCT works with journalists, media organizations, and civil society partners to promote independent reporting, freedom of expression, and resilient communities.

Its programs include journalist training, media development, research, media monitoring, financial sustainability initiatives, and emergency support for media professionals working in high-risk environments.

About the MiCT Fellowship for Critical Voices

Since 2022, the MiCT Fellowship for Critical Voices has supported journalists and media professionals who have been forced to flee conflict or persecution. As part of the Hannah Arendt Initiative and the Journalists in Distress Network, the fellowship helps participants continue their professional work safely while receiving comprehensive support.

The fellowship provides participants with:

• Financial stipends
• Security assistance
• Equipment support
• Mental health and psychosocial services
• Legal assistance
• Relocation support
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to regional support hubs

The program recognizes that journalists working in crisis environments often experience significant psychological stress and trauma, making mental health support an essential component of the fellowship.

About the MHPSS Expert Role

MiCT is recruiting a freelance Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) expert or qualified organization to deliver professional counselling services for fellows based in East Africa.

The consultancy will run from August 2026 through June 2027, offering flexibility while allowing the successful consultant to make a long-term impact.

Support will be delivered through both individual counselling sessions and group psychosocial support workshops, conducted either online or offline depending on project needs.

Key Responsibilities

The selected consultant will be responsible for:

• Providing individual psychosocial counselling sessions.
• Facilitating online and offline group therapy sessions.
• Assessing the psychosocial needs of participating fellows.
• Coordinating appropriate mental health interventions.
• Supporting journalists experiencing trauma related to conflict and crisis.
• Delivering professional counselling services in Arabic and/or English where applicable.
• Contributing to the overall wellbeing and resilience of media professionals participating in the fellowship.

Required Qualifications

MiCT is looking for experienced mental health professionals who can demonstrate expertise in psychosocial support within humanitarian or crisis contexts.

Applicants should have:

• Recognized qualifications in psychosocial counselling or mental health.
• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care and psychological support.
• Experience assessing and coordinating MHPSS interventions.
• Ability to facilitate virtual group counselling sessions.
• Working proficiency in English.
• Counselling capacity in Arabic and/or English.

Preferred Experience

Applicants with the following experience will be particularly competitive:

• Supporting journalists and media professionals.
• Working with individuals affected by conflict, displacement, or humanitarian crises.
• Delivering psychosocial services in multicultural or international environments.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations in East Africa or similar contexts.

Both individual consultants and organizations are encouraged to apply.

Consultancy Details

This is a freelance consultancy rather than a full-time employment position.

The consultancy will run from August 2026 until June 2027, providing an opportunity for experienced professionals to work alongside an international organization while supporting media workers facing extraordinary challenges.

Applicants will be expected to include their proposed consultancy fees within their application.

Application Requirements

Interested applicants should submit:

• An up-to-date CV.
• A motivation letter demonstrating suitability for the role.
• A detailed budget including:
  • Hourly counselling rate in Euros (including VAT).
  • Workshop fee for group counselling sessions, including preparation time and training materials.

Applications should clearly demonstrate experience in trauma-informed psychosocial support and the ability to work with individuals exposed to conflict and high-risk environments.

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by 17 August 2026.

Candidates should email their application to:

fellowship@mict-international.org

Use the subject line:

“MHPSS Expert – East Africa”

Early applications are encouraged to allow sufficient time for the recruitment process.

Why Apply?

This consultancy offers experienced mental health professionals the opportunity to support courageous journalists whose work contributes to independent reporting and democratic societies. Beyond providing counselling, the selected expert will play a vital role in helping media professionals recover from trauma, strengthen resilience, and continue their important work in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

If you have experience in psychosocial support, trauma counselling, and humanitarian programming, this freelance consultancy with MiCT provides an excellent opportunity to combine professional expertise with meaningful international impact.

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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the  organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of  emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.