Founded in 1987, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is a global organization providing cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to over 2,900,000 patients in 50 countries. In Malawi, AHF is working in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) to strengthen access to quality treatment for HIV/AIDS tuberculosis (TB), and sexually transmitted infections (STls). AHF Malawi is providing these services in 38 hard-to-reach health facilities in Dedza, Lilongwe, Ntcheu, Nkhotakota, Chikwawa, and Nsanje Districts with expansion to Chiradzulu and Thyolo planned in 2026.Local employment trends

To accomplish its goals in the nation, AHF Malawi is seeking highly qualified and experienced candidates for the following employment opportunities.

Position Summary

The Psychosocial Counsellor will provide high quality psychosocial care and therapeutic support to people living with HIV, their families, partners, caregivers, and others affected by HIV. The position offers individualized, family based, and group based psychosocial interventions, mental health screening, and ongoing assessment to support treatment adherence, emotional wellbeing, and improved health outcomes. The counsellor will also support teen clubs, pediatric clinics, high viral load management, and mentorship activities in line with AHF Malawi program objectives and Ministry of Health guidelines.

Responsibilities or duties

• Provide a safe, confidential, and stigma free environment to encourage open client expression.
• Conduct routine psychological assessments through interviews, observations, tests, and suicide risk screening.
• Develop and deliver individualized, family based, and group psychotherapeutic interventions.
• Prepare and maintain detailed client files, including assessment notes, treatment plans, progress reports, and diagnostic records.
• Ensure strict privacy and confidentiality of all client related information.
• Evaluate the impact of psychosocial interventions and contribute to strengthening program approaches.
• Provide psychosocial support to pediatric clients, teen club activities, and youth programs, including mentorship for facility staff.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to address client needs, including high viral load case management and register updates.
• Support zonal supervision teams in mentorship of health facility staff on basic psychosocial care.
• Provide timely feedback with clinicians and healthcare staff.
• Conduct mental health screening and initiate relevant psychosocial interventions in ART clinics.
• Provide consultation counselling services to facility staff when needed.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

• Diploma in Psychosocial Counselling, HIV Care, or related field from a recognized institution.
• Strong understanding of HIV programs and Ministry of Health service delivery systems.
• High respect, compassion, and professionalism when working with vulnerable populations.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to work effectively with diverse clients.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, ethical conduct, and client centered care at all times.
• Computer skills including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Willingness to relocate and work in remote or rural facilities when required.
• Ability to work independently, under pressure, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proficiency in local languages and cultural understanding is required.

Experience needed

• Minimum two (2) years’ experience providing psychosocial counselling and therapeutic interventions to individuals, couples, families, and groups.
• Experience in designing, implementing, and monitoring psychosocial programs is an added advantage.
• Certified HTS Counsellor or experience working with people living with HIV is highly preferred.

• Provide a safe, confidential, and stigma free environment to encourage open client expression.
• Conduct routine psychological assessments through interviews, observations, tests, and suicide risk screening.
• Develop and deliver individualized, family based, and group psychotherapeutic interventions.
• Prepare and maintain detailed client files, including assessment notes, treatment plans, progress reports, and diagnostic records.
• Ensure strict privacy and confidentiality of all client related information.
• Evaluate the impact of psychosocial interventions and contribute to strengthening program approaches.
• Provide psychosocial support to pediatric clients, teen club activities, and youth programs, including mentorship for facility staff.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to address client needs, including high viral load case management and register updates.
• Support zonal supervision teams in mentorship of health facility staff on basic psychosocial care.
• Provide timely feedback with clinicians and healthcare staff.
• Conduct mental health screening and initiate relevant psychosocial interventions in ART clinics.
• Provide consultation counselling services to facility staff when needed.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to work effectively with diverse clients.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, ethical conduct, and client centered care at all times.
• Computer skills including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency in local languages and cultural understanding is required.

• Diploma in Psychosocial Counselling, HIV Care, or related field from a recognized institution.
• Certified HTS Counsellor or experience working with people living with HIV is highly preferred.