HIV Counselling Officer with Programme for HIV and AIDS (Adv#40/2025)

icddr,b is a Bangladesh-based international health research institute that strives to solve key public health problems through high-quality scientific research and innovation. icddrb as a value-based organization encourages women and people with disabilities.

The Programme for HIV and AIDS under the Health System and Population Studies Division (HSPSD) at icddr,b provides good quality HIV prevention services to vulnerable populations at risk of HIV infection since 2010, and this has been made possible by working with the Government of Bangladesh (GoB), donors, NGOs and CBOs. Program for HIV and AIDS has taken an initiative to establish a surveillance system of SRHR among MSM/MSW/Hijra in Dhaka and FSW in Jashore and looking for a suitable candidate for the post advertised.  

Key responsibilities:

The HIV Counseling Officer will report to the Senior Manager (M&E), Programme for HIV and AIDS and will be responsible for providing psychological counselling, and mental health support to the female sex worker (street/hotel/residence/brothel) in Jashore. S/he will be involved in –

• Conduct a psychological assessment of female sex workers at risk of compromised situation of SRHR;
• Prepare project checklist and counselling guidelines provided by the PI;
• Provide psychological and mental health support to the  female sex workers; Refer clients to other organizations/psychiatrists for further treatment, care, counselling etc.;

• Implement evidence-based therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, or mindfulness-based interventions;

• Conduct clinical interviews and assessments to evaluate the mental health status, symptoms, and functioning of participants;
• Use standardized assessment tools and diagnostic criteria to formulate accurate diagnoses, such as depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, or substance use disorders;
• Assess and manage mental health crises and emergencies among participants, including suicidal ideation, self-harm, or acute psychiatric symptoms;
• Adapt therapeutic approaches and communication styles to align with cultural norms, values, and beliefs while respecting individual differences and preferences;
• Address cultural stigma, discrimination, and barriers to mental health care through advocacy, education, and empowerment;
• Connect with organizations in similar and allied spaces regularly for self-development, maintaining professional relationships etc.;
• Maintain close liaison with the project staff like, physicians, laboratory technologists, local DIC management and relevant organizations;
• Interview female sex workers during the end line survey;
• Participate in literature review, report writing and preparing slides with the supervisor
• Maintain the clinic registers and the reporting tools;
• Prepare monthly and quarterly reports regularly and share those with the supervisor;
• Uphold ethical principles and standards of practice in clinical psychology, including confidentiality, informed consent, boundary setting, and duty of care.

Required qualification and experience:

• Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology;
• At least 5 years' of experience in the relevant field of counselling or psychotherapy. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience working with key populations at risk of HIV;

Location: Jashore

Number of positions: 01 (Female)

Contract Type and duration:

• CSA basis for 08 months with a possibility of extension subject to availability of fund and performance.

Salary & benefits:

• Tk/62,895-per month (consolidated) inclusive of house rent and conveyance allowances;
• Festival bonus, income tax paid by icddr,b and subsidized canteen; Transport and daycare facilities are subject to space availability.

Notes of attention:

• Only short-listed candidates shall be invited for written test/interview;
• Only female candidates are requested to apply.
• icddr,b does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Interested candidates who fulfill the requirements should submit online applications using icddr,b website: career.icddrb.org by 08^th April, 2025.