Child Protection in Emergencies- Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Specialist P3/NOC, Ebola Response at UNICEF

How can you make a difference?

Key activities & duties

The CPiE Specialist (CPiE/MHPSS) supports the implementation of the CP program in the EVD response and will manage, implement, monitor, evaluate and report on progress of child protection in emergencies and mental health and psychosocial support programs/projects as part of the EVD response. 

• Provide technical and operational support to programme development, planning, implementation, monitoring and delivery of results of child protection in emergencies interventions, including mental health and psychosocial support as part of the EVD response.
• Support coordination of child protection and MHPSS partners operating across districts affected by the EVD outbreak.
• Represent UNICEF in the national sub-pillar on MHPSS led by Ministry of Health and support functionality of the sub-pillar.
• Represent UNICEF in regular EVD task force meetings, provide updates on the ongoing CP/MHPSS response, challenges and provide feedback to the CP team.
• In coordination with relevant actors on the ground and partners, strengthen emergency preparedness for child protection and MHPSS in districts at risk of EVD importation.
• Provide technical leadership for child protection and mental health needs assessments including rapid assessments; support partners, including District Local Governments with collecting and generating data and evidence on the worsening protection and mental health situation of children districts affected by the EVD outbreak.
• Build the capacity of District Local Governments and other partners at district and sub-county levels to ensure that child protection in emergencies interventions and mental health and psychosocial services are appropriately and effectively delivered in preparedness, prevention and response interventions.
• Update, develop and ensure quality implementation of CPiE/MHPSS policies, tools, referral pathways, training and support materials for CPiE and MHPSS practitioners to effectively identify needs and respond to the needs and rights of children.
• Provide inputs into regular internal and external reporting requirements related to the CP/MHPSS EVD response.
• Support resource mobilization initiatives for the CPiE/MHPSS response as part of the overall EVD response.
• Knowledge management and documentation of CP/MHPSS interventions in the EVD response.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have

Education-

• An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: international development, human rights, psychology, social work, sociology, international law, humanitarian assistance or another relevant social science field.

Work Experience- 

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in child protection in emergencies or related fields.
• Experience in managing CPiE including MHPSS interventions in a disease outbreak/EVD context an advantage
• Relevant experience in programme development in child protection and MHPSS related areas in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
• Experience in social work and in working with government authorities are an advantage.
• Experience in working with local government in strengthening and implementing CPiE/MHPSS response
• Ability to build and maintain partnership with government and NGO partners; experience in coaching and mentoring and capacity strengthening related to CPiE/MHPSS
• Willingness to travel
• Ability to work under stressful conditions and flexible approach in undertaking the assignment within a rapidly changing environment.