Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) at UNICEF

Goal and Objective:  

• The overall objective of this assignment is to oversee the development and implementation of the regional strategy on MHPSS in line with the Strategic Plan and the Regional Office Management Plan and Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Collaboration for Children (ESAR C4C) to scale-up integrated and cross-sectoral MHPSS programming in both development and emergency settings. Under the supervision of the Child Protection Regional Advisor, the Consultant will support the continued efforts of the regional office and country offices to realise the goals and commitments on MHPSS expressed with the UNICEF Strategic Plan and sector specific frameworks pending the recruitment of a Programme Specialist (MHPSS) on TA.

Provide details/reference to AWP areas covered: 

• Enhanced capacity of COs to prevent and respond to exploitation, abuse, neglect, harmful practices (child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation) and violence against children in all settings through systems strengthening across the humanitarian–development–peace nexus and throughout the lifecycle of children.

Activities and Tasks:   

• The incumbent will coordinate cross-sectoral programming in order to help shape strategic programmatic response on MHPSS. The contractor will work with UNICEF country and regional level teams and with external partner organisations to shape and deliver the regional and global priorities. Through its work, the holder of the post should adopt a life-course approach to address 1) first and second decade differences and the nuances within each decade; 2) a rights-based gender-transformative approach and; 3) ensure that actions are informed by children, adolescents and young people agency.

Desired competencies, technical background, and experience

• Education:  Advanced university degree in one of the following fields: in social sciences; psychology; international development; public health or similar relevant discipline.

Experience

• At least 8 years of MHPSS programming, including in humanitarian contexts.
• Solid knowledge and understanding of health and social work systems, humanitarian principles, child safeguarding measures and established international standards on mental health and psychosocial support for children and adolescents.
• Strong coordination, organizational and facilitation skills whether face to face or remotely with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience with multi-sectoral programme design and knowledge management, preferably including remote coordination.
• Comfortable to work independently while coordinating closely with different

Deadline: 17 Jan 2023