Child Protection/MHPSS Manager

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, aiming to build careers while serving children and communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Child Protection/MHPSS Manager will play a crucial role in ensuring the strategic, technical, and operational coordination of child protection and mental health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions within the framework of the Ebola emergency response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The incumbent will be responsible for integrating child protection interventions within intersectoral coordination structures and ensuring technical supervision of partners and teams involved in the response. This position requires strong coordination skills, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity to effectively support vulnerable populations, particularly children and at-risk communities, in a complex and evolving health crisis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The major duties and responsibilities of the Child Protection/MHPSS Manager include:

• Strategic and operational coordination of child protection and MHPSS interventions.
• Providing technical and programmatic supervision to ensure the quality and effectiveness of interventions.
• Leading psychosocial response efforts to address the mental health needs of affected populations.
• Capacity building of local partners and teams to enhance their ability to respond to child protection and MHPSS needs.
• Monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the situation of children and the effectiveness of interventions in the context of the Ebola response.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in social sciences, human rights, sociology, psychology, public health, international development, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in child protection in emergency settings, MHPSS, and humanitarian coordination. Proven experience in public health emergency contexts, such as Ebola or other epidemics, is highly desirable, along with demonstrated experience in inter-agency coordination and partner supervision.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as social sciences, human rights, sociology, psychology, public health, or international development. This educational background is essential to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in child protection and mental health in emergency settings.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in child protection in emergency settings and MHPSS. Candidates should have experience working in complex and insecure humanitarian environments, with a focus on development and fragile settings. Relevant experience at the country level, particularly in humanitarian contexts, is crucial for effectively managing the challenges associated with the Ebola response.

Languages:
Fluency in French and intermediate English are mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered desirable, enhancing communication and coordination efforts in the field.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of UNICEF's commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. The organization encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women and individuals with disabilities. UNICEF offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The recruitment process includes rigorous reference and background checks, and selected candidates must adhere to UNICEF's standards and principles. Appointments are subject to medical clearance and may require compliance with vaccination requirements. Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF, and all staff may be called upon to support humanitarian responses.