MHPSS in CPHA Workforce Development Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a leading organization dedicated to promoting children's rights and well-being globally. Established in 1946, UNICEF has been operational for over 70 years, working in 190 countries and territories. The organization is recognized as the world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries and focuses on child health, nutrition, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. With a workforce of over 12,000 staff members, UNICEF operates in more than 145 countries, relying entirely on voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments to fund its initiatives.

Job Overview:
The MHPSS in CPHA Workforce Development Consultant position is designed to enhance UNICEF's global efforts in building a competent and compassionate mental health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support (MHPSS) workforce. The consultant will provide strategic technical support, engage in partnerships, facilitate training, and integrate systems to strengthen MHPSS programming for children, adolescents, caregivers, and communities. The role is critical in addressing the mental health challenges faced by individuals in low-resource settings, particularly in the context of emergencies such as armed conflict, displacement, and climate-induced disasters. The consultant will work towards developing sustainable MHPSS systems, ensuring that services are accessible, quality-assured, and culturally appropriate, particularly for marginalized populations. This includes the adaptation and contextualization of training materials and tools, as well as the promotion of task-sharing and integration of MHPSS into various sectors such as child protection, education, and health.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including providing technical assistance to UNICEF country offices and partners in integrating competency-based MHPSS training and quality assurance approaches. They will guide the adaptation of the Foundational Helping Skills packages for diverse contexts, support the rollout of EQUIP tools, and contribute to knowledge sharing and capacity building across UNICEF. Specific tasks include designing and delivering training sessions, supporting the integration of MHPSS tools into child protection systems, and conducting technical reviews of training packages. The consultant will also facilitate webinars, develop supervision tools, and field-test these tools in collaboration with UNICEF country offices or partners. The role requires a proactive approach to ensure that MHPSS workforce development aligns with UNICEF's broader strategies and priorities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Psychology, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, or Child Protection in Humanitarian Action. A minimum of 10 years of experience in MHPSS within development and humanitarian contexts is required. Candidates should have expert knowledge of the EQUIP platform and experience in supporting UN agencies, NGOs, and governments in implementing MHPSS training and supervision. Strong knowledge of MHPSS in Child Protection in Emergencies, competency frameworks, and assessment tools is essential. Experience in developing MHPSS monitoring and evaluation tools, as well as advising governments on competency-based supervision and training, is also required.

Educational Background:
A university degree in a relevant field such as Psychology, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, or Child Protection in Humanitarian Action is mandatory for this position. This educational background provides the necessary theoretical foundation and practical skills needed to address the complexities of mental health and psychosocial support in various contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, particularly in development and humanitarian settings. Candidates should demonstrate a strong track record of working with diverse stakeholders, including UN agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions, in implementing MHPSS programs and training initiatives. Experience in developing and utilizing competency-based assessment tools and frameworks is also crucial.

Languages:
Fluency in English, French, and Spanish is required for this position. Knowledge of additional UN languages is considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to communicate effectively in diverse contexts and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is set to run from 3 November 2025 to 30 September 2026, with a remote working arrangement. Candidates must complete their profiles in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and submit their academic credentials along with a financial proposal detailing costs per deliverable. UNICEF will cover any emergent duty travel expenses, and selected candidates must have valid health insurance coverage. Payment will be contingent upon the submission of satisfactory deliverables, and UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if standards are not met. The selected candidate will also need to confirm their fully vaccinated status against COVID-19, although this requirement does not apply to those working remotely.