Mental Health Technical Assistance Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is the world's leading children's rights organization, established 70 years ago. It operates in 190 countries and territories, focusing on promoting children's survival, protection, and development. UNICEF is the largest provider of vaccines for developing countries and is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments. With over 12,000 staff members in more than 145 countries, UNICEF is dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential, without discrimination or bias.

Job Overview:
The Mental Health Technical Assistance Consultant will be a core technical resource within UNICEF's Health Centre of Excellence, focusing on multisectoral Mental Health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) programming in high-income and upper-middle-income countries. The consultant will provide technical guidance, capacity strengthening, and strategic coordination to National Committees for UNICEF (NatComs), ensuring that mental health programming is coherent, evidence-informed, and responsive to diverse country contexts. This role involves formulating, designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating advocacy and programming strategies related to mental health and child rights, in alignment with UNICEF’s Programme Guidance for High-Income Countries and the global MHPSS portfolio. The consultant will also support the development of Theories of Change (ToCs) and facilitate knowledge exchange and learning platforms, ensuring that UNICEF’s global MHPSS portfolio operates as a coherent and mutually reinforcing system.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will deliver high-quality MHPSS technical support to NatComs, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s Programme Guidance for High-Income Countries. Responsibilities include integrating MHPSS across NatCom initiatives, serving as a bridge between global guidance and in-country implementation, and providing technical assistance for the Mental Health in High-Income Countries Toolkit. The consultant will support NatComs in developing rights-based mental health advocacy and programs, facilitate multisectoral coordination, and document innovations and promising practices in MHPSS. Additionally, the consultant will conduct quarterly and monthly meetings with NatComs, deliver capacity-building sessions, and support evidence generation across participating country offices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s, PhD, or MD in Psychology, Social Work, Psychiatry, International Development, or Global Health. A minimum of eight years of experience in mental health and psychosocial support is required, with experience in program development and management within the UN/UNICEF being an asset. Candidates should have strong public speaking, communication, and advocacy skills, as well as excellent writing abilities tailored for various audiences. Proven ability to manage complex processes and partnerships across sectors is essential, along with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work flexibly under pressure.

Educational Background:
A Master’s, PhD, or MD in relevant fields such as Psychology, Social Work, Psychiatry, International Development, or Global Health is required for this position. This educational background ensures that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to UNICEF's mental health initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of experience in the field of mental health and psychosocial support. Experience in high-income countries and advocacy is essential, as well as familiarity with UNICEF’s National Committees. Candidates should have a proven track record in program and project development and management, particularly within the UN or UNICEF context.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset. This is particularly important for engaging with diverse stakeholders and ensuring effective communication across different contexts.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is set to last from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 202

• The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The consultant will engage with approximately 21 National Committees, providing strategic and technical support, and will be expected to participate in various meetings and capacity-building sessions throughout the contract duration. This role is critical to advancing UNICEF’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029, which emphasizes mental health and psychosocial well-being as essential components of child survival, development, learning, protection, and participation.