Consultant for Health Services

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 employs a passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The consultant will support UNICEF's ongoing activities aimed at strengthening the capacity of cross-sectoral specialists and providing integrated health services through Youth Friendly Health Services (YFHS) and Community Centre on Mental Health (CCMH) networks. The consultant will also assist in mapping existing programs for adolescent substance addiction prevention and shaping activities targeting adolescents for the implementation of the draft national Strategy on Drug Use and Addiction 2026-203

• The consultancy will focus on enhancing mental health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support (MHPSS) services and substance use prevention among adolescents, particularly in vulnerable populations such as refugees and host communities. The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and other stakeholders to ensure effective service delivery and capacity building.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct an initial assessment to identify gaps and needs for the Action plan and Strategy on Substance Use and Addiction 2026-2032, culminating in an inception report.
• Provide technical assistance in strengthening MHPSS and substance use prevention among adolescents through YFHS, including the procurement of mobile clinics and development of protocols for evidence-based services.
• Develop a capacity building plan for YFHS professionals and volunteers in MHPSS and substance use prevention.
• Assist in developing CCMH referral protocols and capacity building plans for local specialists.
• Support the development of financial mechanisms for mobile clinics and Youth Support Lines.
• Coordinate the development of a monitoring and evaluation system for YFHS services.
• Provide a final progress report detailing all activities performed.

Required Qualifications:
A university degree in Medicine, Public Health, or a relevant technical field is required. A minimum of five years of relevant professional work experience in project management or coordination is necessary, along with at least two years of managerial experience in Public Health. A good understanding of the Public Health System, including HIV control and substance abuse prevention, is considered an asset. Familiarity with UN agencies' work and experience with national government policy makers is also advantageous. Excellent written and oral communication skills in Romanian and a working knowledge of English are required, while knowledge of Russian is a plus.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in a relevant field such as Medicine or Public Health. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of health services and the specific needs of adolescents in the context of mental health and substance use prevention.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience, particularly in project management or coordination within the health sector. Additionally, candidates should have at least two years of managerial experience in Public Health, which may include work with public institutions or civil society organizations. This level of experience is crucial for effectively navigating the challenges associated with health service delivery and capacity building.

Languages:
Fluency in Romanian is mandatory, along with a working knowledge of English. Knowledge of Russian is considered advantageous, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will involve a series of deliverables with specific deadlines, including an inception report, capacity building plans, and a final progress report. The consultant will work closely with UNICEF's Health Specialist and participate in regular meetings to discuss progress and challenges. The position may require flexibility in work arrangements and responsiveness to additional tasks as needed. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups.