National Consultant for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories 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 passionate culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, making it a desirable workplace for individuals dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children and communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will provide essential technical assistance to the Government of Kazakhstan and UNICEF, focusing on strengthening the national system of mental health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support for children and adolescents. This role involves regional implementation of mental health services and requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Committee for the Protection of Children’s Rights, Ministry of Health, and other relevant organizations. The consultant will support evidence generation, policy dialogue, and the adaptation and implementation of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions, aligning with the Ministry of Health's Roadmap for Suicide Prevention and other national programs. The position is office-based and is expected to last for 18 months, emphasizing the importance of mental health services in the context of children's rights and well-being.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provide technical guidance and support to the Government of Kazakhstan in the development and implementation of MHPSS interventions for children and adolescents.
• Collaborate with international experts and local stakeholders to ensure effective regional implementation of mental health services.
• Facilitate evidence generation and policy dialogue to enhance the national mental health system.
• Adapt and implement MHPSS interventions in line with national strategies and frameworks.
• Conduct training and capacity-building activities for professionals working with children and adolescents in the mental health sector.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented interventions and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Prepare reports and documentation on the progress and outcomes of MHPSS initiatives.
• Engage with governmental and educational institutions to foster collaboration and support for mental health initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, Education, Public Health, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in psychosocial support and mental health programming. Proven experience in training, supervision, or mentoring specialists working with children and adolescents is essential. Familiarity with Kazakhstan’s institutional and policy frameworks in education, health, mental health, and social protection is also required. Excellent analytical, communication, and report-writing skills, along with strong interpersonal skills, are necessary for effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in relevant fields such as Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, Education, Public Health, or a related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of mental health and psychosocial support systems, particularly in the context of children and adolescents.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of psychosocial support and mental health programming. This experience should include practical implementation of evidence-based MHPSS interventions and familiarity with working alongside governmental and educational institutions, as well as international organizations in Kazakhstan. The ability to demonstrate a track record of effective training and mentoring in this field is also important.

Languages:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Kazakh, Russian, and English are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the successful implementation of mental health initiatives.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is 18 months, and it is office-based. UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. The organization promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace and offers reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees at any stage of its recruitment process and maintains a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF.