International Consultant for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the leading UN agency focused on reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and population issues. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda, particularly in addressing gender-based violence and promoting mental health services.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant for Mental Health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) is crucial in addressing the significant mental health challenges faced by the population in Papua New Guinea, particularly in the Upper Highlands provinces. The consultant will play a vital role in strengthening MHPSS policy and programming within the humanitarian-peace-development nexus. This involves integrating specialized MHPSS into primary healthcare and social services, conducting needs assessments, and enhancing the capacity of health and social service providers. The consultant will also work collaboratively with various stakeholders to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of MHPSS services, particularly for vulnerable populations affected by trauma, gender-based violence, and other psychosocial challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a range of tasks, including conducting initial consultations to develop an inception report, designing data collection tools for mental health needs assessments, conducting desk reviews of relevant policies, engaging with stakeholders to identify implementation gaps, mapping existing MHPSS services, and analyzing findings to inform service delivery improvements. The consultant will also develop action plans for MHPSS systems strengthening, facilitate validation meetings, review training curricula, conduct training workshops, and provide mentorship to frontline MHPSS providers. The role requires a commitment to delivering high-quality outputs and ensuring that all deliverables meet UNFPA's standards and expectations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, Clinical Social Work, Mental Health, Public Health, or a closely related field, with a Doctoral degree strongly preferred. Clinical training and formal supervision credentials in a relevant mental health discipline are essential. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of progressive professional experience in MHPSS, including clinical practice and supervision of mental health professionals. Experience in designing and implementing training programs, as well as knowledge of the IASC Guidelines on MHPSS in Emergency Settings, is also required.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree is required for this position, with a Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) strongly preferred. The educational background should be in fields related to mental health, such as Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, or Public Health, ensuring that candidates have the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to address complex mental health issues.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of progressive professional experience in mental health and psychosocial support, with a strong emphasis on clinical practice and supervision. Experience working in humanitarian or fragile settings, particularly in the context of gender-based violence and trauma, is highly desirable. The ability to engage with government institutions and contribute to policy dialogue is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Tok Pisin or other local languages is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy offers an attractive fee in accordance with UNFPA's IC Policy. The position is home-based, with services to be delivered in various locations within Papua New Guinea, including Port Moresby, Hela, Enga, Southern Highlands, and Western Highlands. The consultant will be required to provide weekly progress updates to the UNFPA Peacebuilding Manager/GBV Programme Specialist and will be subject to acceptance of deliverables before payment is made. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.