National UN Volunteer - MHPSS Programming

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. The organization operates in over 190 countries and territories, focusing on the rights and well-being of every child. UNICEF's mission is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does, including programs, advocacy, and operations. The organization emphasizes equity, ensuring that the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families receive the support they need to survive, develop, and reach their full potential. UNICEF's work is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which outlines the universal rights of children and the importance of addressing inequity to foster growth and stability in nations.

Job Overview:
The National UN Volunteer will work under the direct supervision of the Child Protection officer within the Child Protection Section. The primary focus of this role is to implement Mental Health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) programming aimed at strengthening the mental health and well-being of children, adolescents, and caregivers affected by prolonged armed conflict in Myanmar. The volunteer will contribute to the design and refinement of MHPSS program interventions based on impact assessments, ensuring that these interventions are contextually appropriate and aligned with UNICEF and IASC MHPSS guidelines. The role also involves establishing quality standards for MHPSS programming, conducting regular monitoring, and providing technical inputs for the development of age-appropriate MHPSS messages. Additionally, the volunteer will support the finalization of a parenting manual, develop coping strategies for caregivers, and facilitate self-care sessions for UNICEF staff and partners. The overall goal is to ensure that MHPSS services are well-coordinated, integrated across various sectors, and responsive to the needs of children and families.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement MHPSS programming under Child Protection, focusing on the mental health and well-being of children, adolescents, and caregivers impacted by armed conflict.
• Contribute to the design and refinement of MHPSS program interventions based on findings from impact assessments.
• Ensure interventions are contextually appropriate and aligned with UNICEF and IASC MHPSS guidelines.
• Establish and support the implementation of quality standards and minimum service requirements for MHPSS programming.
• Conduct regular monitoring and oversight to ensure adherence to quality standards and systematically capture and analyze service quality for program improvement.
• Provide technical inputs for the development of age-appropriate MHPSS key messages for children, adolescents, youth, parents, and caregivers.
• Support the finalization of a parenting manual, ensuring alignment with positive parenting principles and MHPSS best practices.
• Develop practical coping strategies and tools for parents and caregivers to manage stress and support child well-being.
• Work closely with the Education sector to coordinate existing resources on parenting in the manual. 1
• Design and facilitate self-care and well-being sessions for UNICEF colleagues and partners. 1
• Develop monitoring tools and checklists to monitor performance with an emphasis on service quality. 1
• Collect and use feedback from children, parents, and caregivers to improve MHPSS services. 1
• Maintain and regularly update MHPSS service mapping to strengthen referrals and effective use of existing services. 1
• Engage with other program sectors and UN agencies to ensure well-coordinated MHPSS services for children and caregivers. 1
• Organize regular UNICEF MHPSS focal point meetings to promote knowledge sharing.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of mental health and psychosocial support principles and practices.
• Experience in program design, implementation, and evaluation in the field of child protection and MHPSS.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex information clearly.
• Strong analytical skills to assess program effectiveness and make data-driven decisions.
• Ability to work in a challenging and dynamic environment, demonstrating adaptability and resilience.
• Commitment to UNICEF's mission and values, particularly in promoting children's rights and well-being.

Educational Background:
A degree in psychology, social work, public health, or a related field is required. Additional training or certification in mental health and psychosocial support, child protection, or related areas is highly desirable. Knowledge of relevant international guidelines and frameworks related to MHPSS and child protection is also beneficial.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in mental health and psychosocial support programming, child protection, or related fields is required. Experience working in humanitarian settings or with vulnerable populations, particularly in conflict-affected areas, is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNICEF's policies and procedures, as well as experience in capacity building and training, will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Proficiency in Myanmar language is highly desirable. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the local context may be an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a National UN Volunteer role, which may involve working in a non-family duty station. The contract duration and specific terms of employment will be discussed during the recruitment process. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared to work in a challenging environment due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UN Volunteer guidelines.