Technical Mental Health Psychosocial Support Expert (MHPSS)

Job Posting Organization:
NORCAP is an organization dedicated to improving aid and empowering individuals affected by crises and climate change. Established with the mission to provide expertise and solutions to humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding partners, NORCAP believes in collaborative efforts to reduce needs, risks, and vulnerabilities over time. The organization operates globally, working with various partners to enhance the effectiveness of aid through targeted expertise and innovative solutions to unmet challenges. NORCAP aims not only to alleviate immediate needs but also to create sustainable opportunities for vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Technical Mental psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Health Psychosocial Support Expert (MHPSS) role is crucial in supporting NORCAP's commitment to enhancing mental health and safe learning environments in crisis-affected settings. This position involves collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine on a national project aimed at reforming psychological services in general secondary education. The project emphasizes the integration of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into schools, building professional capacity, and developing scalable models for nationwide implementation, particularly in light of the ongoing war's impact on children, educators, and communities. The expert will provide scientific, analytical, and methodological expertise to support the implementation of key phases of this national education reform initiative, ultimately aiming to strengthen institutional capacity and improve the quality of MHPSS provision in schools across Ukraine.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the Technical MHPSS Expert include providing analytical support by compiling and interpreting project data, contributing to reports, and assessing the progress and outcomes of MHPSS interventions. The expert will also contribute to the development and refinement of methodological approaches for delivering psychosocial support and creating safe, inclusive learning environments. Additionally, the role involves supporting the design and adaptation of cross-sectoral referral systems and integrated supervision models for school-based psychological services. The expert will develop practical tools, guidelines, and resources for school staff, psychologists, and education stakeholders, as well as support the design and delivery of training programs and capacity-building initiatives for educators, caregivers, and relevant partners. Facilitating knowledge exchange, mentoring, and the application of effective MHPSS practices in schools and communities is also a key responsibility. Furthermore, the expert will contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes, including documenting best practices, lessons learned, and recommendations, and support the documentation and dissemination of project results through reports, publications, and stakeholder engagement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this position should possess a master’s degree or higher in psychology, education, social work, public administration, or a related field. Additionally, at least five years of relevant professional experience is required, particularly in mental health, psychosocial support, or education systems. Demonstrated experience in developing analytical, methodological, or training materials is essential, along with experience working with government institutions, education stakeholders, or cross-sectoral partnerships. Knowledge of trauma-informed, inclusive, and cross-sectoral approaches to MHPSS, ideally in humanitarian or crisis contexts, is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a master’s degree or higher in fields such as psychology, education, social work, public administration, or related disciplines. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of mental health and psychosocial support within educational systems, particularly in crisis-affected environments.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience. This experience should include work in mental health, psychosocial support, or education systems, with a strong emphasis on developing analytical and methodological materials. Experience working with government institutions and education stakeholders is highly valued, as is familiarity with cross-sectoral partnerships in the context of MHPSS.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Ukrainian is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders, including government institutions and educational entities. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kyiv, Ukraine, classified as a non-family duty station. The contract duration is from as soon as possible until December 2026, with the possibility of extension until April 202

• The role reports to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and NORCAP’s Education Thematic Manager. The position is open to both international and national candidates, with a preference for national candidates where competencies are comparable. International candidates with extensive regional experience and a strong understanding of working with government counterparts in Ukraine are also encouraged to apply. NORCAP offers a rewarding work environment, access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals, and eligibility for NORCAP membership and future assignments, subject to a successful performance review.