Technical Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Expert

Job Posting Organization:
NORCAP is an organization dedicated to improving aid to better protect and empower individuals affected by crises and climate change. Established 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 collaborative solutions to unmet challenges. NORCAP's mission is not only to alleviate immediate needs but also to create sustainable opportunities for vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Technical Mental Health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support Expert (MHPSS) role is pivotal 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 to implement a national project aimed at reforming psychological services within general secondary education. The project emphasizes the integration of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into schools, the development of professional capacity, and the creation of scalable models for nationwide implementation, particularly in light of the ongoing war's impact on children, educators, and communities. The expert will provide scientific, methodological, analytical, and capacity-strengthening support for the implementation of Phases II and III of this initiative, contributing to the development, testing, evaluation, and institutionalization of innovative psychological service models in schools. Success in this role will be measured by the quality of technical guidance provided, the strengthening of institutional capacity, and the production of practical tools and recommendations that facilitate long-term systemic change.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical MHPSS Expert will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: providing analytical support by compiling and reviewing monitoring data, pilot findings, stakeholder feedback, and evidence generated through project implementation; contributing to analytical reports, recommendations, and assessments that inform implementation, learning, and decision-making across Phases II and III; developing and refining methodological approaches for psychosocial support interventions and safe learning environments; supporting the development and adaptation of cross-sectoral referral mechanisms and integrated supervision approaches for psychological service professionals; creating practical tools, guidance materials, protocols, case studies, checklists, and resources for psychologists, educators, school leaders, and other education stakeholders; providing technical and methodological support for training, mentoring, facilitation, supervision, and capacity-strengthening activities; supporting monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes by analyzing project results, documenting lessons learned, identifying good practices, and developing recommendations for scale-up and institutionalization; and contributing to stakeholder engagement, knowledge-sharing, public communications, publications, and collaboration with NORCAP experts and partners to enhance mental health and psychosocial support within the education sector.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must 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 in mental health and psychosocial support, education, or psychological services is required. Candidates should demonstrate experience in developing analytical, methodological, educational, policy, or organizational materials and guidance products. Experience in mental health, psychosocial support, safe educational environments, psychological counseling, or cross-sectoral collaboration initiatives is also essential. Familiarity with government institutions, education actors, communities, and psychological service providers is important, and experience in humanitarian and development settings is an advantage. A strong understanding of trauma-informed, inclusive, and cross-sectoral approaches is necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or higher in relevant 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 contexts, particularly in crisis-affected environments.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in areas related to mental health and psychosocial support, education, or psychological services. This experience should include work in developing analytical and methodological materials, as well as practical experience in implementing psychosocial support interventions and collaborating with various stakeholders in educational settings.

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

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kyiv, Ukraine, classified as a non-family duty station. The contract duration is from May 2026 to December 2026, with the possibility of extension until April 2027, contingent on funding availability and performance. The role reports to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine through the designated project coordinator and to NORCAP’s Education Thematic Manager. This position is open to both international and national candidates, with a preference for Ukrainian nationals. International candidates with extensive regional experience and a strong understanding of working with government counterparts and education systems in Ukraine or similar contexts 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.