Inclusive Psychosocial Support Expert

Job Posting Organization:
NORCAP is an organization that works to improve aid to better protect and empower people affected by crisis and climate change. Established with the mission to provide expertise and solutions to humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding partners, NORCAP believes that collaboration is essential to reduce needs, risks, and vulnerabilities over time. The organization operates globally, focusing on effective ways of working both at the global level and in the field. NORCAP aims not only to reduce needs but also to create choices and opportunities for vulnerable populations. Through partnerships, NORCAP provides targeted expertise to strengthen responses and collaborates with partners to develop solutions to unmet gaps and challenges.

Job Overview:
The Inclusive psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support (PSS) Expert role is central to NORCAP’s commitment to enhancing inclusive education and psychosocial support systems for children and families affected by crises. This position involves working closely with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine to implement the National Strategy for the Development of Inclusive Education. The expert will focus on establishing a new state institution that will provide methodological, analytical, and organizational support to the network of Inclusive Resource Centres. The goal is to improve the quality, consistency, and sustainability of psychological and psychosocial services throughout Ukraine. The expert will provide scientific and methodological support to strengthen the psychological and psychosocial components of inclusive education services, ensuring that these services are evidence-based and trauma-informed. Success in this role will lead to stronger methodological foundations and enhanced capacity for Inclusive Resource Centres to provide high-quality services for children, families, and education professionals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As the Inclusive Psychosocial Support (PSS) Expert, you will be responsible for leading the analysis and synthesis of evidence, conducting needs assessments, and drawing insights from project learnings to enhance the psychological and psychosocial support components of Inclusive Resource Centre services. You will develop and refine methodological approaches tailored for children with special educational needs, their families, and education professionals. Additionally, you will support the creation of standards, quality criteria, supervision models, and professional support mechanisms for psychologists and other specialists within the Inclusive Resource Centres. Your role will also involve developing practical tools and guidance materials, such as methodological guidelines, referral pathways, case studies, checklists, and cooperation protocols. You will contribute to the design and delivery of training programs and professional development initiatives for Inclusive Resource Centre specialists, promoting the integration of evidence-based, trauma-informed, and inclusive psychosocial support approaches. Furthermore, you will engage in monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities, including establishing quality indicators and providing analytical reports with recommendations for institutionalization and scale-up. Collaboration with government stakeholders, project partners, and NORCAP colleagues will be essential, as you will contribute to technical support, capacity exchange, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
To excel in this role, candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master’s degree or higher) in psychology, education, social work, public administration, or a related field. A minimum of five years of professional experience in relevant areas such as mental health, psychosocial support, inclusive education, or safe educational environments is required. Candidates should demonstrate experience in developing analytical, methodological, training, regulatory, or organizational materials. Experience working with children with special educational needs and applying trauma-informed, inclusive, and cross-sectoral approaches is essential. Additionally, experience collaborating with government institutions, educational establishments, communities, postgraduate education institutions, Inclusive Resource Centres, or school psychological services is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced degree, specifically a Master’s degree or higher, in fields such as psychology, education, social work, public administration, or related disciplines. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of inclusive education and psychosocial support systems.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in relevant fields. This experience should include work in mental health, psychosocial support, inclusive education, or safe educational environments. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing analytical and methodological materials and should be familiar with the challenges faced by children with special educational needs.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Ukrainian is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the development of training materials and guidelines.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kyiv, Ukraine, and is offered on a fixed-term contract from August 2026 to July 2027, with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability and performance. The role reports to Kateryna Pavlenko, Inclusive Education Manager at the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, and the NORCAP Education Thematic Manager. The 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 values diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. All offers are subject to reference and background checks, and candidates must provide an approved Health Certificate prior to contract commencement.