UNICEF Training and Professional Supervision for Psychologists Working with Children

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, emphasizing the importance of belonging and growth within a diverse workforce.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to enhance the competencies of child psychologists through advanced training and professional supervision. The consultant will be responsible for delivering training focused on the prevention of adolescent substance use and other risk behaviors, as well as evidence-based psychological interventions for children and adolescents facing complex mental health challenges. Additionally, the consultant will provide external professional supervision for intricate child protection and mental health cases. The consultancy will be conducted in a hybrid format, which includes two one-week missions to Sukhumi, and applicants are expected to submit an all-inclusive fee that covers professional fees, travel, and accommodation costs. This role is crucial in ensuring that child psychologists are well-equipped to handle the complexities of their work, ultimately benefiting the children they serve.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Deliver comprehensive training sessions on the prevention of adolescent substance use and other risk behaviors.
• Provide training on evidence-based psychological interventions tailored for children and adolescents with complex mental health needs.
• Offer external professional supervision for complex child protection and mental health cases, ensuring that psychologists receive the guidance necessary to navigate challenging situations.
• Collaborate with local stakeholders to assess the training needs of child psychologists and adapt training materials accordingly.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and make recommendations for improvements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in child psychology and mental health interventions.
• Prepare and submit reports on training outcomes and supervision sessions to UNICEF.
• Engage in continuous professional development to enhance personal competencies and stay informed about developments in the field.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, psychotherapy, psychiatry, or a related field is mandatory.
• At least 8 years of practical experience in providing psychological support to children, particularly in the rehabilitation of child victims of violence.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in providing professional supervision to psychologists.
• Proven experience in delivering training in the relevant fields is essential.
• A deep understanding of UNICEF’s approaches and recommendations in child protection and psycho-social support is required.
• Excellent communication skills are necessary for effective training and supervision.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, psychotherapy, psychiatry, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of child psychology and the necessary interventions required for effective support.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of practical experience in the direct provision of psychological support to children, with a specific focus on the rehabilitation of child victims of violence. Additionally, candidates should have at least 3 years of experience providing professional supervision to psychologists, demonstrating a strong background in mentoring and guiding professionals in the field.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for internal communication and reporting purposes. Proficiency in Russian is considered an asset, enhancing the ability to communicate effectively with local stakeholders and professionals in the region.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will be conducted in a hybrid mode, which includes two one-week missions to Sukhumi. Applicants are required to submit an all-inclusive fee that covers professional fees, travel, and accommodation costs. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.