National MHPSS Consultant, Child Protection, 8 Months, UNICEF Kyiv CO, Ukraine, Office Based (For Ukrainian nationals only)

Organizational Context

UNICEF has been providing life-saving support to children and families affected by the war in Ukraine since opening its office in Kyiv in 1997. The organization supports the Government of Ukraine in developing health, water and sanitation, education, and protection programs for children, with a strong focus on mental health and resilience services.

Job Purpose

The National MHPSS Consultant will play a crucial role in addressing the pressing mental health and psychosocial support needs of children, adolescents, and caregivers affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine. This position is integral to UNICEF Ukraine's commitment to embedding mental health and resilience services within the national recovery agenda. The consultant will provide technical and normative guidance, support specialized programming, and contribute to the coordination of MHPSS interventions across various sectors. This role is essential for integrating MHPSS into UNICEF's humanitarian, recovery, and resilience programming, ensuring that children and families receive comprehensive support to cope with trauma and build resilience during this critical period.

Responsibilities

Provide technical and normative guidance on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) within the Child Protection section. Support the development and implementation of MHPSS programming, particularly focusing on community-based services and trauma-informed care within the Better Care portfolio. Contribute to the Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC) response by integrating MHPSS interventions. Support UNICEF's cross-cutting commitment to resilience services, aligning with the Government of Ukraine's national priority. Collaborate with other UNICEF sections (Health, Social and Behaviour Change, Adolescent Development and Participation, Education) to ensure complementary MHPSS interventions are delivered effectively. Assist in the coordination of MHPSS activities with government counterparts and other partners. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of MHPSS programs, providing recommendations for improvement. Contribute to the development of MHPSS-related materials and training resources. Ensure MHPSS interventions are child-centered, age-appropriate, and culturally sensitive. Support the integration of MHPSS into broader child protection and recovery efforts.

Work Experience

At least two years of professional experience in child protection, mental health, psychosocial support, or a related field, preferably in a humanitarian or development context. Experience working with children and adolescents affected by trauma or crisis is highly desirable.

Skills

Child Protection, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), Trauma-Informed Care, Community-Based Services, Humanitarian Action, Resilience Building, Coordination, Monitoring and Evaluation, Program Development, Report Writing, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills

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