Child Protection and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in Ebola preparedness and response National Consultant Kigali, Rwanda (office based) 6 months (595037)

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. We are committed to our mission, offering diverse opportunities for professional and personal development in a passionate and inclusive culture.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to provide essential technical surge capacity to UNICEF Rwanda, strengthening national readiness and response systems for child protection and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in the context of Ebola preparedness and response. The consultant will deliver specific, measurable technical outputs that enhance the capacity of both UNICEF and Government partners to prevent, prepare for, and respond to Ebola-related risks affecting children and families. This role is crucial for addressing internal UNICEF capacity gaps in providing timely, high-quality technical support to Government counterparts, ensuring that national priorities within the Ebola preparedness framework are effectively met without duplicating existing Government functions.

Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for delivering specific, measurable technical outputs that strengthen the capacity of UNICEF and Government partners to prevent, prepare for, and respond to Ebola-related risks affecting children and families. This includes providing technical support to Government counterparts, addressing internal UNICEF capacity gaps in child protection and MHPSS within the Ebola preparedness framework. The consultant will develop technical tools, guidelines, standard operating procedures, or training packages related to child protection and MHPSS. They will also support Government systems, particularly in social services, health, or emergency coordination structures, and engage with Government institutions, United Nations agencies, or international non-governmental organizations. Strong stakeholder coordination and facilitation of multi-sectoral technical consultations will be key. The consultant will also be expected to provide technical support to other UNICEF sections and areas of intervention on MHPSS, and contribute to integrated response systems linking health, social services, and community structures. Ensuring safeguarding and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse in emergency contexts is also a critical responsibility. The consultant must be able to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs within tight timelines.

Work Experience

Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in child protection, mental health and psychosocial support, public health emergency response, or related fields. Demonstrated experience in public health emergency preparedness and response, including Ebola or other infectious disease outbreaks is a strong asset.

Skills

Child protection systems, Case management, Prevention of family separation, Alternative care, Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), Humanitarian settings, Public health emergency settings, Integrated response systems, Safeguarding, Prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), Analytical skills, Technical writing, Report preparation, Stakeholder coordination, Facilitation, Communication

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