Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Specialist

Organizational Context

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR) manages operations across a wide region, supporting sustainable development goals through project implementation, advisory services, and capacity building. The Ukraine and Eastern Europe MCO (UEMCO) specifically addresses urgent humanitarian needs and recovery pathways in Ukraine, Moldova, and Poland, delivering large-scale projects in infrastructure, energy, housing, education, and mine action.

Job Purpose

The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Specialist will lead the design and implementation of the mental health component within UNOPS' partnership with Ukrainian law enforcement, aimed at enhancing Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) capacities. This role involves conducting a needs assessment to understand baseline requirements and existing initiatives, and translating these findings into a comprehensive training curriculum. The specialist will work collaboratively with law enforcement representatives and the UNOPS Mine Action Team to ensure the MHPSS program is integrated effectively and contributes to the resilience and well-being of personnel involved in high-risk operations.

Responsibilities

The MHPSS Specialist will oversee the design and delivery of mental health and psychosocial support activities. This includes conducting needs assessments through desk reviews and stakeholder interviews to inform program design and identify target audiences. The role involves liaising with law enforcement MHPSS departments to align efforts, assess needs, and tailor messaging. Responsibilities also include developing and facilitating MHPSS-specific training modules, such as Psychological First Aid, self-care, team leader skills for stress management, and creating psychologically safe environments. The specialist will also provide direct MHPSS support to trainees, link them to existing services, and contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives to enhance the MHPSS sector in Ukraine and within UNOPS.

Work Experience

Required experience includes developing MHPSS training and capacity-building programs for non-mental health professionals, with at least 2 years of facilitating MHPSS training to diverse audiences and 1 year of conducting MHPSS organizational assessments, preferably in high-risk environments. Experience with law enforcement or similar high-stress populations is desirable.

Skills

Curriculum Development, Mental Health, Mental Health Counseling, Psychological Assessment, Report Writing, Training, Program Management, Coordination.

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