Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Specialist

Organizational Context

UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR) manages operations across multiple countries, focusing on sustainable development impact in areas like health, education, and governance. In Ukraine, UNOPS supports urgent humanitarian needs and recovery efforts, implementing large-scale projects in infrastructure, energy, housing, and mine action. The Ukraine and Eastern Europe MCO specifically supports Ukraine's EU accession and SDG achievement.

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 collaborating with law enforcement representatives to assess baseline needs and existing initiatives, translating these findings into a comprehensive training curriculum. The specialist will ensure the MHPSS program effectively addresses the psychological well-being and trauma resilience of personnel, contributing to their overall effectiveness and the sustainability of support services within the law enforcement sector.

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 interviews with stakeholders to inform program design and provide technical input. The role involves liaising with law enforcement MHPSS departments to understand current work, assess needs, and tailor MHPSS topics appropriately. The specialist will ensure alignment with existing initiatives in Ukraine for program sustainability and contribute to the scope of work for MHPSS activities. Key responsibilities also include developing and facilitating MHPSS-specific training modules, such as Training of Trainers (ToT), Psychological First Aid, team leader skills for stress management, psychological safety, and safeguarding. Direct support to trainees may be provided, and knowledge sharing initiatives will be participated in to contribute lessons learned to the broader MHPSS sector.

Work Experience

Required experience includes developing MHPSS training and capacity-building programs for non-mental health professionals, with at least 2 years of experience facilitating MHPSS training. A minimum of 1 year of experience conducting organizational assessments related to MHPSS, preferably in high-risk or security-sector environments, is also necessary. Willingness to travel within Ukraine is required.

Skills

Curriculum Development, Mental Health, Mental Health Counseling, Psychological Assessment, Report Writing, Training

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