International Consultant - EMT Mental Health And Psychosocial Support

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) Health Emergencies program aims to build Member State capacity in risk management and response. WHO hosts the EMT Secretariat, manages the EMT classification system, and convenes the Regional EMT Working Group. This consultancy supports the WHO/WPRO Pacific EMT Program 2026–2028, focusing on national ownership, quality assurance, and technical stewardship across five workstreams, including MHPSS integration into emergency operations.

Job Purpose

This consultancy provides technical expertise and training in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) for the Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) initiative within WHO's Western Pacific Region. It supports the Pacific EMT Program 2026–2028 by strengthening MHPSS actions in emergencies and ensuring the application of MHPSS principles and standards across the EMT initiative. The role involves integrating MHPSS into EMT operations, developing technical standards, delivering training, enhancing the MHPSS EMT network, and contributing to monitoring and reporting. The consultant will collaborate with national EMTs, MHPSS counterparts, WHO Country Offices, and regional partners to embed MHPSS effectively into emergency preparedness and response mechanisms.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include contributing to the development and institutionalization of MHPSS technical standards for EMTs, such as integrating MHPSS into national SOPs and referral pathways, and supporting the implementation of MHPSS Specialized Care Team guidance. The role involves integrating MHPSS content into simulation exercises (SIMEXs) and developing/refining GEDSI-aligned MHPSS training materials for Pacific EMTs. The consultant will serve as faculty for MHPSS training activities, contribute to the EMT MHPSS Community of Practice, and lead the development of publications on MHPSS. Additionally, responsibilities include managing MHPSS data, contributing to internal and external reporting, and supporting emergency response operations by ensuring MHPSS standards are applied and interventions are effective. This includes potential support for EMT Coordination Centres (EMTCC) during activations.

Work Experience

Essential: At least 7 years of relevant professional experience at national and international levels, focusing on mental health and emergency response, curriculum development, and deployment in health emergency response. Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering training for mental health or health emergency response is required. Desirable experience includes understanding of IASC/UN emergency response systems, WHO, ICRC/IFRC, MSF, capacity strengthening of rapid response teams, institutionalizing health emergency functions, and working with disability and gender equality organizations.

Skills

Excellent communication and writing skills in English. Ability to collaborate and coordinate across diverse countries and partners. Experience working in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments. Strong organizational and project management skills. Proficiency in data management, including sex- and disability-disaggregated data. Strong presentation and public speaking abilities. Knowledge of SGBV identification and referral pathways. Familiarity with gender equality and disability inclusion frameworks.

Explore related opportunities