Health Specialist, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)

Title: Health Specialist (MHPSS)
Job no: 577722
Contract type: Temporary Appointment (364 days)
Duty Station: Kyiv
Level: NO-3
Categories: Health

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

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For every child, hope

UNICEF Ukraine

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How can you make a difference? 

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, learn, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) is an institutional priority for the UN, and for UNICEF. The UNICEF Strategic Plan 2022-2025 identifies MHPSS as a priority area for children, young people, parents and caregivers, building upon existing programming through child protection, education and health.

UNICEF advocates for mental health as a holistic issue that is relevant to every sector of development and embraces all SDG's as determinants of mental health and psychosocial well-being, underpinning the prevention, promotion, treatment continuum and an approach that is collaborative, multi-sectoral, and spans across health, social and child protection, education, gender, and other sectors in order to be effective in addressing the global burden of mental health conditions.

In Ukraine, the protracted conflict has intensified the demand for MHPSS services, exacerbating pre-existing conditions and expanding the need across the nation. In response, UNICEF Ukraine’s Country Programme for 2025-2029 ambitiously aims to address these pervasive needs comprehensively. To advance this cause, UNICEF Ukraine seeks to appoint a dedicated Health Specialist (MHPSS) proficient in MHPSS with robust programmatic skills. This specialist will be critical in translating strategic visions into practical, culturally tailored interventions that meet the unique socio-political challenges faced by Ukraine

Job organizational context: The Health Specialist (MHPSS) role is situated in the Ukraine Country Office and reports directly to the Health Manager (MHPSS). This position is essential for bridging health-focused MHPSS programming with broader organizational goals, ensuring a comprehensive approach to mental health and psychosocial support by integrating efforts across both internal sectors and external partnerships

Purpose for the job: Guided by the Health Manager (MHPSS), the Health Specialist supports MHPSS programming primarily within the health sector while coordinating with other crucial UNICEF sectors such as education, child protection, Adolescent Development and Participation (ADAP), and Social and Behavior Change (SBC). This role also entails significant collaboration with external entities, including government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders, to embed MHPSS into their programs, thereby fostering a unified approach to health and well-being across various sectors.

Additionally, the Specialist is instrumental in shaping and influencing national MHPSS policies. By offering expert guidance to external stakeholders such as the national MHPSS coordination center, Ministry of Health, educational leaders, and community organizations, the Specialist ensures that MHPSS initiatives are harmoniously integrated into the broader health and social systems. This effort is complemented by UNICEF’s collaboration with the “All-Ukraine Health Program”, which aims to establish a far-reaching support network impacting various societal dimensions

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Support UNICEF’s MHPSS programming in Ukraine.
2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results.
3. Provide technical and operational support to support the national MHPSS system.
4. Networking and partnership building.
5. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building.

1. Support programme development and planning

• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews, and annual reviews with governmental and other counterparts to assess progress and determine necessary actions or interventions to achieve desired outcomes.
• Prepare and analyze monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths, and areas for improvement in the management of MHPSS programs.
• Utilize lessons learned and knowledge gained from monitoring activities for development planning and timely interventions aimed at achieving programmatic goals.
• Conduct active monitoring of programmes and projects through field visits and surveys, exchanging information with stakeholders to assess progress, identify bottlenecks, and address potential issues promptly.
• Ensure the optimal and appropriate use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative, and other assets), verifying compliance with organizational rules, regulations, and procedures, as well as donor commitments. This includes maintaining high standards of accountability and integrity and ensuring timely reporting and resource liquidation.
• Compile and prepare regular and mandated reports for management, donors, and partners to keep all relevant stakeholders informed of programme progress and results.

2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results

• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual reviews with the government and other counterparts to assess progress and to determine required action/interventions to achieve results.
• Prepare and assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths and weaknesses in MHPSS programmes management.
• Identify lessons learned and use knowledge gained for development planning and timely interventions to achieve goals.
• Actively monitor programmes/projects through field visits and surveys, and exchange information with stakeholders to assess progress, identify bottlenecks and potential problems, and take timely decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution.
• Monitor and verify the optimum and appropriate use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets) confirming compliance with organizational rules, regulations/procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity, ensuring timely reporting and liquidation of resources.
• Prepare regular and mandated programme reports for management, donors and partners to keep them informed of progress

3. Advisory services and technical support

• Engage in discussions with national partners and stakeholders to assess health and development challenges, with a particular focus on gender issues, emergency preparedness, nexus recovery, maternal and neonatal health, and child survival and development.
• Draft policy papers, briefs, and other strategic program materials to inform and guide management decisions, ensuring relevant information is readily available for executive consideration.
• Navigate and align with Ukraine’s national MHPSS policies, and provide technical guidance and operational support to the Ministry of Health and other pertinent stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness and reach of MHPSS initiatives.

4. Networking and partnership building

• Build and maintain effective, close working partnerships with health sector government counterparts, national stakeholders, global partners, donors, and academia. Utilize active networking, advocacy, and effective communication to build capacity, exchange knowledge, and expertise to facilitate the achievement of program goals related to child rights, social justice, and equity.
• Develop and prepare communication and information materials for Country Office program advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships, and support fundraising efforts for MHPSS programs.
• Engage in inter-agency discussions on MHPSS and related issues, representing UNICEF in United Nations Country Team (UNCT) meetings,  Collaborate with inter-agency partners on UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) planning and preparation of programs/projects, ensuring that UNICEF’s position, interests, and priorities are fully considered and integrated into the UNDAF process in development planning and agenda setting.
• Participate in and/or represent UNICEF in national MHPSS clusters and/or working groups, contributing to discussions and initiatives that enhance collaborative efforts and strategic alignments within the MHPSS sector.

5. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

• Apply and introduce innovative approaches and good practices to strengthen the capacities of partners and stakeholders, ensuring the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable program results in MHPSS.
• Stay updated with the latest developments in MHPSS, researching, benchmarking, and implementing best practices. Assess and institutionalize these practices while sharing knowledge and lessons learned across the organization and with relevant partners.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of policies and procedures that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of sustainable programs and projects.
• Support government bodies and partners in developing and evaluating innovative services, such as mobile applications, smart technologies, and helplines, aimed at delivering transferable skills programs and providing comprehensive MHPSS services.
• Organize and lead capacity-building initiatives to enhance the competencies of partners and stakeholders in integrating comprehensive MHPSS services, including promotive, preventive, and responsive elements.

Impact of Results

The efficiency and effectiveness of the support provided by the Health Specialist (MHPSS) to the preparation, planning and implementation of programs informed by broad knowledge of the current context in Ukraine, in addition to the coordination with the Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders for the operationalization of actions which aim to make the national MHPSS system more efficient, accessible and meaningful, promotes and facilitates the achievement of concrete and sustainable results that directly impact the improvement of the health of women and children affected by the current crisis in the country. This, in turn, contributes to maintaining and strengthening UNICEF's credibility and capacity to continue providing programmatic services to protect children's rights and to promote greater social equality to enable them to survive, develop and achieve their full potential. potential in society.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

Education:

A University degree is required in Psychology or Psychiatry.

Work Experience: 

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience (With advanced university degree) in MHPSS programme planning and management and in one or more of the following areas is required: public health/nutrition planning and management, maternal and neonatal health care, or health emergency/humanitarian preparedness is required.
• Two years of additional relevant work experience that was gained after obtaining a bachelor’s degree may be accepted in lieu of advanced degree.
• Strong organizational and facilitation skills whether face to face or remotely with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience with programme cycle management.
• Comfortable to work independently while coordinating closely with different teams.

Language Requirements: 

• Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required.

Desirables:

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency. 
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
• Knowledge of another official UN language or local language is considered as an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Eligible staff members on fixed-term, continuing or permanent contracts applying to IP TA positions in a duty station designated as L2/L3, may be able to retain a lien and their fixed-term entitlements, subject to approval by their Head of Office. The conditions of the temporary assignment will vary depending on the status of their post and relocation entitlements may be limited as per the relevant policies.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

Application Deadline: 06 January 2025 FLE Standard Time