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UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, hope.

The purpose of this consultancy is to support UNICEF ROSA, all eight UNICEF Country Offices (COs) in the region and key stakeholders with high quality technical support on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), informed by best available evidence and sector/international standards. This requires cross-sectoral engagement and collaboration with country offices.  The incumbent will report to the Regional Advisors for Child Protection and Health.  The consultant will nurture regional and country specific collaboration to inform policies, systems strengthening and service delivery. The MHPSS Consultant will contribute to the delivery of inclusive, age appropriate and multi-sectoral mental health services for migrant/refugee children and children with disabilities.  Gender transformation will be integral part of the key functions of the Consultant.

How can you make a difference? 

Under the guidance of the Regional Advisors Child Protection and Health, the consultant is expected to deliver the following tasks:

Provide technical advice to UNICEF ROSA, UNICEF COs, governments, and key stakeholders on multi-sectoral mental health policies, programmes, and interventions.

• Coordinate the MHPSS working group at ROSA and the MHPSS CO group to share information, develop working plans and produce quarterly reports.
• Assist with the development of programmatic interventions on MHPSS at country level and provide technical guidance to ROSA and COs.
• Strengthen country capacity on MHPSS by promoting the use of UNICEF’s Global MHPSS Multisectoral Operational Framework when planning and implementing MHPSS programmes, in line with UNICEF’s Strategic Plan and the inter-agency initiatives under the IASC MHPSS Reference Group.
• Support the roll out, adaptation and implementation of UNICEF-led/supported MHPSS resources to regional and country contexts, including protocols, tools, and relevant guidance documents.
• Contribute to CPD, MTR and key moments of reflection, integrating MHPSS approaches into key goal areas.
• Engage in policy dialogue and learning exchanges with governments and civil society on evidence informed MHPSS approaches and interventions.

Develop partnerships and collaborations on mental health.

• Support collaboration and coordination with WHO and key strategic partners to support the implementation of the Mental Health Joint Programme at country level.
• Support the Child and Adolescents Mental Health South Asia Network (CAMHSAN) and its Secretariat to oversee and provide technical support as needed.   
• Collaborate with other academic institutions, private sector, and practitioners with the aim of developing a common agenda to children’s mental health with focus on system strengthening.
• Lead resource mobilization efforts to support MHPSS programmes by developing cross-sectoral concept notes and funding proposals to be submitted to funders.
• Develop and implement a common advocacy agenda to protect and promote the mental health of children.

Provide technical leadership and practical guidance on mental health interventions in humanitarian action.

• Coordinate with emergency, health, education, WASH, and child protection teams to integrate MHPSS in humanitarian responses.
• Provide guidance to country offices on trauma-informed approaches to humanitarian action.
• Support coordination efforts with key agencies, including humanitarian agencies, working on MHPSS.

Develop an evidence, M&E, and knowledge generation agenda.

• In collaboration with the child protection and health sectors, facilitate research, evaluation, and data analysis and documentation to inform policy, programmes, and interventions by developing ToRs, managing the research/evaluation and commenting on draft products.
• Promote learning by disseminating findings from research/evaluation and data analysis using a range of options including through exchange/learning platforms.
• In alignment with the Standardized Quality MHPSS Framework and with support from MHPSS specialists and M&E focal points in NYHQ, manage ROSA efforts to integrate monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning as part of the regional MHPSS framework, with clear guidance on adaptation for country-level priority actions, interventions, and indicators.
• Develop and implement an M&E plan for donor funded programmes in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Pakistan.

The consultant should be able and willing to travel to all countries in South Asia:  Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.  These missions cannot be planned and will be based on country specific requirements.

Work Assignments Overview

1. Tasks/Milestone:

• Provide technical advice to UNICEF ROSA, UNICEF COs, governments, and key stakeholders on multi-sectoral mental health policies, programmes, and interventions.
• Develop partnerships and collaborations on mental health.
• Develop an evidence, M&E, and knowledge generation agenda.
• Provide technical leadership and practical guidance on mental health interventions in humanitarian action.

Deliverables/Outputs

• Annual meeting, conference report and regional mapping of the CAMHSAN Secretariat completed.
• M&E mechanism developed for donor funded MHPSS programmes in target countries. 

Recurring

• Quarterly meetings and meeting reports of the MHPSS working groups at regional and CO level.
• Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan provided with technical support to implement and complete activities of donor funded programmes, including the JP on MHPSS (where appropriate) based on the existing workplan.

Delivery Deadline - 30 November 2024

2. Tasks/Milestone:

• Provide technical advice to UNICEF ROSA, UNICEF COs, governments, and key stakeholders on multi-sectoral mental health policies, programmes, and interventions.
• Develop partnerships and collaborations on mental health.
• Develop an evidence, M&E, and knowledge generation agenda.
• Provide technical leadership and practical guidance on mental health interventions in humanitarian action.

Deliverables/Outputs

• At least two concept notes to support resource mobilization efforts on MHPSS programming drafted.
• The evaluation of the CAMHSAN Secretariat commenced.
• M&E plan for MHPSS programming presented to programming countries for implementation. 

Recurring

• Technical support provided to develop and implement MHPSS programmes based on country level needs.
• UNICEF-led/supported MHPSS resources (HAT/EASE/EQUIP/ISMF) adapted and rolled out in select countries.
• Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan provided with technical support to implement and complete activities of donor funded programmes, including the JP on MHPSS (where appropriate) based on the existing workplan.

Delivery Deadline - 31 December 2024

3. Tasks/Milestone:

• Provide technical advice to UNICEF ROSA, UNICEF COs, governments, and key stakeholders on multi-sectoral mental health policies, programmes, and interventions.
• Develop partnerships and collaborations on mental health.
• Develop an evidence, M&E, and knowledge generation agenda.
• Provide technical leadership and practical guidance on mental health interventions in humanitarian action.

Deliverables/Outputs

• The final draft of two concept notes to support resource mobilization efforts on MHPSS presented to CP and Health teams.
• Evaluation of the CAMHSAN completed and presented to the CP and Health teams.
• Workplan for CAMHSAN, for 2025 developed.

Recurring

• UNICEF-led/supported MHPSS resources (HAT/EASE/EQUIP/ISMF) adapted and rolled out in select countries. M&E plan for MHPSS programming implemented in programming countries. 
• M&E plan for MHPSS programming implemented in programming countries. 
• Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan provided with technical support to implement and complete activities of donor funded programmes, including the JP on MHPSS (where appropriate) based on the existing workplan.

Delivery Deadline - 31 January 2024

4. Tasks/Milestone:

• Provide technical advice to UNICEF ROSA, UNICEF COs, governments, and key stakeholders on multi-sectoral mental health policies, programmes, and interventions.
• Develop partnerships and collaborations on mental health.
• Develop an evidence, M&E, and knowledge generation agenda.
• Provide technical leadership and practical guidance on mental health interventions in humanitarian action.

Deliverables/Outputs

• The final concept notes to support resource mobilization efforts on MHPSS presented to the CP, Health, and Partnerships Teams.

Recurring

• Quarterly meetings and meeting reports of the MHPSS working groups at regional and CO level.
• M&E plan for MHPSS programming implemented in programming countries.
• Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Pakistan provided with technical support to implement and complete activities of donor funded programmes, including the JP on MHPSS (where appropriate) based on the existing workplan.

Delivery Deadline - 28 February 2025

5. Tasks/Milestone:

• Provide technical advice to UNICEF ROSA, UNICEF COs, governments, and key stakeholders on multi-sectoral mental health policies, programmes, and interventions.
• Develop partnerships and collaborations on mental health.
• Develop an evidence, M&E, and knowledge generation agenda.
• Provide technical leadership and practical guidance on mental health interventions in humanitarian action.

Deliverables/Outputs

• COs supported to development an action plan based on country level MHPSS gap analysis for each country.

Recurring

• UNICEF-led/supported MHPSS resources (HAT/EASE/EQUIP/ISMF) adapted and rolled out in select countries.
• Technical support provided to develop and implement MHPSS programmes based on country level needs.
• The CAMHSAN Secretariat provided technical support based on evaluation findings and workplan.
• M&E plan for MHPSS programming implemented in programming countries.
• Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan provided with technical support to implement and complete activities of donor funded programmes, including the JP on MHPSS (where appropriate) based on the existing workplan.

Delivery Deadline - 31 March 2025

6. Tasks/Milestone:

• Provide technical advice to UNICEF ROSA, UNICEF COs, governments, and key stakeholders on multi-sectoral mental health policies, programmes, and interventions.
• Develop partnerships and collaborations on mental health.
• Develop an evidence, M&E, and knowledge generation agenda.
• Provide technical leadership and practical guidance on mental health interventions in humanitarian action.

Deliverables/Outputs

• ToR for facilitating cross-sectoral research on MHPSS developed. 
• MHPSS integrated in humanitarian responses (if required).
• Action plans based on country level MHPSS gap analysis for all eight countries.

Recurring

• The CAMHSAN Secretariat provided technical support based on evaluation findings and workplan.
• Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan provided with technical support to implement and complete activities of donor funded programmes, including the JP on MHPSS (where appropriate) based on the existing workplan.
• M&E plan for MHPSS programming implemented in programming countries. 

Delivery Deadline - 30 April 2025

7. Tasks/Milestone:

• Provide technical advice to UNICEF ROSA, UNICEF COs, governments, and key stakeholders on multi-sectoral mental health policies, programmes, and interventions.
• Develop partnerships and collaborations on mental health.
• Develop an evidence, M&E, and knowledge generation agenda.
• Provide technical leadership and practical guidance on mental health interventions in humanitarian action.

Deliverables/Outputs

Recurring

• Quarterly meetings and meeting reports of the MHPSS working groups at regional and CO level.
• Technical support provided to develop and implement MHPSS programmes based on country level needs.
• The CAMHSAN Secretariat provided technical support based on evaluation findings and workplan.
• Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan provided with technical support to implement and complete activities of donor funded programmes, including the JP on MHPSS (where appropriate) based on the existing workplan.
• M&E plan for MHPSS programming implemented in programming countries.    

Delivery Deadline - 31 May 2025

8. Tasks/Milestone:

• Provide technical advice to UNICEF ROSA, UNICEF COs, governments, and key stakeholders on multi-sectoral mental health policies, programmes, and interventions.
• Develop partnerships and collaborations on mental health.
• Develop an evidence, M&E, and knowledge generation agenda.
• Provide technical leadership and practical guidance on mental health interventions in humanitarian action.

Deliverables/Outputs

Recurring

• The CAMHSAN Secretariat provided technical support based on evaluation findings and workplan.
• Technical support provided to develop and implement MHPSS programmes based on country level needs.
• M&E plan for MHPSS programming implemented in programming countries.
• Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan provided with technical support to implement and complete activities of donor funded programmes, including the JP on MHPSS (where appropriate) based on the existing workplan.

Delivery Deadline - 30 June 2025

9. Tasks/Milestone:

• Provide technical advice to UNICEF ROSA, UNICEF COs, governments, and key stakeholders on multi-sectoral mental health policies, programmes, and interventions.
• Develop partnerships and collaborations on mental health.
• Develop an evidence, M&E, and knowledge generation agenda.
• Provide technical leadership and practical guidance on mental health interventions in humanitarian action.

Deliverables/Outputs

• Final ToR for facilitating research on MHPSS presented to the CP and Health teams. 

Recurring

• The CAMHSAN Secretariat provided technical support based on evaluation findings and workplan.
• Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan provided with technical support to implement and complete activities of donor funded programmes, including the JP on MHPSS (where appropriate) based on the existing workplan.
• MHPSS integrated in humanitarian responses.
• Technical support provided to develop and implement MHPSS programmes based on country level needs.
• M&E plan for MHPSS programming implemented in programming countries. 

Delivery Deadline - 31 July 2025

10. Tasks/Milestone:

• Provide technical advice to UNICEF ROSA, UNICEF COs, governments, and key stakeholders on multi-sectoral mental health policies, programmes, and interventions.
• Develop partnerships and collaborations on mental health.
• Develop an evidence, M&E, and knowledge generation agenda.
• Provide technical leadership and practical guidance on mental health interventions in humanitarian action.

Deliverables/Outputs

Recurring

• Quarterly meetings and meeting reports of the MHPSS working groups at regional and CO level.
• Technical support provided to develop and implement MHPSS programmes based on country level needs.
• Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan provided with technical support to implement and complete activities of donor funded programmes, including the JP on MHPSS (where appropriate) based on the existing workplan.
• M&E plan for MHPSS programming implemented in programming countries. 
• Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Pakistan provided with technical support to implement and complete activities of donor funded programmes, including the JP on MHPSS (where appropriate) based on the existing workplan.
• MHPSS integrated in humanitarian responses.

Delivery Deadline - 31 August 2025

11. Tasks/Milestone:

Travel, based on actuals. 

Deliverables/Outputs

Travel, based on actuals.

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

Education:

An advanced degree in Psychology, Social Sciences, Community Health, Psychiatry, Anthropology, Development Studies, or equivalent is required

Work Experience:  

• Minimum of 10 years professional experience in development work in MHPSS focusing on child protection, health and/or education. 
• Concrete experience in implementing MHPSS programmes, preferably in developing country contexts. 
• Demonstrated experience in resource mobilization for MHPSS programming, including proposal development and successful fundraising.
• Experience in capacity building, coaching, strengthening various duty bearers’ understanding and implementation of MHPSS, including training in clinical psychological skills.
• Experience in overseeing programme quality and working in developing and overseeing with/ supporting local partners.
• Experience in developing and implementing M&E plans for donor funded programmes
• Experience with UNICEF is an asset.

Competencies:

• Strong technical skills and knowledge in MHPSS.
• Advanced people and communication and diplomatic skills.
• Good team player who can work as part of a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary team.
• Capacity and willingness to be extremely flexible and accommodating in difficult and sometimes insecure working circumstances.
• Politcally and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy.
• Commitment to and understanding of child rights, the aims and principles of UNICEF, and humanitarian standards.

Language Proficiency:

Excellent written and oral English language skills.

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

To view our competency framework, please visit  here. 

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.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment. 

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 also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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. 

Remarks:  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.