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Consultancy Title: MHPSS HIC Consultant

Section/Division/Duty Station: Mental Health & Psychosocial Support, Programme Group, UNICEF NYHQ

Duration: 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025

Home/ Office Based: NYHQ / Remote

 

About UNICEF

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you. For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. UNICEF has over 12,000 staff in more than 145 countries.

BACKGROUND

Purpose of Activity/ Assignment:

The Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support (MHPSS) in High-Income Countries (HIC) MHPSS Consultant, will be supervised by the Mental Health Manager in the PG Mental Health Leadership Team (MHLT), will support the field testing of the toolkit for implementing UNICEF’s Global multisectoral operational framework | UNICEF for use by NatCom countries. This toolkit supports efforts to advance child rights in laws, policies, advocacy for improved mental health and psychosocial wellbeing and development in children and adolescents, with improved and better coordinated advocacy efforts in alignment with UNICEF’s Programme Guidance for HICs (PHICs).

 

Scope of Work:

Background:

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, 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, 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.

Job organizational context:

The Global Burden on mental health problems in children & adolescents remains grave and unaddressed in our evolving world. Worldwide, 10-20% of children and adolescents experience mental disorders; half of all mental disorders begin by the age of 14 and three-quarters by mid-20s; mental and brain conditions are the leading cause of disability in young people in all regions; and 1 in 4 children is living with a parent who has a mental disorder. Suicide remains among the top 5 leading causes of adolescent deaths, with higher rates among adolescent girls. And lastly, postpartum depression is reported to occur in 15% of mothers shortly before or any time after childbirth.

The risk for mental health conditions and psychosocial problems among children and adolescents is exacerbated when they are exposed to poverty, violence, disease or humanitarian crises. This is particularly true in our current climate of pandemic response.

As the world contends with the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19, UNICEF has reasserted it leadership and understanding of field needs and priorities, in line with UNICEF’s Technical Note on MHPSS and UNICEF’s Global multisectoral operational framework | UNICEF, by placing integrated and holistic community-based mental health and psychosocial interventions at the heart of its strategic mission to protect every child, recognizing that mental health and wellbeing touch all sectors across the humanitarian-development context.

UNICEF’s National Committees (NatComs) are an integral part of UNICEF’s global organization and a unique feature. UNICEF is funded exclusively by voluntary contributions, and the National Committees collectively raise around one-third of UNICEF's annual income. This comes through contributions from corporations, civil society organizations and more than 6 million individual donors worldwide. They also rallied many different partners – including the media, national and local government officials, NGOs, specialists such as doctors and lawyers, corporations, schools, young people and the public – on issues related to children’s rights.

Currently there are 33 National Committees that are mandated to raise funds for UNICEF and to conduct advocacy in order to universally promote children’s rights. In the Cooperation Agreement signed between UNICEF and National Committees, advocacy is defined as “a range of activities aimed at influencing specific policies, practices, programmes, legislative frameworks, or resource allocations by different stakeholders, in particular governments, to advance the fulfilment of the Convention of the Rights of the Child, globally and domestically.”

UNICEF’s NatComs participated in a mapping of their programme priorities for 2022, developed to better understand current technical support needs and potential gaps in capacity. The majority of UNICEF’s NatComs have stated MHPSS as an area of thematic priority under the UNICEF’s Strategic Plan through 2025. The mapping analyses also highlighted the need to invest in Technical programmatic expertise to support theseNatComs in:

• Programme Planning cycle (including analysis/SITAN, ToC, strategy development, M&E, etc.)
• Strategic and Technical support on programmatic sectors and approaches 
• Knowledge sharing across high income countries (HICs)

Summary of Assignment: 

The MHPSS HICs Consultant will provide technical support to NatComs for the formulation, design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and documentation of various elements of advocacy and potential child rights programming strategies as foreseen under the scope of National Committees in UNICEF’s Programme Guidance for HICs, and in alignment with the MHPSS global portfolio.  This will be done to ensure overall efficiency and effectiveness of the programme management, delivery and accomplishment of programme goals and objectives through advocacy and contribution to legal reforms, policy development, and networking.  The consultant will promote multi-sectoral partnerships leading to responsive mental health systems building on the strengths of issue-specific and which addresses specific forms of vulnerability. The Consultant will have the following core deliverables:

Provide strategic and technical support to NatComs on MHPSS in HICs within the scope of UNICEF’s PHICs guidance. This includes the following core areas of work:

1. Technical support on multisectoral approaches in Natcom countries: Deliver technical consultations demonstrating UNICEF’s multisectoral approach in HICs. Engage with NatComs to inform product development that PG Sector Leads can use to provide consistent and relevant support to NatComs. These consultations provide the consultant with additional opportunities to engage with additional colleagues from across NatComs, MHPSS Sectoral leads at UNICEF HQ, and field based staff as necessary to ensure the tools and guidance development for MHPSS advocacy and legal reform are relevant and appropriate. 

         a. Support use and implementation of the Mental Health in High-Income Countries (HICs) Toolkit (Field Test Version):  This toolkit, in its field test version, will provide NatComs structured guidance for MH advocacy and programming, including influencing legislation reforms and policy development within their context. It will also enable the Mental Health Leadership Team within PG to deliver targeted technical support to NatComs when requested, enabling consistency and strategic alignment with UNICEF’s global objectives.

        b. Learning sessions and toolkit testing with NatComs: Organize a learning session with NatComs regarding the MHPSS in HICs Toolkit with NatComs for feedback. Provide support to NatCom countries in using and testing the toolkit. Organize internal webinar (‘Learning Session’) to accompany the launch of the Toolkit regarding the importance of UNICEF’s MHPSS activities in HICs. Prepare 4 summary reports of MHPSS in HICs activities, for inclusion in reports to donors. Based on NatCom feedback, refine supplementary resources that accompany the toolkit, focusing on practical implementation.

        c. Capacity building on MH in Natcoms: Facilitate capacity building for NatComs on MHPSS,co-organizing with Private Fundraising and Partnerships (PFP) to reinforce co-design efforts. Convene expert sessions on MH advocacy, equipping natComs with critical insights for effective planning.

2. Theory of Change (ToC) Support for NatComs: Review and provide feedback to Theories of Change (ToCs) drafts from the respective NatComs: The consultant, in partnership with NatComs will provide technical support to who are actively developing country level ToCs and corresponding M&E frameworks. 

3. Knowledge management across NatComs: Facilitate knowledge management across Natcoms including regional and country level consultations and surveys through bilateral meetings to understand technical capacity & implementation needs. Facilitate knowledge exchange platforms for NatComs to share best practices and challenges encountered specifically related to their work on advocacy, legal reform and policy development for MH. Establish an internal site to host key materials and assets for Natcoms.

4. Strategic support to the National Committees in the development of their 2025 mental health plans and implementation: Facilitate strategic discussions with Global Mental Health Coalition, UNICEF Brussels Office on the EU and Z-Zurich partnership and contribute towards the development and implementation of those plans, as well as developing overall strategy that links the different mental health initiatives required or affecting NatComs.

        a. Engage in the Joint Strategic Plan (JSP) Process: Participate in the Deep Dive Discussions for all NatComs who have identified MH as a priority.

Provide technical support for the implementation of UNICEF’s Global Multisectoral Framework for MHPSS through the creation of technical documents, briefs, learning sessions, and related resources.  This includes the following core areas:

5. Support with Country Programme Document (CPD) review: Provide input on CPDs to bolster country-level MH initiatives, particularly those where Country Offices are advancing MHPSS advocacy and integration with government partners.

        a. Finalize analytical tool for CPD review and assessment, this includes the tool and a 2-page guidance note on how to use the tool.

        b. CPD Checklist to guide Regional Offices in their annual CPD planning with CO’s.

        c. Develop a CPD Brief with key recommendations and examples pulling from the CPD assessment and quality review. 

        d.  Learning Session on CPD’s

6. Participate in Programming in HICs Focal Point meetings: Attend the HIC focal point meetings:

        a. Sharing strategic inputs and insights about the Mental Health portfolio in NatCom countries.

        b. Regularly update regarding key outcomes and action points regarding NatCom work on Mental Health.

 

This consultancy is remote. Mission travel to select countries may be requested, as relevant to support capacity development/training/TOTs. Travel may be added as funding becomes available.

Terms of Reference / Key Deliverables:

Provide technical support to NatComs on MHPSS in HICs within the scope of UNICEF’s HIC programme guidance:

• Up to 12 packages on multisectoral approaches to MHPSS in HIC. Each package includes testing of toolkit feedback/results, hosted learning sessions, capacity building sessions on differ topics related to child and adolescent Mental Health (31 December 2025)
•  Review and Feedback on Theories of Change for HIC – up to 12 (31 December 2025)
• Up to 12 consolidated knowledge Management packages (31 December 2025)
• Up to 12 strategic discussion packages on MHPSS in HIC (31 December 2025)

Support the implementation of UNICEF’s Global Multisectoral Framework for MHPSS through the creation of technical documents, briefs, learning sessions, and related resources.  This includes the following core areas:

• CPD Checklist to guide Regional Offices in their annual CPD planning with CO’s (1 February 2025)
•  Develop a CPD Brief with key recommendations and examples pulling from the CPD assessment and quality review (15 February 2025)
• Finalize analytical tool for CPD review and assessment, this includes the tool and a 2-page guidance note on how to use the tool (01 March 2025)
• Learning Session on CPD’s (15 March 2025)

Support to Community of Practice Mailout:

• 12 COP Mailouts (31 December 2025)

MHPSS Learning Sessions:

• 12 MHPSS learning sessions – cost share with HIC deliverables above (31 December 2025)

 

Qualifications

Education: 

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or higher) in MSW, PsyD, clinical psychology degree, or related field.

 

Work experience:

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required *: 

• A minimum of five years of relevant professional work experience is required, with at least one year of experience supporting and/or researching MHPSS programming in HIC contexts. Experience working in a developing country is considered as a strong asset. Background and/or familiarity with emergencies is considered a strong asset. Direct field experience in mental health and psychosocial program management would be an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other official UN languages is considered an asset.

 

Requirements:

Completed profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and

- Upload copy of academic credentials

- Financial proposal that will include/ reflect :

• • the costs per each deliverable and the total lump-sum for the whole assignment (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference.
  • travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per TOR.
  • Any other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, and living costs as applicable.
  • Indicate your availability

- Any emergent / unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF.

- At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.

- Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed satisfactory deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.

U.S. Visa information:

With the exception of the US Citizens, G4 Visa and Green Card holders, should the selected candidate and his/her household members reside in the United States under a different visa, the consultant and his/her household members are required to change their visa status to G4, and the consultant’s household members (spouse) will require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to be able to work, even if he/she was authorized to work under the visa held prior to switching to G4.  

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

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. View our competency framework at: Here

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:  

Individuals engaged under a consultancy 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. Consultants 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.