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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 fordeveloping 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.

Consultancy: MHPSS MSP Consultant 

Duty Station: Programme Group, Child Protection, CPHA

Duration: 9 February 2026 - 25 February 2027

Home/ Office Based: Remote

 

BACKGROUND

Purpose of Activity/ Assignment:

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) is an institutional priority for the UN, and for UNICEF. The UNICEF Strategic Plan 2026-2029 identifies MHPSS as a priority area, building upon existing programming through child protection, education, and health.  

 

Global priorities show increased need for attention to MHPSS, particularly for girls, boys, women and men in communities affected by emergencies and other adversities (e.g., torture, war, intimate partner violence, poverty, malnutrition, amongst others).  While most people are resilient to adversity, global estimates suggest that on, average, 22% of adults report symptoms consistent with mental health conditions if they have experienced conflict in previous 10 years. Observed rates of mental health problems after extremely adverse events (e.g. torture, rape) tend be over 40%. Some individuals will develop mental health conditions in the long term (e.g., depression) and others will be impacted in less visible ways. Estimates are unclear for children and adolescents, but likely to be similar. Poor mental health can impair individuals’ functioning, influence children’s behavior, and create barriers to accessing education, interfere with engagement in work or work productivity, and hinder one’s ability to engage in social or community functions. Nonetheless, most people with mental health conditions around the world do not receive effective care. Among people living with depression, only 1 in 5 persons in high-income countries and 1 in 27 in lower-middle income countries receive minimally adequate treatment, in part due to an insufficient number of workers trained in mental health care. Integrating MHPSS services across sectors is essential, but a question remains regarding the quality of the training and the competency of the workforce. Making certain that the MHPSS workforce across sectors such as education, protection and health are able to attend to these challenges can ensure that individuals with mental health problems will have access to effective evidence based MHPSS interventions. Access to a competent and skillful workforce will aid the community as well. One way to address access to care is to expand MHPSS services delivered by diverse cadres in different settings. With appropriate training and supervision, professionals and non-professionals can provide support and effective help.

The IASC Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Minimum Service Package (MSP) is an inter sectoral package of high priority MHPSS activities needed during humanitarian crises to address the mental health and psychosocial support needs of affected populations. Use of the MSP is expected to lead to better-coordinated, more predictable and more equitable responses that make effective use of limited resources and thus improve the scale and quality of programming. This will ultimately result in substantially better mental health and psychosocial well-being for larger numbers of people.

The MSP was released as an IASC product in December 2022. It has been increasingly incorporated into key humanitarian response planning documents, both at country-specific (e.g. North-West Syria Multisectoral MHPSS Operational Plan, Armenia Refugee Response Plan) and global levels (e.g. 77th World Health Assembly Draft Resolution A77/A/CONF./11; United for Global Mental Health (2021). It has been centrally featured in core MHPSS training packages (e.g. UNICEF & MHPSS Collaborative Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for Children and Caregivers, Fordham University Mental Health in Complex Emergencies; IASC READY Package: Integrating MHPSS in Emergency Preparedness and Risk Reduction) and served as a basis for key advocacy initiatives (e.g. the 2025 multi-agency advocacy paper for mental health in humanitarian action). Technical support to use the MSP and strengthen the MHPSS response across different sectors and areas of work has been provided to various interagency groups (e.g. Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Sudan, Uganda, Venezuela) and to MHPSS surge roster members (Istanbul 2024; the Hague 2025). Since 2022 there have been over 3400 participant engagements in online orientations and over 1300 unique participants in intensive workshops. To support the implementation of the MSP, a range of operational tools were developed, including: a Multi-sectoral MHPSS needs and resources Assessment Toolkit, additional MSP workshop modules (e.g. on Monitoring and Evaluation) to build capacity on the MSP across sectors.

The purpose of the consultancy is to continue to enhance the response capacity with the MHPSS MSP through supported implementation, development of operational tools and field test.

Scope of Work:

The consultant will support the management of the IASC MHPSS MSP helpdesk and the development of MSP operational tools, respective field testing and revision processes, as well as provide training and support to build the capacity of humanitarian actors in using the MSP across different sectors and areas of work to strengthen the MHPSS response. The consultant will also participate in the IASC Thematic Group meetings on engaging people with lived experience (PWLE) in mental health conditions in emergency settings, provide technical input and contribute to the development of key products. 

Terms of Reference / Key Deliverables:

Work Assignment Overview/Deliverables and Outputs/Delivery deadline

1. 

• Launch of the MSP Multi Sectoral MHPSS Assessment Toolkit
• Support field implementation of MHPSS assessment toolkit 
• Updates to MSP website

- Organization and facilitation of 3 dissemination events for the MSP Multi Sectoral MHPSS Assessment Toolkit 

- Remote support to 4 countries for using the MHPSS assessment toolkit (online) – in English, Spanish, Portuguese

- MSP website page is updated with final content of the MSP Multi Sectoral MHPSS Assessment Toolkit – (French, Spanish)

27 Mar 2026

2. 

• Support the development of an MSP workshop module on the MHPSS Assessment Toolkit
• Participate in online meetings of the IASC Thematic Group PWLI and support the MHPSS Specialist with contributing technical input in workplan activities.
• Data analysis of information gathered from MSP capacity building field test in 17 countries (English, Spanish, French, Portuguese)
• Development of an overview on MSP lessons learned, adaptations and recommendations from  capacity building field test

- 2 in-depth reviews of draft workshop module on the MHPSS Assessment Toolkit

- Technical input provided in 2 online meetings from IASC Thematic Group PWLI

- Qualitative data analysis of MSP data from capacity building efforts in 17 countries (English, Spanish, French, Portuguese)

- 1 overview of MSP lessons learned, adaptations, recommendations

30 Apr 2026

3. 

• Supporting the development of key products from the IASC Thematic Group PWLI
• Revision and further development of the MSP original workshop modules and surveys based on results from data analysis

- 2 online meetings on the desk-review of existing guidance and case studies on engagement of PWLE in emergencies to provide technical input.

- 1 survey developed and disseminated for collecting data on needs and gaps regarding engagement of PWLE in emergencies

- 4 online consultations with humanitarian actors to determine perceived needs and gaps regarding engagement of PWLE in emergencies

- 2 revisions of desk review results

- 2 revisions of MSP original workshop modules and surveys

- 1 MSP workshop package & 2 MSP workshop surveys finalized

25 May 2026

4. 

• Implementation of the workshop module on MHPSS in the public health emergency response to infectious disease outbreaks
• Support the development of MSP workshop Module on Integrating MHPSS into humanitarian processes and documents

- Roll-out of workshop module on MHPSS in the public health emergency response to infectious disease outbreaks in 2 countries; English, Spanish, Portuguese)

- 1 revision of workshop module based on feedback from users

- 1 workshop module on MHPSS in the public health emergency response to infectious disease outbreaks finalized

- 2 meetings for provision of technical input on the development of workshop Module on Integrating MHPSS into humanitarian processes and documents

- 2 revisions of workshop Module on Integrating MHPSS into  humanitarian processes and documents

28 Jun 2026

5. Development of workshop module on the contextualization of the MHPSS MSP package

- Draft workshop module developed on the contextualization of the MHPSS MSP package

- 2 revisions of the workshop module based on feedback from 2 rounds of review by the MSP Global team

- 1 revision of workshop module based on feedback from UNICEF

01 Aug 2026

6. 

• Implementation of a workshop module on the contextualization of the MHPSS MSP package
• Development of an MSP website language version in Portuguese
• Liaise with translator for translation of MSP products
• Revision of translations

- Workshop module on the contextualization of the MHPSS MSP package rolled out in 2 countries

- 1 revision of workshop module based on feedback from users

- 1 workshop module on the contextualization of the MHPSS MSP package finalized

- MSP website language version in Portuguese is available

- Minimum 1 online meeting with translators

- 3 revisions of translations of MSP content to Portuguese including quality insurance of MHPSS terminology (MSP Sector Guides, M&E Indicator Bank , M&E Indicator trackers)

15 Sept 2026

7. 

• Supporting the development of a guidance note on engaging PWLE in emergencies from the IASC Thematic Group PWLI
• Revision and analysis of MSP capacity building  case studies from 10 countries (English, Spanish, French) and development of an overview on MSP use, impact and lessons learned

- 1 draft guidance note on engaging PWLE in emergencies developed in collaboration with Thematic Group agencies

- 2 revisions of draft guidance note based on feedback from IASC Reference Group members 

- 15 MSP Case studies revised and analysed (English, Spanish, French)

- 1 overview of MSP case examples (use, impact and lessons learned) developed

30 Oct 2026

8. 

• MSP helpdesk
• Revision of MHPSS and MSP capacity building role-play activities
• Analysis of changes needed to the MSP package based on user feedback (2022 to 2026) and the humanitarian reset
• Development of overview on changes needed to the MSP package

- 100 actors reached with MSP online orientations across 3 regions (LACRO, MENA, ESARO)

- 2 MSP Workshops delivered (in collaboration with MSP team) to inter agency groups and/or implementing agencies

- Minimum 5 meetings with MSP supported countries

- 1 revision of MHPSS and MSP capacity building role-play activities

- 1 analysis of changes needed to the MSP package

- 1 overview of changes needed to the MSP package based on user feedback and the humanitarian reset

2 Dec 2026

9. 

• Liaise with designer for final MSP products (workshop modules: contextualization of the MHPSS MSP package; MHPSS Assessment Toolkit; MHPSS in the public health emergency response to infectious disease outbreaks; Integrating MHPSS into humanitarian processes and documents)
• Liaise with translators for final MSP products

- Minimum of 3 online meetings to set up the product design

- Minimum 2 reviews of designed content to ensure satisfactory completion

- Minimum 2 online meetings with translators

- 2 revisions of French and Spanish translations of the workshop modules, including quality insurance of MHPSS terminology

30 Jan 2027

10. 

• Launch of MSP workshop modules (contextualization of the MHPSS MSP package; MHPSS in the public health emergency response to infectious disease outbreaks; MHPSS Assessment Toolkit)
• Development of MSP surveys to track use and impact of MSP implementation

- Organization and facilitation of 3 dissemination events for the MSP Workshop Package 

- Minimum 2 surveys developed for tracking use and impact of MSP implementation

- 1 donor report completed

25 Feb 2027 

Qualifications

Education:   

Advanced University degree in Psychology, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, Child Protection in Humanitarian action. 

Language Proficiency: 

Fluency in English and Portuguese required. Knowledge of French and Spanish highly desirable. Knowledge of Arabic is an asset. 

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required *:

A minimum of 10 years experience in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in development and humanitarian contexts

- Experience (remote and in country) supporting coordination groups/implementing agencies to implement the MHPSS MSP

- Extensive knowledge of IASC MHPSS guidelines

-  Experience supporting the integration of MHPSS in other sectors and AoRs (e.g. Child Protection, Education, Gender-based violence)

- Experience developing the MHPSS MSP is a strong asset

- Experience developing MHPSS tools and facilitating workshops/trainings

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.