Working arrangement: Remote/home based
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Purpose of Assignment:
The MHLT Policy, Accountability and Governance Consultant, supervised by the MHPSS Evidence and Systems Strengthening specialist in the Mental Health Unit, COE Global Health, will support the set-up of the child and adolescent mental health mechanism, funded by the Wellcome Trust, and provide ongoing support on global policy, governance and other tasks.
Scope of Work:
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 strategic priority across global areas, building upon existing programming through child protection, education and health. UNICEF’s Global multisectoral operational framework provides UNICEF staff and partners with a common approach and terminology across thematic areas, sectors, and settings on MHPSS. This consultancy will support global mental health advocacy deliverables including designing, implementing and refining an accountability mechanism (jointly led with WHO) which will launch in 2026.
This consultancy role is essential to ensure implementation of critical deliverables, including launch and ongoing maintenance of the web platform, country mapping and design of country policy workshops, day-to-day coordination with WHO, development of annual report, content and case studies, as well as project management and grant reporting duties. This consultancy is fully remote. Mission travel to select countries may be requested, as relevant to support meetings and summits/capacity development/training.
If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here: 
TMC0001851 TOR.pdf
Minimum requirements: (Qualifications/Experience/ Knowledge/Expertise/Skills)
- Education: Bachelors in the fields of: Public health/global mental health, international development, social sciences, policy, or related field with strong experience in applying legislative, policy, and advocacy work and public mental health systems, services, and financing, in mental health. (Please also refer to the work experience requirements. Experience)
- Work Experience A minimum of 7 years’ professional experience (5 years if with Master's degree) in related MHPSS or development field, demonstrating experience in programming, legislation, policy, financing and advocacy at national and international levels. Experience in LMICs is an asset.
- Master’s degree in related field with strong experience in applying legislative, policy, and advocacy work and public mental health systems, services, and financing, in mental health/ OR bachelor’s degree + additional 2 years' work experience.
- Knowledge of global frameworks and policies including MHPSS Operational Framework is essential.
- Knowledge and experience managing web platforms, including Drupal, is an asset.
- Proven stakeholder engagement and donor relations experience.
- Excellent interpersonal, analytical, presentation and communication skills.
- Leadership, versatility, judgement, maturity, ability to work effectively and harmoniously as part of a team and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
- Language Requirements: English Fluency other UN Languages Desirable
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
UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.
UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.
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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents via the online recruitment portal, TMS (Talent Management System):
Remarks: If the TOR or financial proposal documents are not visible on certain recruitment platforms, please visit our official page Vacancies | UNICEF Careers.
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.
Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.