Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Expert

UNICEF is supporting health, nutrition, HIV prevention, education, access to safe drinking water, sanitation and protection for children and families caught in the conflict.

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.

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 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 MHPSS international UNV (expert) with robust technical and programmatic skills. This expert will be critical in translating strategic visions into practical, culturally tailored interventions that meet the unique socio-political challenges faced by Ukraine

Guided by the Chief of Health and Nutrition, the MHPSS international UNV expert supports MHPSS programming 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 MHPSS expert 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

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.