CON 006/2026 MHPSS and Peacebuilding Handbook Development Consultant

Job Description

Background

The topic of integrating Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and Peacebuilding has gained considerable attention over the past years. Conflict and war, structural violence and environmental hazards impact the mental health and psychosocial well-being of individuals and communities. Unaddressed mental health and psychosocial challenges can hinder individual and collective recovery from adversity, including the reestablishment of social networks and long-term peaceful coexistence. Therefore, to build peace, there is a strong need to integrate MHPSS with peacebuilding efforts. Most integrative efforts and publications have focused on bringing MHPSS approaches into peacebuilding work. Although this is highly important, it is equally important to bring peacebuilding approaches into MHPSS work. In this sense, the integration of MHPSS and peacebuilding is bidirectional. 

In 2020, the UN Secretary-General called for the integration of MHPSS and peacebuilding to be strengthened. The call reflected the extensive work of the UN on the Peacebuilding Architecture Review and the sustaining peace agenda, which highlighted the significant role of MHPSS in achieving and sustaining peace. Several organisations, including UNDP and Interpeace, have published guidelines for integration, in 2022. And in January 2024, the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) published its Guidance Note on Integrating MHPSS and Peacebuilding: A Mapping and Recommendations for Practitioners, and an accompanying policy brief, under the leadership of the thematic working group on MHPSS and peacebuilding of the IASC MHPSS Reference Group, now Community of Practice (CoP). However, there is a lack of resources for practitioners on how to operationalise MHPSS and Peacebuilding integration and adapt it to local contexts.

Practitioners have expressed strong demand for practical support to operationalise MHPSS–Peacebuilding integration, including guidance on integrated programme design, monitoring and evaluation indicators, theories of change, and cross-sector training for MHPSS and peacebuilding staff. In response, the IASC Thematic Working Group on MHPSS and Peacebuilding, co-chaired by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and ARQ International (ARQ), will recruit a consultant, through IOM, to develop an action-oriented practitioners’ handbook to support application of MHPSS–Peacebuilding integration across the programme cycle.

Responsibilities

Objective

The objective of this assignment is the development of an inter-agency handbook on MHPSS and Peacebuilding that can support the operationalization of the IASC (2024) Guidance. The planned Practitioner’s Handbook for MHPSS and Peacebuilding will draw on key theoretical approaches and tools from both fields and translate them into practical tools and guidance for integrated programming. 

Importantly, while the Practitioner’s Handbook will provide guidance on assessment, monitoring and evaluation and capacity building, it will be non-prescriptive, encouraging practitioners to build on local knowledge where possible and relevant. 

The consultant is expected to refer significantly to the existing IASC Guidance Integrating MHPSS and Peacebuilding: A Mapping and Recommendations for Practitioners in the development of the Practitioners’ Handbook, ensuring close linkages between the two documents in structure and content. The consultant will also stay informed and collaborate as much as possible with current initiatives in the realm of MHPSS and Peacebuilding integration. The consultant is expected to collaborate closely with the MEL Framework Consultant (currently being recruited in parallel), build on the planned MEL framework and ensure the complementarity of the developed tools. Feedback loops through consultations of selected field practitioners, which will be facilitated by the thematic working group on MHPSS and Peacebuilding, are foreseen to validate the handbook under development.   

Target group

The primary target group of the handbook are practitioners, working at the individual, family, community, and national levels, from both the peacebuilding and MHPSS fields spanning diverse conflict and post-crises settings around the world.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support and Intercultural Communication (MHPSS-IC) Unit and the direct supervision of the MHPSS Officer (Peace and Recovery) the consultant is required to develop a practitioner’s handbook on Integrating MHPSS and Peacebuilding based on the IASC Guidance (2024). The consultant will work closely with the steering committee set up for the purpose of the consultancy, composed by members of the thematic working group on MHPSS and Peacebuilding. 

1. First Deliverable –by 15 June 2026 (30%) 

• Inception report based on desk review, outlining proposed methodology;

• Basic conceptual framework/theory of change for the integration of MHPSS and Peacebuilding;

• Draft outline of the Practitioner’s Handbook

Tasks: 

• Kick of Meeting with Steering Committee

• Desk review of existing theoretical frameworks, theories of change, and key concepts from the MHPSS and Peacebuilding fields that inform an integrated approach across the programme cycle, with significant reference to the IASC Guidance Note on Integrating MHPSS and Peacebuilding: A Mapping and Recommendations for Practitioners.

• Develop guidance on how to establish a basic conceptual framework/theory of change for MHPSS and Peacebuilding integration in a specific context;

• Develop an outline of the Practitioner’s Handbook and present it to the steering committee.

2. Second Deliverable – by 15 November 2026 (50%)

• First draft of the Practitioner’s Handbook developed by the consultant with the following suggested content

• Theoretical frameworks, theories of change, and key concepts and principles from the MHPSS and Peacebuilding fields that inform an integrated approach.

• Integrating MHPSS and Peacebuilding across the project cycle.

  i.     Integrating MHPSS and Peacebuilding context and needs assessments (psychosocial and conflict dynamics, and conflict sensitivity.

  ii.    How to develop a MHPSS-PB framework for a specific (country/ project) context.

  iii.   Defining joint MHPSS and Peacebuilding outcomes (linking to the planned MEL Framework).

  iv.   Implementing integrated MHPSS and Peacebuilding projects: 

1.           Capacity Building

2.           Tools and approaches;

3.           Multi-layered, multi-stakeholder implementation

4.           Adaptive/ flexible programming

v. Measuring joint MHPSS and Peacebuilding outcomes (linking to the planned MEL Framework).

• Sustainability of integrated programmes

  i.     Cross-sectoral partnerships and advocacy

• Best practices in co-creating integrated MHPSS and Peacebuilding initiatives (among practitioners and within organisations).

  i.     Creating networks at national level on MHPSS and PB.

  ii.    Funding for integrated programmes.

  iii.   Surge Support for MHPSS and Peacebuilding Integration.

Tasks: 

• Limited survey of existing practical tools and approaches in MHPSS and Peacebuilding used by diverse national and international actors, to be facilitated by members of the MHPSS and Peacebuilding Thematic Group;

  • Limited consultations with practitioners specifically working on MHPSS and Peacebuilding integration, with a focus on local actors and ensuring representation from different regions

  • What tools and approaches have been most relevant to their integrated initiatives?

  • What are the gaps in practical and applied tools, both in terms of what does not yet exist and the limitations of existing tools? 

  • What processes do their teams use to collaborate with stakeholders across different sectors? 

  • What processes do they use to adapt existing tools to local settings?

Presentation of First Draft to steering committee and members of the MHPSS and Peacebuilding Thematic Group 

3. Third Deliverable – by 15 December 2026 (20%)

• Review and validation by the MHPSS and Peacebuilding Thematic Group and circulated for review and feedback and field practitioners;

• Feedback incorporated by consultant into final version of handbook and cross-checked with MEL Framework consultant to ensure mutual agreement of the products;

• Final version is endorsed by the MHPSS and Peacebuilding Working Group.

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

• Handbook developed, reviewed, and finalized in coordination with subject matter experts.

• Regular updates on the status of the work to the IOM MHPSS Officer and the steering committee

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• Master’s degree in psychology, social work, community development, peace and conflict studies, development studies or anthropology from an accredited academic institution with at least ten years of relevant professional experience; or.

  • University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 6 years of progressively responsible professional experience spanning both the MHPSS and Peacebuilding fields is required; specific experience in integrated MHPSS and Peacebuilding efforts is strongly preferred.

• Minimum 10 years in humanitarian response, peacebuilding and/or conflict prevention.

Knowledge and skills 

• Very good knowledge of IASC Guidance Integrating MHPSS and Peacebuilding: A Mapping and Recommendations for Practitioners and related products

• Previous experience in developing practice-oriented, user-friendly pedagogical tools in a participatory way which support applied learning and reflective practice for practitioners

• Previous experience in qualitative research, including facilitating information collection from stakeholders

• Fluency in English (oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.

• Excellent writing and communication skills

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds

• Proven ability to produce quality work accurately and consistently according to set deadlines. 

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioral indicators (Level 2)

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
2. This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
3. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
4. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, 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.
5. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
6. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
7. No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

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