Job Description

UNICEF works in some of the world\'s toughest places, to reach the world\'s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, hope

Psychological distress experienced by children, youth and families at the onset of any emergency, within the context of protracted humanitarian settings, or in the context of abuse and violence, is a serious issue that requires a comprehensive and layered mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) layered response, in line with the IASC MHPSS Guidelines in Emergency settings, with (1) adequate focus on provision of basic services, (2) strengthening social and community networks and support systems, (3) providing focused non-specialized services to especially vulnerable children, women and men, and (4) providing or facilitating referral and access to specialized care as needed. UNICEF often provides leadership in coordination on MHPSS along with other UN and international organizations.

How can you make a difference?

Under the supervision of the Social Behavior Change Specialist, the programme officer will support UNICEF Country Offices on the implementation and roll out of the UNICEF Community Based Operational Guidelines on MHPSS for Children and Families. In particular the work will focus on strengthening MHPSS programming, providing guidance on establishing more comprehensive MHPSS services and systems for children and families, and building partnerships with NGOs and with Member States. Travel to interagency meetings, and countries where MHPSS programming is implemented, is contingent on need and availability of funds.

Technical Support

• Support the provision of technical assistance to UNICEF regional and country offices in the planning, development and implementation of MHPSS interventions for children, adolescents and families, in line with the Core Commitments for Children in HumanAitarian Action.
• Support with coordination of the joint project with the World Health Organization, to develop and implement a costed Minimum Services Package of priority actions and interventions to be carried out by humanitarian actors responding to initial MHPSS needs in both new emergencies and ongoing protracted conflict settings; and to do so with approaches that optimise potential for quality and sustainable MHPSS across sectors; with a focus on MHPSS within Child Protection and Education in emergencies.
• Support the development and functioning of a MHPSS specific community of practice (COP) for UNICEF Country Offices
• Support in developing and reviewing MHPSS training packages and resources linked to thematic groups led by UNICEF within the IASC MHPSS Reference Group, while continuing to update existing UNICEF MHPSS compendium of resources on MHPSS.net.

Reporting and Advocacy

• Provide inputs on MHPSS for briefing notes and other documents for senior management to advocate for the importance of investment in and access to MHPSS in humanitarian settings within CP and other areas of humanitarian response.
• Support the inclusion of necessary provisions related to MHPSS for children and families affected by adversity.

Networking and partnership building

• Support the development and management of partnerships, networks and influence with a range of external partners (civil society, NGOs, UN Agencies, CP AOR, CP Alliance, and IASC bodies) as well as with other headquarters sections, to identify areas for convergence, and develop and reinforce partnerships in MHPSS related programming and advocacy.

Development of Research Initiatives

• In collaboration with research partners, support the development of methodologies and innovative approaches to improve data collection and analysis, with emphasis on implementation science, and providing information that will contribute to improving appropriate programme responses to MHPSS needs of children and families affected by adversity.
• Support the development of new working tools and improvement of existing tools to monitor, report and respond to needs of children and families affected by adversity.

Additional Activities

Additional activities related to MHPSS to be determined in conjunction with the supervisor in line with identified field level and global priorities, and on a needs-basis.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have\xe2\x80\xa6

• Bachelor\'s degree in mental health and psychosocial programming or other relevant field with minimum 2 years of professional experience in setting up or establishing mental health and psychosocial programs for children, adolescents, caregivers, and families in humanitarian settings. Having an Advance master\'s degree could be an advantage.
• In depth knowledge of Mental Health & Psychosocial programming in the humanitarian context
• Experience integrating MHPSS in emergency response
• Experience integrated Sector MHPSS planning and programming
• Experience in using and promoting the IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support In Emergency Settings
• Training and facilitating experience required
• Strong organizational and coordination skills with excellent reporting & writing skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work within different cultural environment
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language including the local language is an asset
• Open to Malaysian Nationals only

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 competencies required for this post are\xe2\x80\xa6

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others.

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Click to learn more about UNICEF\'s job categories (GS/NO/IP)

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: .

UNICEF is here to serve the world\'s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. , irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a , including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and . UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
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 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.

Remarks:

UNICEF\'s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates are encouraged to apply.

[If Applicable] Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

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

Advertised: 10 Jul 2023 Singapore Standard Time
Deadline: 23 Jul 2023 Singapore Standard Time

Unicef