Health Manager (MHPSS) Vacancy-Job Ref: WJUAUNICEF/0711/202476

Health Manager (MHPSS) Vacancy-Job Ref: WJUAUNICEF/0711/202476
Kyiv (Ukraine)
JOB DESCRIPTION
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.
At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.
UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.
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IV. Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks
Summary of key functions/accountabilities:
Lead the design, planning and i operationalization of UNICEF’s cross-sectoral MHPSS strategy and interventions throughout the organization in Ukraine.
Manage the MHPSS programme delivery, monitoring, and reporting of results.
Provide technical, advisory and operational support to foster a sound and collaborative approach to MHPSS across all UNICEF sectors.
Build and maintain partnerships and networks.
Promote innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building.
1. Lead the design and planning of UNICEF’s cross-sectoral MHPSS strategy throughout the organization in Ukraine.
Support the design, planning, , and updating of UNICEF’s cross-sectoral MHPSS approach, ensuring alignment and coordination across all sectors in Ukraine and with Ukraine national MHPSS operational roadmap.
Establish robust communication channels and information management systems to foster strong collaboration among sectors.
Ensure that UNICEF cross-sectoral MHPSS approach is technically sound, based on the latest international evidenced- based guidelines and responsive to the needs of children, young people, parents, and caregivers affected by the conflict in Ukraine. Ensures UNICEF cross-sectoral MHPSS approach addresses and covers both MHPSS humanitarian needs and interventions as well as MHPSS system strengthening and long-term service delivery.
Improve the availability and use of MHPSS data to inform policy and programmatic decisions, guiding strategic advocacy and intervention efforts.Provide expert and technical assistance to chiefs of sections, Chiefs of field offices, technical MHPSS focal points in Kiev and field offices in setting sectoral priorities and strategies, for MHPSS initiatives while maintaining coherence and complementarity across sectors and adherence with UNICEF national multisectoral MHPSS strategy.
Provide technical and advisory guidance to line Ministries (health, education, social affairs, youth) at national level for the development of sound and robust national MHPSS legislation and regulations and for the design and planning of MHPSS services for children, adolescents and their caregivers, in line with international best practices and evidenced-based standards.
Identify needs and partnership opportunities for research initiatives and research implementation projects to generate data related to children and adolescents mental health and well being and to create evidence on MHPSS interventions targeting children, adolescents and caregivers. Ensure data and research findings are used to adjust UNICEF MHPSS multi-sectoral programming.
Stay informed of national, regional, and global developments to identify opportunities for cross-sectoral MHPSS integration.Participate in strategic discussions around MHPSS programme planning, contributing to the formulation, design, and development of proposals for cross-sectoral MHPSS initiatives. Ensure alignment with UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, Global Framework on MHPSS, and national/regional priorities.
Establish specific goals, objectives, and strategies for the cross-sectoral MHPSS approach using results-based management (RBM) methodologies. Prepare necessary documentation for programme review and approval.
Provide technical, advisory and operational support throughout the programme cycle to ensure coherence, integration, and harmonization of MHPSS initiatives, facilitating the achievement of planned results.
Manage the MHPSS programme delivery, monitoring, and reporting of results.
Collaborate with UNICEF colleagues across all sectors and divisions and external partners to identify opportunities for cross-sectoral MHPSS coordination.
Provide technical and operational assistance to chiefs of sections, Chiefs of field offices, technical MHPSS focal points in Kiev and field offices in developing and operationalizing sectoral and complementary implementation plans for the delivery of integrated MHPSS services at sub-national (hromada) level, in line with UNICEF multisectoral MHPSS strategy.
Identify and establish partnerships with technically sound implementing partners, government line Ministries, professional associations, academic/research institutions for the delivery of integrated MHPSS services across sectors (health, education, social, youth, SBC) and for the development of training curriculum when needed, based on the latest international standards and guidelines in the sector of mental health.
Support the development of MHPSS sectoral tools, training curriculum and materials when needed and support the formulation of sectoral roll out plans to scale up MHPSS services, workforce capacity-building and use of manualized interventions when relevant and in collaboration with key partners in each sector
Organize and implement capacity-building initiatives to enhance the ability of partners and stakeholders to integrate promotive, preventive, and responsive MHPSS services across sectors.
Establish benchmarks and performance indicators to assess progress, accountability, and delivery of sustainable MHPSS results in each sector and across sectors.
Participate in programme monitoring and evaluation exercises, as well as reviews with government counterparts and other stakeholders, to assess progress and inform adjustments needed to achieve targets.
Analyze monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps and strengths in the cross-sectoral MHPSS programmes. Use lessons learned to improve planning and cross-sectoral interventions.
Conduct field visits, surveys, and stakeholder exchanges to actively monitor programme progress, identify bottlenecks, and ensure timely issue resolution.
Ensure the optimal use of programme resources, complying with organizational rules, regulations, and donor requirements. Provide timely reporting and manage the liquidation of resources.
Prepare regular programme reports for management, donors, and partners, keeping all stakeholders informed of programme progress.
3. Provide technical and operational support to strengthen a collaborative approach to MHPSS across all UNICEF sectors.
Provide technical guidance and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and other country office partners and donors to improve the design, implementation and deliver results related to the integration of promotive, preventive and responsive cross-sectoral Mental health and Psychosocial support services in development and emergency contexts.
Participate in cross-sectoral MHPSS programme meetings, including MHPSS TWG related to MHPSS programme development and contingency planning to provide technical and operational information, advice and support.
Draft policy papers, briefs and other strategic programme materials related to the implementation of a cross-sectoral MHPSS approach for management use.
4. Build and maintain partnerships and networks.
Coordinate and elevate UNICEF’s cross-sectoral MHPSS strategy with government authorities, donors, UN agencies, research and academic institutions, professional associations and external stakeholders in the sector of MHPSS and position UNICEF as a lead agency in addressing MHPSS needs of children, adolescents and their caregivers in Ukraine.
Prepare advocacy and communication materials to promote awareness, establish strategic partnerships, and support fundraising for MHPSS programmes.
Represent UNICEF in inter-agency discussions, MHPSS clusters, and working groups, ensuring UNICEF’s position and priorities are reflected in inter-agency planning and programme development.
Actively engage in UN planning, ensuring UNICEF’s cross-sectoral MHPSS strategies are integrated into broader development planning and agenda-setting processes.
5. Promote innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building.
Introduce innovative approaches and best practices to strengthen partner and stakeholder capacity in delivering sustainable cross-sectoral MHPSS results.
Stay updated on international evidence and best practices in MHPSS and ensure that lessons learned are institutionalized and shared across UNICEF sectors and partners to adjust UNICEF MHPSS programming.
Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures that promote efficiency and effectiveness in cross-sectoral MHPSS programmes.
Support governments and partners in developing innovative MHPSS service delivery solutions (e.g., apps, helplines) that address current needs.
V. Impact of Results
The effective leadership and coordination provided by the Health Manager (MHPSS) in implementing UNICEF’s cross-sectoral MHPSS approach will lead to meaningful and lasting improvements in mental health and psychosocial well-being for children, adolescents, parents, and caregivers affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
By ensuring seamless collaboration across sectors, the Health Manager (MHPSS) will enhance UNICEF’s credibility and strengthen its ability to deliver comprehensive and multi-sectoral MHPSS services, reinforcing the organization’s role as a trusted provider of care and support in crisis situations.
VI. Competencies and level of proficiency required (based on UNICEF Professional Competency Profiles)
Core Values
Care
Respect
Integrity
Trust
Accountability
Core Competencies
Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (1)
Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)
Works Collaboratively with others (2)
Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)
Innovates and Embraces Change (2)
Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)
Drives to achieve impactful results (2)
Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)
Functional Competencies
Analyzing (3)
Deciding and Initiating action (2)
Applying technical expertise (3)
VII. Technical Competencies
Technical competencies must be demonstrated in the following areas:
understanding of the overall global development context, including the application of the child rights based approach, equity lens and human rights perspectives.
knowledge of the current context in Ukraine, including the effects of the conflict on the mental health of children, young people, parents and caregivers.
knowledge of global developments in delivering cross-sectoral mental health and psychosocial support.
ability to support policy dialogue: translation of analytical findings and evidence into development programmes and policy discussions with partners, including government, development partners, CSOs and academia in relevant areas.
Some programme management, including programme design, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
ability to support engagement with partners.
VIII. Recruitment Qualifications
Education:
Master’s degree or advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: Psychology, Psychiatry, Pedagogy, Social Work, Social Sciences, or another relevant technical field.
Experience:
A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in MHPSS programme planning, implementation and monitoring is required, preferably with experience in delivering multi-sectoral MHPSS programming.
Strong organizational and facilitation skills whether face to face or remotely with diverse stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience with programme cycle management and result-based management.
Comfortable to work independently while coordinating closely with different teams.
Experience working in a middle income country and in the region is considered as an asset.
Relevant experience in a UN system agency or Non government organization is considered as an asset.
Language Requirements:
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Ukrainian or another local language is considered as an asset.
Other
Good knowledge and understanding of humanitarian principles, child safeguarding measures and established international standards on mental health and psychosocial support for children in humanitarian settings.
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