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, health
Organizational Context and Purpose for the job
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, 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. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.
Job organizational context: The MHPSS Specialist is to be based in the Poland Country Office. The Specialist reports to the Deputy Representative who is at Level 4.
Purpose for the job: The MHPSS Specialist reports to the Deputy Representative for guidance and general supervision. The Specialist supports the development and preparation of the MHPSS components of the country programme and is responsible for the management, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of these components. The Specialist provides technical guidance and management support throughout the programming processes. H/She facilitates the administration and achievement of concrete and sustainable contributions to regional, national and international efforts to create a protective environment for children against all harm, and to protect their rights to survival, development and well being as established under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, international treaties/frameworks and UN intergovernmental bodies.
The Specialist contributes to the achievement of results according to plans, allocation, results based-management approaches and methodology (RBM), and UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance and accountability framework.
Key function, accountabilities and related duties/tasks
Summary of key functions/accountabilities:
Support to programme/project development and planning
Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results
Technical and operational support to programme implementation
Networking and partnership building
Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building
Support to programme/project development and planning
Support the preparation, design and updating of the situation analysis for the MHPSS components of the country programme to ensure that current and comprehensive data on MHPSS issues are available to guide UNICEF’s strategic policy advocacy, intervention and development efforts on child rights and protection, and to set programme priorities, strategies, and design and implementation plans. Keep abreast of development trends to enhance programme management, efficiency and delivery.
Participate in strategic programme discussions on MHPSS programming. Support programme sections to formulate, design and prepare programme/project proposals for the MHPSS, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s overall Strategic Plan, MHPSS guiding documents, regional strategies and national priorities, plans and competencies.
Establish specific goals, objectives, strategies, and implementation plans for the sector using results-based planning terminology and methodology (RBM) in the CO. Prepare required documentations for programme review and approval.
Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and partners across sectors to discuss strategies and methodologies, and to determine national priorities and competencies to ensure the achievement of concrete and sustainable results.
Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming processes to ensure integration, coherence and harmonization of programmes/projects with other UNICEF sectors and achievement of results as planned and allocated.
Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results
Plan and collaborate with colleagues and external partners to establish monitoring benchmarks, performance indicators, other UNICEF/UN system indicators and measurements, to assess and strengthen performance accountability, coherence and delivery of concrete and sustainable results for the assigned sector in child protection programmes.
Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual reviews with the government and other counterparts to assess progress and to determine required actions and interventions to achieve results.
Prepare and assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths and/or weaknesses in programme management. Identify lessons learned and use knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention to achieve goals.
Actively monitor CO work by supporting CO’s programmes/projects through field visits, surveys and exchange of information with partners to assess progress, identify bottlenecks and potential problems. 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, donor commitments, as well as standards of accountability and integrity. Ensure timely reporting and liquidation of resources.
Prepare regular and mandated programme/project reports for management, donors and partners to keep them informed of programme progress.
Technical and operational support to programme implementation
Provide technical guidance and operational support to programme sections, government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and other country office partners and donors on the interpretation, application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes, best practices, and approaches on MHPSS to support programme management, implementation and delivery of results.
Arrange and coordinate availability of technical experts with RO and HQ to ensure timely and appropriate support throughout the programming process.
Participate in office and sectoral programme meetings, including programme development and contingency planning discussions on emergency preparedness in the country or other locations designated, to provide technical and operational information, advice and support.
Draft policy papers, briefs and other strategic programme materials for management use, information and/or consideration.
Networking and partnership building
Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with relevant government counterparts, national stakeholders, global partners, allies, donors, and academia - through active networking, advocacy and effective communication - to build capacity, exchange knowledge and expertise, and to reinforce cooperation to achieve sustainable and broad results in child protection.
Prepare communication and information materials for CO programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships/alliances and to support fund raising for MHPSS programmes and emergency interventions.
Participate and/or represent UNICEF in appropriate inter-agency (UNCT) discussions and planning on MHPSS related issues to collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues on planning and preparation of programmes/projects. Ensure organizational position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the process for development planning and agenda setting.
Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building
Apply and introduce innovative approaches and good practices to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders, and to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable programme results.
Keep abreast, research, benchmark, and implement best practices in MHPSS for children and families in humanitarian settings across sectors. Assess, institutionalize and share best practices and knowledge learned.
Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure
optimum efficiency and efficacy of sustainable programmes and projects.
Organize and implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of CO and stakeholders to promote sustainable results in MHPSS for children and families and related programmes/projects.
Impact of Results
The strategic and effective advocacy, planning and formulation of MHPSS programming and the achievement of sustainable results, contributes to the achievement of goals and objectives to create a protective environment for children against harm, all forms of violence and ensures their survival, development and mental health and psychosocial well being in society. Achievements in MHPSS programmes and projects in turn contribute to maintaining and enhancing the credibility and ability of UNICEF to provide programme services for mothers and children that promotes greater social equality in the country.
UNICEF values and competency Required
Core Values
Care
Respect
Integrity
Trust
Accountability
ii) 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)
Drive to achieve impactful results (2)
Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)
Recruitment Qualifications
Education: An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: psychology, social work, psychiatry, mental health nursing or other relevant field.
Experience: A minimum of eight years of professional experience in social development planning and management in MHPSS for children and families is required. Experience working in a humanitarian emergency is required. Experience working at a strategic level across countries is required.
Experience supervising others is required. Relevant experience in programme development in MHPSS related areas in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset. Experience in both development and humanitarian contexts is considered as an added advantage.
Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).
To view our competency framework, please visit here.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. 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 also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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:
Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
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 may also be 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.
This vacancy is archived.