Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Workforce and Capacity Development Pacific Multi Country Office Child protection s with trip (INTERNATIONAL only)📣 Job Ad

About the Role

UNICEF is seeking a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Workforce and Capacity Development professional for its Pacific Multi Country Office. This is an 18-month contract position, based remotely with the possibility of international travel.

Role Context and Objectives

Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) face significant challenges regarding the mental health and wellbeing of children and adolescents. Increasing mental health needs are driven by factors such as climate impacts, social stressors, and substance use. These issues are compounded by limited government and partner capacity for prevention, early intervention, and response, alongside gaps in service standards and coordination across health, education, justice, and child welfare sectors. This consultancy aims to strengthen national capacities in MHPSS for children, adolescents, and families, focusing on institutionalization for sustainability. The work will contribute to Output 2 Services under UNICEF Pacific's Child Protection programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Support multiple Pacific countries, including Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, and Kiribati, in strengthening the capacity of the MHPSS workforce and its systems.
• Work in close collaboration with ministries of health, education, justice, social welfare, faith-based organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Focus on the institutionalization of MHPSS capacity development for long-term sustainability.
• Contribute to the UNICEF Pacific Child Protection programme's objectives.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A Master's University degree in social work, a mental health-related field, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience at national and international levels in mental health and psychosocial support, including supervision and direct work with children.
• In-depth experience in child and adolescent mental health within Pacific Island countries.
• Direct clinical work experience with children.

Skills and Language Proficiency

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
• Proven ability to work in the Pacific with partners is highly desirable.
• Relevant experience in humanitarian action, program/project development, and management within UNICEF or similar organizations is an asset.

Contract Details and Work Environment

This is a contract position for 18 months, commencing from 1 July 2026 to 1 January 2028. The role is remote, with the requirement for international travel. This position has been assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes, requiring additional vetting and assessment.