Health Specialist (MHPSS)

Job no: 577722
Contract type: Temporary Appointment
Duty Station: Kyiv
Level: NO-3
Location: Ukraine
Categories: Health

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.

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 advocates for mental health as a holistic issue that is relevant to every sector of development and embraces all SDG's as determinants of mental health and psychosocial well-being, underpinning the prevention, promotion, treatment continuum and an approach that is collaborative, multi-sectoral, and spans across health, social and child protection, education, gender, and other sectors in order to be effective in addressing the global burden of mental health conditions.

In Ukraine, the protracted conflict has intensified the demand for MHPSS services, exacerbating pre-existing conditions and expanding the need across the nation. In response, UNICEF Ukraine’s Country Programme for 2025-2029 ambitiously aims to address these pervasive needs comprehensively. To advance this cause, UNICEF Ukraine seeks to appoint a dedicated Health Specialist (MHPSS) proficient in MHPSS with robust programmatic skills. This specialist will be critical in translating strategic visions into practical, culturally tailored interventions that meet the unique socio-political challenges faced by Ukraine

Job organizational context: The Health Specialist (MHPSS) role is situated in the Ukraine Country Office and reports directly to the Health Manager (MHPSS). This position is essential for bridging health-focused MHPSS programming with broader organizational goals, ensuring a comprehensive approach to mental health and psychosocial support by integrating efforts across both internal sectors and external partnerships.

Purpose for the job: Guided by the Health Manager (MHPSS), the Health Specialist supports MHPSS programming primarily within the health sector while coordinating with other crucial UNICEF sectors such as education, child protection, Adolescent Development and Participation (ADAP), and Social and Behavior Change (SBC). This role also entails significant collaboration with external entities, including government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders, to embed MHPSS into their programs, thereby fostering a unified approach to health and well-being across various sectors.

Additionally, the Specialist is instrumental in shaping and influencing national MHPSS policies. By offering expert guidance to external stakeholders such as the national MHPSS coordination center, Ministry of Health, educational leaders, and community organizations, the Specialist ensures that MHPSS initiatives are harmoniously integrated into the broader health and social systems. This effort is complemented by UNICEF’s collaboration with the “All-Ukraine Health Program”, which aims to establish a far-reaching support network impacting various societal dimensions.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Support UNICEF’s MHPSS programming in Ukraine.
2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results.
3. Provide technical and operational support to support the national MHPSS system.
4. Networking and partnership building.
5. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building.
6. 
   

7. To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

   Minimum requirements:

   Education:

   An advanced University degree is required in Psychology or Psychiatry.

   Work Experience: 

   • A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in MHPSS programme planning and management and in one or more of the following areas is required: public health/nutrition planning and management, maternal and neonatal health care, or health emergency/humanitarian preparedness is required.
   • Strong organizational and facilitation skills whether face to face or remotely with diverse stakeholders.
   • Demonstrated experience with programme cycle management.
   • Comfortable to work independently while coordinating closely with different teams.

   Language Requirements: 

   • Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required.

   Desirables:

   • Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency. 
   • Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
   • Knowledge of another official UN language or local language is considered as an asset.
8. Method Of Application 
9. TO APPLY:Visit The Official Webpage