Consultant -Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) ConsultancyJob Description1. Background to the AssignmentUkraine’s ongoing war has severely impacted the mental health of children and adolescents. A 2025 UNICEF survey found that:* 1 in 5 children had lost a close relative. * 1 in 3 children reported deep hopelessness disrupting daily life.An estimated 1.5 million children are at risk of mental health conditions, while over 800 health facilities have been damaged, significantly limiting access to care.Despite ongoing efforts by the government and humanitarian partners, critical gaps remain, particularly at the hromada (community) level, regarding:* What MHPSS services currently exist * Where services are available * How populations can access themPrevious 4Ws mapping exercises helped expand access to care. However, granular and up-to-date data are still lacking, particularly in rural areas. This limits effective referrals, service coordination, and planning.This assignment will be led by International Medical Corps Ukraine’s MHPSS Team, including:* MHPSS Coordinator * MHPSS Deputy Coordinator * MHPSS Senior Manager * HQ Technical Unit Team, including the Senior Advisor for MHPSSThe assignment aligns with the objectives of UNICEF and International Medical Corps to strengthen child-focused MHPSS systems in Ukraine.The work will contribute to:* National mental health strategies * Global IASC MHPSS standards, including the Minimum Service Package (MSP)This ensures that the mapping and needs assessment follow international best practices and support a coordinated, multisectoral MHPSS response.2. Purpose of the AssignmentThe overall purpose of this consultancy is to generate granular, up-to-date evidence on MHPSS services, needs, and gaps for children and adolescents in target oblasts of Ukraine.This evidence will help address the current data gap at the local level, enabling humanitarian actors and government stakeholders to design interventions based on actual needs and service availability.Specific ObjectivesThe consultancy will aim to:1. Produce a draft needs assessment report, analyzing findings in comparison with service mapping data and finalizing the report based on stakeholder feedback. 2. Finalize a comparative analysis across: * Needs assessment findings * Service mapping data * Summary dashboard insightsThis will highlight key gaps and overlaps in services.1. Draft and finalize an analytical report presenting: * Evidence-based conclusions * Actionable recommendationsThe report will support improved targeting, coordination, and resource allocation for child-focused MHPSS services.3. Scope of the AssignmentThe consultant will undertake the following tasks:3.1 Data Analysis (10 Working Days)Analyze and triangulate data collected through:* Service mapping * Household surveys * Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)Key activities include:* Identifying trends, service gaps, and barriers to access * Comparing service availability with population needs at the hromada levelDeliverable:* Needs Assessment Report3.2 Comparative Gap Analysis (4 Working Days)Conduct a comparative analysis to identify:* Discrepancies between available services and population needs * Areas with significant service shortages or overlapsDeliverable:* Gap Analysis Report3.3 Development of Final Reporting (6 Working Days)This phase includes review and feedback from the IMC MHPSS team and HQ Technical Unit teams.Tasks include:* Drafting and finalizing the comprehensive analytical report * Integrating findings from all available data sources * Developing actionable recommendations for programming and coordinationDeliverables:* Final Needs Assessment Report * Final Comparative Analysis * Final Analytical Report (maximum 20 pages plus annexes)4. Deliverables and TimelineDeliverableTentative Due DateFinal Needs Assessment Report15 April 2026Final Comparative Analysis30 April 2026Final Analytical Report30 June 20264.1 Implementation of Assignment DeliverablesThe consultant will report directly to the MHPSS Coordinator and provide regular updates on:* Progress of each objective * Challenges encountered * Required technical or operational supportThe consultant will participate in regular remote meetings with key stakeholders and MHPSS staff, including:* Senior Manager, MHPSS * Deputy Coordinator, MHPSS * Senior Technical Advisor, MHPSS5. Future PhasesThis consultancy is a stand-alone assignment.Its implementation does not commit International Medical Corps to future expenditure for goods or services beyond the scope described in this document.6. Transfer of SkillsKnowledge transfer will be integrated into the assignment through:* Mentorship and capacity building of roving supervisors and national trainers * Training support to the case management team on home visitsAdditionally, all assessment reports and deliverables produced through this consultancy will support knowledge sharing and capacity development within International Medical Corps staff following completion of the assignment.Consultant SpecificationsEducational Requirements* An advanced university degree in a relevant field, such as: * Public Health * Psychology * Mental Health * Social Work * Social Sciences * Demonstrated specialized knowledge in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS).Professional Experience* Minimum 5 years of experience designing, implementing, or evaluating MHPSS programs in humanitarian or emergency contexts * Familiarity with the full spectrum of MHPSS interventions, including: * Community-based psychosocial support * Clinical mental health care * Experience working within MHPSS coordination mechanisms or cluster systemsTechnical Expertise* Demonstrated expertise in international MHPSS standards and tools, including: * IASC Guidelines on MHPSS in Emergency Settings * IASC MHPSS Minimum Service Package * Proven track record of producing high-quality analytical reports * Familiarity with the Ukrainian context is highly desirableOther Required Skills* Strong cultural sensitivity and understanding of the social context of MHPSS service delivery in Ukraine * Excellent written communication skills * Ability to analyze complex systems and identify service gaps * Capacity to propose practical and evidence-based solutions * Demonstrated ability to work in multidisciplinary and cross-cultural teamsHOW TO APPLYhttps://internationalmedicalcorps.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/4527