MHPSS Arts Based Interventions Consultant

The development of the package will include a desk review of existing interventions, resources and approaches, and will reflect the evidence available in the field of expression through art. Given that culture is a fundamental component to consider in arts-based programming and the wide range of contexts in which UNICEF operates, a call for contributions will be made through global channels (e.g. IASC MHPSS Reference Group mail-out, Child Protection Area of Responsibility, INEE, UNICEF MHPSS Community Of Practice, United for Global Mental Health, Mental Health Innovation Network) to ensure the package comprises a comprehensive selection of evidence-based approaches  and is relevant in different contexts. Regular consultation with relevant working groups and global initiatives will ensure optimal relevance and incorporation of latest developments in research and practice.

Scope of Work:

The MHPSS arts-based interventions consultant will work under the supervision of an MHPSS specialist in Child Protection in Humanitarian Action, to consult with relevant stakeholders to determine key parameters of the package, conduct a desk review of existing interventions, compile the package based on existing evidence-based resources, and facilitate the design of the package and roll-out. The consultant will work closely with MHPSS specialists across Child Protection, Health and Education, the Child & Family and Community-Based MHPSS Working Groups, and other relevant stakeholders to complete the following tasks:

Terms of Reference Key Deliverables:

Set parameters for package based on broad stakeholder consultation (including age-range, format, criteria for inclusion) by 4 December 2024.

Attend at least 2 meetings with core UNICEF team members, at least 1 meeting with each of the Child & Family Thematic Group and Community Based MHPSS Thematic Group, and meetings with at least 2 other relevant initiatives.

Set parameters based on input given.

1 call for contributions through: UNICEF MHPSS COP and regional focal points; global channels (e.g. IASC MHPSS Reference Group mail-out, Child Protection Area of Responsibility, INEE, UNICEF MHPSS Community Of Practice, Mental Health Innovation Network).

Summary of input and finalized parameters for the package.

Conduct desk review of existing interventions by 20 December 2024.

Global survey targeting practitioners and field workers to identify gaps, map current resources and sites/programmes for field test and implementation.

Desk Review conducted and overview of findings submitted.

Resources from call for contributions compiled and tracked.

Develop a package consisting of evidence informed arts-based interventions by 23 January 2025.

Draft package developed and submitted for feedback.

Revision and incorporation of feedback completed.

Compile evidence informed structured group activities for children’s mental health and psychosocial wellbeing by 21 February 2025.

Evidence informed structured group activities are compiled and integrated into the package.

Package submitted for feedback.

Revision and incorporation of feedback completed.

Develop guidance on MHPSS, Monitoring & Evaluation, Safeguarding, and other identified topics by 20 March 2025.

Guidance on MHPSS, M&E, Safeguarding and other identified topics developed and submitted for feedback.

Revision and incorporation of feedback completed.

Gather stakeholder feedback on the package by 25 April 2025.

List of reviewers compiled through consultation with core UNICEF team, with at least 20 reviewers identified.

Content shared with reviewers along with guidance for their written review.

At least 4 consultations held with relevant working groups and initiatives to gather verbal feedback.

Liaise with designer for final product by 07 May 2025.

Up to 2 reviews of designed content to ensure satisfactory completion.

Coordinate and facilitate 3 global webinars for launch of the package (with webinars targeting time zone/language considerations to maximise reach) by 11 June 2025.

3 webinars scheduled and conducted.

Content for webinar prepared. 

Advertising material developed disseminated through relevant channels,

Brief report on attendance, questions asked, and feedback submitted.

Qualifications

Education:

• Masters Degree in Psychology, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, Child Protection, or related fields.
• Advanced degree in psychology, public health, social work, art therapy, or a related field.

Work experience/ Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required :

• A minimum 5 years experience in MHPSS and Child Protection in humanitarian and development settings
• Proven experience in developing resources and toolkits, preferably in the mental health or humanitarian sector.
• Proven experience in conducting scoping reviews or exercises, understanding research findings, and knowledge management practices.
• Good knowledge of global mental health issues, psychosocial support, and common intervention and programming approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations.
• Demonstrated organizational skills, including ability to work independently and productively with multiple stakeholders in fast-paced environment across time zones.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; the ability to effectively liaise with people in a wide range of functions in a multi-cultural environment.
• Fluency in English required. Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.

Requirements:

Completed profile in UNICEF’s e-Recruitment system and

• Upload copy of academic credentials

Financial proposal that will include/ reflect :

• the costs per each deliverable and the total lump-sum for the whole assignment (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference.
• travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per TOR.
• Any other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, and living costs as applicable.

Indicate your availability

• Any emergent / unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF.
• At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.
• Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed satisfactory deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.

Source: https://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/576591