Programme Specialist (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support), P-3, TA (364 days), #137950, MCP, Pacific Office, Suva, Fiji (Pacific Islands) - EAPR

About UNICEF

UNICEF is a global leader in advocating for the rights of every child, operating in over 190 countries and territories. Our mission is to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and empower them to reach their full potential from early childhood through adolescence. At UNICEF, we are driven by a profound commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of children and communities worldwide. This is not merely a career—it is a calling that demands passion, dedication, and unwavering integrity. We foster an environment where professional growth and personal fulfillment go hand in hand, offering diverse opportunities for development while serving a noble purpose. Join us in a dynamic and inclusive culture that values collaboration, innovation, and impact, supported by a competitive compensation and benefits package.

Role Overview

As a Programme Specialist (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support), you will play a pivotal role in addressing the critical mental health and psychosocial challenges faced by children and adolescents in the Pacific region. This position is based in the Pacific Multi-Country Office (MCO) in Suva, Fiji, and will involve close collaboration with governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and faith-based entities across 14 Pacific Island countries and territories. Your work will directly contribute to advancing child protection and mental health initiatives, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop, implement, and monitor comprehensive mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programmes tailored to the unique needs of Pacific Island communities, with a focus on children and adolescents.
• Partnership Development: Forge and maintain strategic partnerships with governments, NGOs, CSOs, and FBOs to strengthen multi-sectoral responses to mental health challenges, including child sexual abuse, suicide prevention, and cultural identity preservation.
• Capacity Building: Lead training and capacity-building initiatives for local stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare providers, and community leaders, to enhance the delivery of standardized MHPSS services and protocols.
• Research and Advocacy: Conduct and support research on child and adolescent mental health, utilizing participatory approaches to ensure culturally relevant and effective interventions. Advocate for policy changes and resource allocation to address systemic gaps in mental health service delivery.
• Programme Management: Oversee the implementation of MHPSS interventions, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s global standards and the specific needs of fragile states such as Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu. Monitor progress, evaluate outcomes, and adjust strategies as needed to maximize impact.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Represent UNICEF in regional and international forums, collaborating with partners to share best practices, lessons learned, and innovative solutions to mental health challenges in the Pacific.
• Resource Mobilization: Identify and secure funding opportunities to sustain and scale MHPSS programmes, ensuring long-term viability and reach across the Pacific Islands.

Qualifications and Experience

To excel in this role, you must possess the following qualifications and experience:

• A Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Public Health, or a related field, with a specialization in mental health and psychosocial support.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in programme design, implementation, and management, with a focus on mental health, child protection, or psychosocial support.
• Proven experience in strategic partnership development and stakeholder engagement, particularly in the Pacific region or similar contexts.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to conduct needs assessments, evaluate programme effectiveness, and generate evidence-based recommendations.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities, with a track record of mentoring and capacity-building initiatives.
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills, with fluency in English required; proficiency in a Pacific Island language is highly desirable.
• Commitment to UNICEF’s core values of integrity, diversity, and inclusion, with a passion for advancing children’s rights and well-being.

Why Join UNICEF in the Pacific?

The Pacific Multi-Country Office (MCO) is the largest and oldest of its kind in UNICEF, serving as a model for emerging MCOs worldwide. Working in the Pacific offers a unique opportunity to contribute to transformative change in a region facing profound challenges, including climate change, geographic isolation, and limited access to essential services. As a Programme Specialist, you will be at the forefront of addressing the mental health crisis affecting children and adolescents, particularly in fragile states where suicide rates and child abuse are alarmingly high. Your work will not only save lives but also help preserve cultural identity and foster resilience in communities most in need.

In addition to the rewarding nature of the role, UNICEF offers a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salaries, health insurance, housing allowances, and opportunities for professional development. You will join a diverse and passionate team of professionals dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of children across the Pacific.

If you are ready to take on a challenging yet immensely fulfilling role in a dynamic and culturally rich environment, we invite you to apply and become part of UNICEF’s mission to ensure every child’s right to protection, health, and well-being.