TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) face significant challenges in the mental health and wellbeing of
children and adolescents. Available evidence indicates increasing mental health needs among young people, driven by
multiple and intersecting risk factors, including exposure to climate-related impacts, social stressors, and harmful
substance use. These challenges are combined with limited government and partner capacity for prevention, early
intervention and response, alongside gaps in service standards and relatively weak coordination across key sectors
such as health, education, justice, and child welfare.
With a focus on strengthening national capacities in mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for children,
adolescents, and families, this consultancy will support multiple Pacific countries, including Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu,
Kiribati from 1 July 2026 to 1 January 2028. The consultant will work in close collaboration with ministries of health,
education, justice, social welfare, faith-based organisations, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen capacity of
MHPSS workforce and its system, with a particular emphasis on institutionalization for sustainability. This work will
contribute to Output 2 Services under the UNICEF Pacific’s Child Protection programme.
- A minimum of 10 years of professional experience at national and international level in mental health and psychosocial support including supervision and direct work with children is required.
- In-depth child and adolescent mental health experience in the Pacific island countries.
- Relevant experience in humanitarian action, and related areas, program/project development, and management in UNICEF or organization is an asset.
For every Child, you demonstrate...
This position has been assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes as it is either a role with direct contact with children, a role that works directly with identifiable children’s data, a safeguarding response role, or an assessed risk role. Additional vetting and assessment for elevated risk roles in child safeguarding (potentially including additional criminal background checks) apply.
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
- An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
Remarks
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.