Scope of work

Conduct a thorough analysis of CSI reports, desk reviews of policies, initiatives, tools, plans, and evidence related to mental health, psychosocial support (MHPSS), and school health in the ESA region. The consultant will use the findings to develop a series of recommendations for strengthening school health services and integrating cross-sectoral MHPSS into education settings and within health interventions for UNICEF staff. Additionally, the consultant will provide technical assistance to countries on school health and MHPSS matters.

Activities and Tasks:

The consultant will work closely with the Maternal and Newborn Health Specialist and Education Specialist and the MHPSS Programme Specialist, in undertaking the following tasks:

• Working with the Health and Education sections specialists and collaborating with the Regional MHPSS Programme Specialist and MHPSS regional working group, the consultant will conduct a desk review and analysis, develop a series of recommendations for strengthening integrated cross-sectoral MHPSS into education settings and within health interventions and school heath services for UNICEF staff. The consultant will also support, integrating cross-sectoral MHPSS into education and health settings considering the continuum of care efforts, using a life cycle approach and lifesaving interventions both in development and humanitarian contexts.
• Building further on the existing regional MHPSS and NCD mapping, undertake a situation analysis on MHPSS within schools and school health and, considering the evidence, initiatives and programmes, school health and MHPSS curricula, policies, plans, partnerships, (key stakeholder analysis), and implementation tools for school-based multi-sectoral services (health, MHPSS, HIV, WASH, nutrition, child protection), taking into consideration gender dimensions, disability inclusion and age appropriateness of the response.
  • Develop an analytical framework of UNICEF ‘s initiatives to make sure the recommendations are actionable and in line with UNCEF’s capacities.
  • Develop methodology for and undertake a mixed method (qualitative and quantitative analysis), including primary data collection thought KIIs and FGDs to gain a better understanding of the landscape of school-based health and multi-sectoral/integrated services within ESA region, including policies, promising practices, approaches and implementation tools.
  • Identify the perceptions, perceived barriers and enablers for the uptake MHPSS into existing health and education programmes both internally and externally, including MoE and MoH key stakeholders
  • Provide recommendations on best approaches to scale, monitor and evaluate MHPSS within education and health settings in ESAR region taking consideration of all relevant contextual factors and regional priorities.
  • Based on the findings review schools as integrated service platforms (SISP) and incorporate the findings
• Develop a ‘catalogue option’, recommendation and relevant resources on programming for UNICEF staff, on how to integrate MHPSS into existing continuum of care efforts, using the life cycle approach and covering interventions both in the development and humanitarian context.  Additionally, identify 2-3 countries which demonstrate readiness to scale and adopt integrated MHPSS and Schools as health-promoting schools with learning environments.

• Incorporate feedback from RO, HQ and COs and prepare the final version
  • Disseminate findings and recommendations and snapshots of the guidance with RO and COs via a webinar
  • Based on the feedback from RO, HQ and COs, update the ESARO regional concept paper on ‘Schools as Integrated Service Platforms’ including the health components, and integrate MHPSS and missing components of health promoting schools
  • Disseminate findings and recommendations and snapshots of the guidance with RO and COs via a webinar
  • Based on the feedback from RO, HQ and COs, update the ESARO technical reference document on integration of MHPSS in health interventions across the continuum of care.
  • Gather brief examples from CO programmes
• Provide remote and on-site technical support to COs as needed.
  • to ESARO health and education team, including on the monitoring of MHPSS programming across the region, and
  • to countries for MHPSS related work, including – but not only – the MHPSS 7% set aside funding country recipients.

• Keep a resource repository for resources gathered in the consultancy

Work relationships: 

Consultant will work closely with the Health Specialist, Education Specialist and MHPSS Programme Specialist in collaboration with focal persons across all relevant sectors in carrying out this assignment. The consultant will also collaborate with the Regional MHPSS Working Group and MHPSS Community of Practice

Outputs/Deliverables:  

The consultant is expected to deliver the following key results mentioned in the below table

An additional reference group made up of Program Specialists within UNICEF HQ, Regional and Country Offices will provide technical inputs and review of the consultant’s work.

Payment Schedule

Payment will be made in line with the deliverables noted below.

*Payment will be based on the number of days TA was provided to COs, including onsite and remote – consultant will maintain an activity log for reporting.

For every child, reimagine the future.

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

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Public/Mental Health, Education, Psychology, Sociology/Social Work, Gender, or other related degree.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience including at international level, with field experience and expertise of working on health & education and MHPSS programming
• Prior work experience with a multi-lateral or international health and development agency, and experience supporting Adolescent Health or Education programs in any of UNICEF’s key geographic regions, including Eastern and Southern Africa.
• A set of strong qualitative and quantitative analytical skills and a good understanding of translating theoretical concepts into programmatic implementation will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to working in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective relationships, including with national-level stakeholders.
•  Must exhibit the UNICEF Core Values of:
  • Care
  • Respect
  • Integrity
  • Trust
  • Accountability
  • Sustainability
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Strong ability to multi-task and a drive for on-time delivery required.
• Competencies: Drive to achieve results for impact, Thinks and acts strategically, Works collaboratively with others