International Consultant for MHPSS Integration into SRHR Programme

1.    PURPOSE OF CONSULTANCY

UNFPA expands the possibilities for women, girls, and young people to lead healthy and productive lives. We support countries in using population data for policies and programmes to reduce poverty and to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.  

Under Women and Girls First (WGF) Programme Phase II, strengthening programme integration is one of the keys focuses. WGF Phase II continues to enhance health and social protection systems expand access to an integrated package of SRHR and GBV services with a greater focus on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). MHPSS has a substantial linkage to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) issues such as perinatal depression; feelings of loss and guilt after miscarriage; premenstrual tension syndrome (PMS); mood changes associated with menopause; anxiety over unintended pregnancy; postpartum psychosis; social segregation and low self-esteem due to obstetric fistula, infertility, sexual dysfunction, and being part of a sexual minority; abortion or complications stemming from pregnancy and childbirth, lack of support following childbirth, gender-based violence (GBV) and HIV/AIDS. Perinatal depression is one of the most common and severe complications relating to pregnancy and childbirth (between 10-15% of women in developed countries experience perinatal depression); young people are also more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, substance abuse, and violence owing to mental health difficulties, which can lead to unintended pregnancy and STIs including HIV infection. 

Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in these areas is essential and should be addressed routinely as part of SRH services. For this, there is a need to work with the SRHR partners, building capacity to deliver effective and integrated mental health and psychosocial support services that meet the broad needs of Myanmar’s population.

UNFPA, as a leading organization for MHPSS in Myanmar, is working closely with its partners, providing technical support to integrate and strengthen MHPSS interventions as part of humanitarian response as well as longer-term programming. In order to better support the 

integration of MHPSS in the SRHR programme, UNFPA Myanmar will hire an international consultant who will focus on developing a minimum standard of MHPSS interventions under the SRHR programme, develop tools and guidelines to be used by SRHR partners, especially to support them on MHPSS integration under SRHR programme.

2.    SUPERVISION AND WORKING ARRANGEMENT

S/he will directly report to UNFPA MHPSS Programme Specialist for technical oversight and progress of the assigned tasks, under the overall guidance of Gender Equality/GBV Programme Specialist.

3.    SCOPE OF WORK AND EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

Under the overall guidance of Gender Equality/GBV Programme Specialist and the direct supervision of MHPSS Programme Specialist, the International Consultant for MHPSS integration into SRHR Programme will undertake a range of activities, such as: 

• Support UNFPA partners in integrating a structured package of MHPSS interventions in their SRHR programming.
• Develop MHPSS Minimum Standards for SRHR Intervention based on the findings and recommendations of SRHR PSS assessment conducted by UNFPA Myanmar in 2021, MHPSS Minimum Standards for GBV Intervention developed by UNFPA Myanmar, IASC Guidelines of MHPSS in Emergency Setting (2007), and MHPSS Minimum Service Package (MSP). 
• Together with MHPSS Programme Analyst, disseminate and orient SRHR implementing partners to use, adapt and apply MHPSS minimum standards/guidelines and protocols in their respective programming.
• Use and systematically apply standard guidelines and protocols such as IASC Guidelines for MHPSS in Emergency Settings, SRHR in humanitarian settings, MHPSS Minimum Service Package (MSP), and related instruments during the assessment, planning, and implementation of MHPSS programming for SRHR.
• Develop structured packages of MHPSS intervention including some recommended MHPSS activities that can be integrated under SRHR Programme, including some tools/IEC materials, capacity building packages, to support SRHR partners better integrate MHPSS in their SRHR programme.  

4.    DURATION AND WORKING SCHEDULE

The international consultant will be engaged for a total of 60 days for 4 months (with the possibility of extension based on the programme needs), home-based. The international consultant will be home-based. The consultant will work closely with other UNFPA team members, including programme specialists/officers and MHPSS roster team.

5.    MONITORING AND PROGRESS CONTROL

The consultant will work closely with UNFPA staff and other stakeholders, as indicated above. The consultant is expected to provide regular updates on the assigned task at least bi-weekly through call or by e-mail to the supervisor.

6.    QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education 

• An advanced degree in medicine, public health, with additional specialization in areas such as psychology or mental health, is an asset. 

Professional Experience 

• At least 5 years of professional experience in SRHR programme implementation and service provision, including experience in community-based mental health psychosocial support interventions, humanitarian response, and training/coaching.
• Substantive knowledge and practical experience in sexual reproductive health and rights programming in humanitarian and post-conflict recovery settings.
• Demonstrated knowledge of IASC Guidelines on MHPSS in Emergency Settings. 
• Experience and capacity in developing and delivering SRHR and MHPSS training components to NGOs, INGOs, CSOs, and community-level participants. 
• Demonstrated leadership, facilitation, and team working skills and ability to establish harmonious working relations in an international and multicultural environment.
• Understanding of the UN system in Myanmar and its engagement with local counterparts on MHPSS issues is preferred. 
• Field experience in complex emergencies, including humanitarian emergency response, in the areas of MHPSS.
• Previous working experience in Myanmar and familiarity with the inter-agency coordination mechanism as a great asset. 
• Proficiency in oral and written English is essential.

7.    PAYMENT SCHEDULE

• Payment Schedule: Payment will be paid monthly based on the actual working days upon submission of Certification of payment (COP), monthly report and a tracking sheet.
• Terms and conditions will be in accordance with UN individual consultant (ICs) procedures.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants with the required qualifications and experience should submit the application by
completing the google form in below link.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5hQSHryLV9R5QLs0ncAzYV64iaOqFGvXHWXrGO9vHF5-shQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Note:

UNFPA reserves the right to offer comparable assignment to those qualified candidates that may not have been selected for this consultancy assignment which they applied for. These offers will be based on the needs of the organization, appropriateness and relevance to the candidate’s educational backgrounds and work experience. Only those candidates in whose qualifications and experience the Office has further interest will be contacted for subsequent interviews.
(i) This vacancy is open to applicants of either sex. 
(ii) There is no application, processing or other fee at any stage of the application process.
(iii) UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not 
discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status. 
(iv) UNFPA regrets its inability to reply individually or to attend to telephone queries
on the above advertised post.