Job Number: 532542
Locations: Africa: Rwanda
Work Type : Consultancy
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
And we never give up.
For every child, Health
How can you make a difference?
Background and Purpose
Adolescence (10–19 years) is a unique and formative time. Multiple physical, emotional and social changes, including exposure to poverty, abuse or violence, can make adolescents vulnerable to mental health problems. Promoting psychological well-being and protecting adolescents from adverse experiences and risk factors that may impact their potential to thrive are critical for their well-being during adolescence and for their physical and mental health in adulthood. While adolescence is often seen as the healthiest time of life, it also represents a period of vulnerability for mental health. Depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm and suicide are primary causes of disability, disease and mortality among adolescents. It is estimated that one in six people are aged 10–19 years. Mental health conditions account for 16% of the global burden of disease and injury in people aged 10–19 years. Half of all mental health conditions start by 14 years of age, but most cases are undetected and untreated. Globally, depression is one of the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in 15-19-year-olds.
The consequences of not addressing adolescent mental health conditions extend to adulthood, impairing both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives as adults. The social and financial costs of mental health conditions and associated disabilities are significant. The World Economic Forum estimates mental health conditions will cost the global economy $16 trillion in the next 20 years if not addressed.
Purpose
• Joint development (with WHO) of evidence-based guidelines and intervention packages on the promotion of mental health, prevention of mental health conditions and reduction of risk behaviours among young adolescents, 10-14 years old and 14-19 years old.
Scope of Work
2. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders (includes partners, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Youth, Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, hospitals, community groups, etc) within the country.
3. Review the existing interventions related to adolescent mental health and identify gaps.
4. In depth analysis of Inter-agency collaboration, investments in quality, and other critical factors related to the existing health system with potential to influence the implementation of Adolescent Mental Health programming;
5. In-depth assessment of key interventions related to adolescent mental health in a few purposively sampled sites in Rwanda
6. Collate information on funding sources, government commitment, government response, priorities and budget
7. Based on the various inputs mentioned above, identify:
a. needs for an adolescent mental health programme in Rwanda and the existing gaps;
b. entry points in the current health system that will enable an effective implementation of an adolescent mental health programme;
c. priority interventions and a costed implementation plan for the same.
• Inception report outlining the methodological approach and timelines
• Draft Landscape Assessment report that includes as a minimum situation analysis, entry points in the health system, and costed priority interventions for an adolescent mental health programme in Rwanda.
• Final report along with an executive summary and a powerpoint presentation of key findings
• UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs is incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines
• All materials developed by the consultant will remain the copyright of UNICEF and that UNICEF will be free to adapt and modify them in future.
- Post-graduate training in Education, Public Health, Sociology, Medical Anthropology, Psychology, Social Work, Gender, or other related degree
• Minimum 8 years’ experience as a mid-level professional, with a strong preference for professionals with experience in designing, implementing, documenting and/or evaluating large-scale in-school, out-school, and/or digital Adolescent Health or Mental Health programming
• Prior work experience with a multi-lateral or international health and development agency, and experience supporting national Adolescent Health or Mental Health programmes in any of UNICEF’s key geographic regions
• Language: English language is required, with Spanish and French preferred
• Strong ability to multi-task and a drive for on-time delivery required
Interested candidates should send their complete Personal History (P11) form, which can be downloaded form (http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/P11.doc). or a CV/resume, as well as a cover letter explaining what makes them suitable for this consultancy.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
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. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.
Remarks:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.
Opening Date Thu Jun 25 2020 09:00:00 GMT+0200 (South Africa Standard Time) South Africa Standard Time
Closing Date Fri Jul 10 2020 23:55:00 GMT+0200 (South Africa Standard Time)
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