UNICEF MHPSS Consultant 2026 (Remote/Nairobi) – Transform Mental Health Support Across West & Central Africa

If you’re an experienced mental health professional looking to make a global impact, this opportunity with UNICEF could be exactly what you’ve been waiting for. The organization is currently hiring a Multisectoral Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Consultant for its West and Central Africa Regional Office. This is a high-level consultancy role designed for experts who want to influence large-scale humanitarian and development programs while working remotely with occasional travel.

With a contract duration of 11 months, this role is based in Nairobi, Kenya, but offers a flexible remote working arrangement. Applications are open until 03 May 2026, so now is the perfect time to prepare your submission.

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About the Role

The MHPSS Consultant will work under the supervision of the Deputy Regional Director, with technical guidance from UNICEF’s Global Lead for Mental Health. The goal is clear: to strengthen, scale, and accelerate mental health and psychosocial support systems across West and Central Africa.

This is not just a technical role—it’s a strategic leadership position. You’ll contribute to shaping how mental health services are delivered in both humanitarian and development contexts, ensuring that children, adolescents, and communities receive the support they need.

UNICEF has already demonstrated massive global impact, reaching over 58.4 million people in humanitarian settings across 76 countries with MHPSS services in 2024 alone. This role plays a critical part in expanding that reach even further.

Why This Role Matters

Mental health is increasingly recognized as a core component of humanitarian response and long-term development. In regions facing conflict, displacement, and poverty, access to psychosocial support can be life-changing.

By joining UNICEF in this capacity, you will:

• Help design scalable, evidence-based mental health interventions
• Support multi-sector collaboration across health, education, and child protection
• Influence global and regional strategies through partnerships like the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC)
• Contribute to emergency response systems that prioritize mental well-being

This is a chance to move beyond theory and directly impact millions of lives.

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Key Responsibilities

The consultant will provide high-level technical and operational support across several areas:

Technical Guidance

You’ll offer expert advice on MHPSS strategies, ensuring that programs align with global standards and regional needs.

Strategic Planning

Work closely with regional teams to develop and implement effective program strategies that integrate mental health into multiple sectors.

Programme Oversight

Monitor and evaluate program performance, ensuring measurable impact and continuous improvement.

Advocacy and Partnerships

Collaborate with global partners, governments, and organizations to strengthen coordination and resource mobilization.

Knowledge Management

Promote learning, innovation, and the sharing of best practices across countries and teams.

Qualifications and Experience

This is a senior-level consultancy, so expectations are high. To be competitive, candidates should meet the following criteria:

Education

• Advanced degree in Mental Health, Psychology, Social Work, Medical Sciences, Sociology, or related fields
• Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree plus 10+ years of relevant experience and professional training

Experience

• At least 10 years of experience in MHPSS multisectoral programs
• Proven expertise in interventions like EASE, EQUIP, and CFC
• Strong background in training, supervision, and capacity building
• Experience working in low- and middle-income countries and emergency settings
• Demonstrated ability to operate across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus
• Experience in drafting and presenting investment cases for mental health programs

Language Skills

• Fluency in both English and French (written and spoken) is essential

Ideal Candidate Profile

Beyond qualifications, UNICEF is looking for professionals who embody its core values:

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability
• Sustainability

You should be someone who thrives in multicultural environments, communicates effectively across sectors, and is deeply committed to improving the lives of children and communities.

Working with UNICEF

Joining UNICEF means becoming part of a global mission that spans over 190 countries and territories. The organization is known for its strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, professional development, employee well-being, and ethical recruitment practices.

UNICEF actively encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are provided throughout the recruitment process.

Important Notes

• UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, including harassment and discrimination
• All candidates undergo rigorous background checks
• The organization does not charge any application or processing fees
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Application Requirements

To apply, candidates must submit:

• An updated CV and TMS profile
• A cover letter
• A financial proposal (as specified in the Terms of Reference)

Make sure your application clearly demonstrates your experience in MHPSS programming, leadership, and cross-sector collaboration.

Final Thoughts

This consultancy is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to shape the future of mental health support in one of the world’s most vulnerable regions. If you have the expertise, passion, and vision to drive meaningful change, this role offers a powerful platform to do so.

With flexible remote work, global exposure, and the chance to influence millions of lives, it stands out as one of the most impactful consultancy roles currently available in the humanitarian sector.