National Consultant on MHPSS and YHCs capacity building in Kazakhstan

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Type of contract: Consultant Duration: from October 2023 to January 2024 (86 working days) Workplace: remote-based

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, a fair chance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=E1xkXZs0cAQ

Background MPHSS HIV Consultant.docx

Purpose of Activity/Assignment

Under the direct supervision of the Health and Nutrition Specialist, the National Consultant will provide technical assistance to UNICEF Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Health, and other key stakeholders in scaling up of MHPSS services for adolescents in Youth Health Centers (YHCs) of the country, including online services on Damumed platform. The consultant will work in close consultation with the Ministry of Health, the National Center of Mental Health, key resource persons on MHPSS, and in close coordination with UNICEF colleague in charge of adolescent’s mental health.

Scope of Work

The National HIV/AIDS consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: 1) Technical assistance in conducting capacity assessment (including developing of recommendations for the Government) of Youth Health Centers (YHS) across 4 dimensions (general capacity assessment, capacity to provide MHPSS services, online services, capacity to manage adolescents with risky behavior and different types of vulnerability, including living with chronic disease. The assessment will help identify the strengths and weaknesses of YHC in each dimension, providing a clear understanding of the areas where improvements are needed. Based on the assessment results, targeted capacity-building efforts will be proposed to address the identified weaknesses, including MHPSS standards, training programs, resource allocation, and infrastructure improvements to enhance the overall capacity of the centers. The assessment will provide evidence that can inform policy and decision-making processes, establish a baseline for future monitoring and evaluation of progress in YHCs. 2) Develop/validate with MoH, and in consultation with relevant authorities, professionals and experts, MHPSS standard and guide, to expand functionality of psychologists of YHCs in behavioral psychology and management of vulnerable adolescents (secondary prevention/classification of risk factors, vulnerability assessment) 3) Develop draft of the new edition of the YHC standard to operationalize YHC’s MHPSS service delivery, including through Damumed platform, and ensure MH digital services are part of YHC services framework 4) Support piloting of YHC’s MHPSS service delivery through Damumed Platform in selected regions, including trainings of frontline personnel 5) Provide technical support in addressing remaining technical issues in the MoH national unified information system to enable/launch interface for adolescent’s portal on the Damumed platform

Results to be achieved with the support of this consultancy: 1) Capacity assessment of YHCs conducted, assessment tools and final report approved by UNICEF 2) MHPSS standard and guide developed/validated with MoH 3) Draft of the new edition of the YHC standard to operationalize YHC’s MHPSS service delivery, including through Damumed platform, developed 4) MHPSS service delivery through Damumed platform piloted with support of MoH in 15 YHCs in 4-5 selected regions, including trainings of frontline personnel 5) Technical changes introduced to MoH national unified information system, interface for adolescent’s portal on the Damumed platform developed/launched

1. Task/Milestone: Capacity assessment of Youth Health Centers (YHS) across 4 dimensions (general capacity assessment, capacity to provide MHPSS services, online services, capacity to manage adolescents with risky behavior and different types of vulnerability, including living with chronic disease Deliverable/Output: Inception report/ concept of assessment of YHCs, developed and approved by UNICEF. Date: By November 15, 2023

2. Tasks/Milestones: Develop draft of the new edition of the YHC standard to operationalize YHC’s MHPSS service delivery, including through Damumed platform, and ensure MH digital services are part of YHC services framework Deliverable/Output: First draft of the new edition of the YHC standard to operationalize YHC’s MHPSS service delivery, developed. Date: By November 15, 2023

3. Tasks/Milestones: Capacity assessment of Youth Health Centers (YHS) across 4 dimensions (general capacity assessment, capacity to provide MHPSS services, online services, capacity to manage adolescents with risky behavior and different types of vulnerability, including living with chronic disease Deliverable/Output: Final report on assessment of YHCs developed and approved by UNICEF Date: By December 30, 2023

4. Tasks/Milestones: Develop/validate with MoH, and in consultation with relevant authorities, professionals and experts, MHPSS standard and guide, to expand functionality of psychologists of YHCs in behavioral psychology and management of vulnerable adolescents (secondary prevention/classification of risk factors, vulnerability assessment) Deliverable/Output: MHPSS standard and Guide developed/validated with MoH Date: By December 30, 2023

5. Tasks/Milestones: Support piloting of YHC’s MHPSS service delivery through Damumed Platform in selected regions, including trainings of frontline personnel Deliverable/Output: Trainings of frontline personnel for 15 YHCs in 4-5 selected regions conducted. Concept, agenda, training materials and training report finalized and approved by UNICEF Date: By December 30, 2023

6. Tasks/Milestones: Support piloting of YHC’s MHPSS service delivery through Damumed Platform in selected regions, including trainings of frontline personnel Deliverable/Output: MHPSS service delivery through Damumed platform piloted with support of MoH in 15 YHCs in 4-5 selected regions Date: By January 31, 2024

7. Tasks/Milestones: Develop draft of the new edition of the YHC standard to operationalize YHC’s MHPSS service delivery, including through Damumed platform, and ensure MH digital services are part of YHC services framework Deliverable/Output: Final draft of the new edition of the YHC standard to operationalize YHC’s MHPSS service delivery, developed and discussed with MoH for final adoption Date: By January 31, 2024

8. Tasks/Milestones: Provide technical support in addressing remaining technical issues in the MoH national unified information system to enable/launch interface for adolescent’s portal on the Damumed platform Deliverable/Output: Technical changes introduced to MoH national unified information system, interface for adolescent’s portal on the Damumed platform developed/launched Date: By January 31, 2024

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

• A master degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Systems, Social sciences or related field. • At least three (3) years of relevant professional work experience in health, HIV/AIDS, mental health and psychosocial support social work, community engagement • Technical expertise in HIV/AIDS research, strategies and policies • Technical expertise on MHPSS policies, programme, services • Experience in the development, planning and management of strategies and programmes in the area of HIV/AIDS, MHPSS, and social work. • Experience in research and institutional analysis in the areas of HIV/AIDS, MHPSS, and/or social work. • Knowledge/experience on youth related policies and services is an asset. Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset. • Ability to design, coordinate and facilitate consultations with various stakeholders at central and local level • Ability to design, prepare and facilitate trainings • Fluency in English, Russian language • Knowledge of Kazakh language is an advantage. • Highly developed communication skills. • Ability to work in an international and multi-cultural environment. • Ability to work independently and respond to feedback in a timely and professional manner. • Excellent analytical and organizational skills • Technical competencies: - creating policy documents, strategies, and plans; - data collection and analysis methods; - Formulating Strategies and Concepts.

For every Child, you demonstrate… UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (https://www.unicef.org/about/unicef-culture)

Evaluation Criteria The quality of technical proposal will be evaluated in accordance with the award criteria and the associated weighting as detailed below. The main approach is the combining both technical (maximum 70 score) and financial scores (maximum 30 scores) in calculating overall score for identifying a winner in selection process.

Technical evaluation (maximum 70 points)

• Consultant’s profile – qualifications, relevance of experience and unique skillset, competencies – 25 points • Completeness of proposal – availability of detailed technical and financial proposal in line with TOR specifications – 10 points • Proposed approach and work plan – the quality of the approach and methods proposed to carry out the assignment as per the objectives, tasks and deliverables specified in the TOR; adequacy of management plan to guide implementation of activities within the specific timeframe – 25 points • Past experience – 10 points

Financial proposal

Candidates must submit a financial proposal for the whole assignment based on these Terms of Reference. The financial proposal should clearly state the cost of the services for each Deliverables/Outputs. The best offer combines both technical rating (70%) and financial rating (30%). Financial proposal is maximum 30 points. The lowest financial proposal will receive the highest score during financial assessment. This is the main principle because saved funds will be directed towards other activities to aid children in Kazakhstan. Only financial proposals that fully cover all deliverables outlined in the terms of reference will be considered. The Office selects the individual with the lowest best and final offer, based on best value for money.

Application requirement The consultancy is open to individual national applicants. Applicants are required to provide: - A short cover letter, highlighting relevant experience with similar type of assignments (max 300 words). - CV of the individual applicants - A technical proposal with tentative workplan and timeframe - Financial proposal including number of days for undertaking the assignment, daily fee, travel costs. Travel costs will be pre-approved by UNICEF as per the UNICEF rules and regulations for travel for consultants i.e., irrespective of the distance and duration of the flight, most direct and economy flight ticket shall apply. - Samples or links to at least 2 related pieces of work previously conducted by the consultant. The shortlisted applicants will be contacted by UNICEF with a technical discussion and interview. Interested candidates should submit the following documents through the link: https://www.unicef.org/careers/

Remarks: • Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant • All submissions should be in English languages in electronic version (Word, Excel, Power Point, SPSS, tabulations etc.). • Completion of the UN/UNICEF mandatory trainings is obligatory upon commencement of the contract. • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. • All materials developed will remain the copyright of UNICEF and UNICEF will be free to adapt and modify them in the future. • The Consultant will perform his/her duties in line with UNICEF standards and procedures. • Individuals engaged under a consultancy 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. Consultants 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. • Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant • The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts. • UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic. • UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment. • 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. • The financial proposal should include all possible costs related to the implementation of the tasks under the present TOR including in-country travel expenses. UNICEF does not provide or arrange health insurance coverage. The financial proposal must be submitted in a separate file of non-editable format (e.g. PDF). Consultancy fees should be broken down to show the details for the below-mentioned deliverables.