Technical Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Expert Ministry of Education and Science Kyiv NORCAP

NORCAP works to improve aid to better protect and empower people affected by crisis and climate change. We do this by providing expertise and solutions to humanitarian, development and peacebuilding partners, because we believe working together is the best way to reduce needs, risks and vulnerability over time. We seek and promote more effective ways of working at the global level and in the field. NORCAP’s aim is not only to reduce needs, but also to create choice and opportunity for vulnerable people. NORCAP works with and through our partners to improve aid in two complementary ways:

• We provide targeted expertise to strengthen our partners’ response.
• We collaborate with partners to develop solutions to un-met gaps and challenges.

This role supports NORCAP’s commitment to strengthening mental health and safe learning environments in crisis-affected settings through partnership with national education systems.

You will work with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, supporting an innovative national project to reform psychological services in general secondary education. The project focuses on integrating mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into schools, building professional capacity, and developing scalable models for nationwide implementation, particularly in the context of the ongoing war and its impact on children, educators, and communities.

The Role

We are seeking a Technical MHPSS Expert to provide scientific, methodological, analytical, and capacity-strengthening support for the implementation of Phases II and III of a national education reform initiative focused on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). Working closely with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and key stakeholders, you will contribute to the development, testing, evaluation, and institutionalisation of an innovative model for psychological services in schools. Success in this role will be measured by the quality of technical guidance provided, strengthened institutional capacity, and the production of practical tools, learning, and recommendations that support long-term system change.

The position is based in Kyiv, Ukraine(non-family duty station) with a contract duration from May 2026 to December 2026, with the possibility of extension until April 2027 subject to funding availability and performance. The role reports to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine through the designated project coordinator and to NORCAP’s Education Thematic Manager.

Responsibilities

As the Technical Mental Health Psychosocial Support Expert (MHPSS), you will take on the following responsibilities:

Role and responsibilities

• Provide analytical support by compiling and reviewing monitoring data, pilot findings, stakeholder feedback, and evidence generated through project implementation.
• Contribute to analytical reports, recommendations, and assessments that inform implementation, learning, and decision-making across Phases II and III.
• Develop and refine methodological approaches for psychosocial support interventions, supportive psychological and educational services, and safe learning environments.
• Support the development and adaptation of cross-sectoral referral mechanisms and integrated supervision approaches for psychological service professionals.
• Develop practical tools, guidance materials, protocols, case studies, checklists, and resources for psychologists, educators, school leaders, and other education stakeholders.
• Provide technical and methodological support to the design and delivery of training, mentoring, facilitation, supervision, and capacity-strengthening activities.
• Support monitoring, evaluation and learning processes by analysing project results, documenting lessons learned, identifying good practice, and developing recommendations for scale-up and institutionalisation.
• Contribute to stakeholder engagement, knowledge-sharing, public communications, publications, and collaboration with NORCAP experts and partners to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support within the education sector.

Please read full terms of reference for more information.

Qualifications

Qualifications and Experience

To excel in this role, candidates should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Master’s degree or higher in psychology, education, social work, public administration, or a related field.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in mental health and psychosocial support, education, psychological services
• Demonstrated experience developing analytical, methodological, educational, policy, or organisational materials and guidance products.
• Experience working on mental health, psychosocial support, safe educational environments, psychological counselling, or cross-sectoral collaboration initiatives.
• Experience collaborating with government institutions, education actors, communities, psychological service providers, or related stakeholders; experience in humanitarian and development settings is an advantage.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed, inclusive and cross-sectoral approaches
• Fluency in English and Ukrainian. Please read the attached terms of reference for more details before applying.

Candidate Profile

This position is open to international and national candidates. priority will be given to Ukrainian nationals. International candidates with extensive and proven regional professional experience, and a strong understanding of working with government counterparts and education systems in Ukraine or in similar regional contexts, are also encouraged to apply.

Competencies

• Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Flexible, solutions-oriented, with strong negotiation skills.
• Organisational and Managerial Abilities: Strong planning, coordination, and time-management skills.
• Teamwork and Independence: Ability to work autonomously as well as collaboratively within a diverse, multi-sectoral team. Skilled in mentoring, guiding, and coaching individuals and teams.
• Resilience and Composure: Ability to remain calm under pressure when interacting with external counterparts and team members.
• Accountability and Compliance: Strong understanding of supervisory and reporting lines, ensuring adherence to institutional guidelines.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with government institutions, NGOs, and international organizations.

What we offer

In recognition of your expertise and contributions, we provide the following benefits and opportunities:

• Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation
• Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals
• A dedicated Staff Care Unit
• Membership in the Global Education Community of Practice
• Eligible for consideration for NORCAP membership and future assignments, subject to a successful performance review.

Our Values & Commitment

NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

All NRC employees are expected to act in accordance with the organisation’s values. Being dedicated, innovative, inclusive, and accountable are behaviours and beliefs that guide how we work and how we build relationships. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, empowered, supported, and a genuine sense of belonging.

NORCAP values diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our ability to respond effectively to the needs of people affected by crisis.

NRC has a zero-tolerance stance toward any form of exploitation or abuse, including sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH), and we do not tolerate inaction when concerns arise.

All offers are subject to reference and background checks conducted in line with our safeguarding standards, and NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates.

How to apply

• Based on what you have read so far, do you think you could be a good fit? If so, please follow these steps and apply!
• When submitting your application, kindly register in English your full employment history and education. Please include your full name as written in your passport. Uploaded CVs alone will not be reviewed.
• NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates.
• Approved Health Certificate will be required prior to contract commencement and assignment.
• Feedback will be given to all applicants within four weeks after the closing of this advertisement.
• Apply before 09 August 2026 , 23:59 PM.

We look forward to receiving your application!