UNICEF Senior Consultant to Support Evidence Generation in Mental Health Jobs in Rwanda
Purpose of Activity/Assignment:
The purpose of this assignment is to design and conduct a national survey to assess the prevalence of mental health problems among adolescents in Rwanda and identify the significant determinants influencing their mental health and well-being. The findings from this study will contribute to strengthening the evidence-base for adolescent mental health programmes, will provide insights into the factors contributing to mental health challenges and will guide the development of tailored, needs-based interventions for girls and boys.
It will specifically help to define priorities, guide policy, and sharpen programming, as well as provide baseline data to track progress in the improvement of adolescents’ mental health.
This will be – first and foremost, a quantitative population-based (10-19 years) survey to assess the prevalence of mental health problems among adolescents and could also include interviews or innovative groups sessions which are qualitative to gain deeper insights into the determinants of adolescents’ mental health.
It is recommended to use existing tools on measuring mental health among adolescents and youth at population level, such as the MMAPP, which is a culturally adaptable and clinically validated data collection tool.
Key Tasks:
Technical scope
Assess the prevalence of the main mental health problems among adolescents in various age groups in Rwanda (younger adolescents 10-14 years and older adolescents 15-19 years).
Identify and analyze the significant determinants contributing to mental health problems among adolescent subgroups, considering sex, residence, age group, education level, and socioeconomic status. Some potential determinants include family situation (e.g., losing more than one parent, family experience in the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi), experience of sexual or physical violence, HIV status, experience of teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and other determinants reported in the literature.
Develop an adolescent mental health conceptual framework to illustrate important determinants and the interlinkages for key sub-groups.
Assess the use of mental health care or psychosocial support by adolescents and identify gaps in seeking services, as well as linkages and referrals to mental health care or psychosocial support.
Develop the list of mental health indicators to benchmark and be monitored by stakeholders.
Provide general and specific recommendations based on the main findings of the study for policy makers, care providers and other stakeholders on strategies and interventions for improving adolescents’ mental health and well-being in Rwanda.
Specific Tasks
Develop an inception report based on the terms of reference and discussions with UNICEF, Government of Rwanda (including RBC, NCDA, Education), and other key stakeholders, that includes a workplan, methodology and detailed timeline for the work.
Conduct a literature review to identify priority mental health problems and the main determinants of mental health problems among adolescents that will inform questionnaires and models.
Develop a study protocol ensuring strong and valid methodology based on the objectives of the survey, including a rigorous analysis plan and data collection tools.
Apply for ethical clearance from recommended bodies in Rwanda
Train research assistants/data collection team
Conduct/manage fieldwork data collection, including rigorous quality assurance
Data cleaning and analysis
Presentation of results to policy makers, care providers and other key stakeholders
Report preparation, revision, and finalization, including report, executive summary, and slide deck that visually represents key results
Draft manuscript for peer review Journals
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
An advanced university degree (PHD or Master’s degree) in public health/epidemiology, clinical psychology, psychiatry, mental health nursing, Global Mental Health or other health related field
Proven track record in undertaking similar work: The consultant must demonstrate (8years of experience or more) experience in leading national surveys
The consultant should provide at least two previous studies with contactable references.
Understanding of the prevalence and determinants of mental health problems or other health problems
Experience of working in mental health and psychosocial support field or Social Sciences
Experience of working with children and adolescents
Experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis including developing models and conceptual frameworks
How to Apply
For more information and job application details, see; UNICEF Senior Consultant to Support Evidence Generation in Mental Health Jobs in Rwanda
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