National Consultancy to Implement the Methodology for the Evaluation of Mental Health Services for Adolescents (CAMH), Asunción, Paraguay, Duration approx. 6 months
For Every Child, Protection
The main objective of this consultancy is to implement UNICEF’s CAMH assessment tool by carrying out a diagnosis of mental health services aimed at children and adolescents in priority areas of Paraguay.
Generate exploratory evidence on children and adolescents’ perceptions of mental health and the needs of the population.
Adolescent Mental Health focuses on providing opportunities and tools to promote development and participation and expression, which in turn impact on the creation of a state of well-being in which adolescents can cope with the normal stresses of life, act in a productive and fruitful manner, and contribute to their families and community. It includes the development of emotional and social skills, as well as the ability to cope with challenges and adversities.
The mental health of children and adolescents is a crucial component of the general well-being and integral development of this population in Paraguay. Given the growing need to strengthen these services, UNICEF wishes to generate evidence that will allow it to collaborate in strengthening the Mental Health Directorate of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPBS), using an evaluation tool developed by UNICEF Global, adapting and validating it for the country’s context. The aim of this evidence is to generate an opportunity to analyze and improve mental health services from a perspective of child and adolescent care needs.
The results of this evaluation will provide critical information to improve the quality, accessibility and efficiency of these services.
Mapping child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) services can provide valuable information on the availability and utilization of such services, the distribution of human and other resources, as well as existing gaps. This information is crucial for planning CAMH services, strategic resource allocation, and prioritizing needs.
This tool provides guidance for mapping CAMH services in specific administrative areas at national or subnational level, encompassing formal health care, community-based services, school-based MHPSS (mental health and psychosocial support) and others beyond the health system. It was developed based on the European CAMHS Mapping Questionnaire (ECM-Q) and the upcoming WHO-UNICEF manual on Child and Youth Mental Health Services.
The tool covers six key domains:
1. CAMH Policy and Legislation
2. Funding for CAMH Services
3. CAMH Services
4. CAMH Medication and Treatment Modalities
5. Human Resources for CAMH Services
6. CAMH Data and Health Information Systems
The mapping will examine prevention and treatment services for the 0-19 age group. It will encompass services provided within the health system, at community level and/or other CAMH services, potentially including those that extend beyond the health sector. These may include services targeted at the family and caregiver level, as well as those provided within both public and private systems.
How can you make a difference?
Scope of work:
The consultant shall:
- Review and Adapt the CAMH Tool: analyze and adapt the assessment tool to the different regional contexts of Paraguay, together with the UNICEF Paraguay Protection team.
- Implement the CAMH Assessment Tool: Coordinate and implement the CAMH tool in various health institutions, including hospitals, health centers, and clinics that serve children and adolescents.
- Data Analysis: Using the data collected in the implementation phase, analyze the effectiveness, accessibility and quality of the services, and evaluate user satisfaction.
- Conducting exploratory interviews and focus groups with adolescents: generating qualitative data collection instruments (in-depth interviews and focus group guides) that allow for the collection of qualitative information on the adolescent perspective on mental health and their needs.
- Preparation of technical document/final report: including a) main findings, b) identification of gaps and c) recommendations (based on evidence).
- Inclusion of Key Actors: Ensure the participation of all key actors identified in the evaluation process.
- Coordinate technical discussion meetings with UNICEF and counterparts to disseminate results.
- The number of focus groups and interviews, as well as the number of services surveyed, are not predefined by UNICEF, but it is expected that the consultant can present it as a product and part of his proposal. It is proposed that the survey be implemented with key services proposed by the consultant with validation by UNICEF in Asunción, Central, Alto Paraná, Boquerón and Pte. Hayes.
Key Actors Involved
The assessment should involve the following key actors:
- UNICEF Paraguay: Provider of technical and financial support, responsible for coordinating and supervising the project together with the MSPBS.
- Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPBS): Main authority responsible for the policy and management of mental health services in Paraguay.
- Health Services (Hospitals and Health Centers): Institutions where mental health services are provided to children and adolescents.
- Ministry of Education and Science (MEC): Responsible for the integration of mental health services in the school environment.
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society: Including organizations that work with children and adolescents, providing perspectives on the needs and rights of the target population.
- Families and Caregivers: Key participants in understanding the perception and direct experience of services.
- Children and Adolescents: Direct participants in the evaluation through interviews, focus groups and surveys to ensure that their voices are heard and reflected in the analysis.
- Mental Health Professionals: Including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and other relevant professionals who provide direct services.
Expected Products:
Product 1 – To be delivered in October 2024 – Cost: 25% of the total contract value.
• Detailed Work Plan*: Present a detailed plan proposing the strategic services where the survey instrument will be implemented, profiles of adolescents to be part of the qualitative instruments, as well as a proposal for indicators to be included in these last tentative schedules of phases of the consultancy distribution of tasks.
Product 2 – To be delivered in November 2024 – Cost: 15% of the total contract value.
• Revised instruments*: Revised CAMH proposal, qualitative data collection instrument (Focus group guide and in-depth interview guide).
Product 3 – Preliminary Product Progress – To be delivered in February 2025 – Cost: 30% of the total contract value.
Final Report*: Document containing a) Complete evaluation results, b) Analysis of strengths and weaknesses of the services, c) Recommendations addressed to the MSPBS and UNICEF, d) Suggested strategies to improve the quality and accessibility of mental health services. It does not require layout and consists of an internal, non-publishable document.
Output 3 and 4 – Final version of Output 3 and Executive Presentation Document – To be delivered in March 2025 – Cost: 15% of the total contract value.
Executive Presentation Document*: A concise, visual summary of the main findings and recommendations, designed to be shared with key stakeholders.
To qualify as an advocate for all children you must have…
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- University Degree in Psychology, Medicine with specialization in psychiatry or other social sciences.
- Demonstrable experience in evaluations of mental health programs, with a focus on children and adolescents or similar.
- Deep knowledge of the mental health system in Paraguay.
- Skills in qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
- Previous experience in implementing qualitative instruments with adolescents.
- Experience in coordination and working with multiple actors, including international and governmental organizations.
- Ability to collect and analyze sensitive and confidential information in an ethical and professional manner.
How to apply:
Complete the application form correctly and attach the following documents:
- Resume, including three (3) verifiable work references from your previous work experience (Include contact information, telephone number and email).
- Copy of the diploma that proves compliance with the training criteria.
- Attach Economic Proposal indicating the amounts per product including travel amounts as stipulated.
- Attach technical proposal.
- All UNICEF contractors and consultants are required to have valid medical insurance.
For every child, you show…
UNICEF values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Responsibility and Sustainability (CRITAS).
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Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules and UNICEF policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their terms of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Engagement for Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax obligations and the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.
The selected candidate is solely responsible for ensuring that the visa (if applicable) and health insurance required to perform the obligations of the contract are valid for the entire term of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of their full vaccination status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to starting the assignment. This does not apply to consultants who will be working remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF campuses, programme sites, or interact directly with the communities UNICEF works with, or travel to perform duties for UNICEF during the term of their consultancy contracts.
UNICEF offers reasonable accommodations for consultants with disabilities, which may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal assistants. We ask that you indicate your disability during the processing of your application in case you require reasonable accommodations during the selection process and subsequently during your assignment.
