Consultancy for the implementation of the mental health platform for adolescents, home based, Brasilia, Brazil

Background & Rationale

Since 2018, UNICEF has been discussing with a national group of experts the topic of mental health and how it impacts the life of adolescents and young people. The increase in the number of suicides and self-harm was the initial concern, mainly among young indigenous people. According to the Pan American Health Organization – PAHO (2018), approximately 10% to 20% of adolescents have mental health issues; depression is the 9^th cause of disease among adolescents; anxiety is the 8^th cause; half of all mental health issues start at the age of 14.

The current context of the new coronavirus pandemic has even more acute impacts on the emotional health of adolescents, who reported feelings related to depression, sadness, anguish, grief, among others, in U-Report and adolescent networks meetings supported by UNICEF. According to U-Report poll on mental health conducted in September 2020 responded by over 3,900 people the main challenge faced by adolescents during the pandemic was the concern and anxiety with the coronavirus.

This unprecedented scenario especially impacts adolescents who are in social isolation, without in-person encounters with their peers, teachers and other people from their protection network in schools, community centers, reference centers for social assistance, among others.

To respond to this demand, UNICEF started the implementation of a mental health support platform for adolescents including mental health materials tailored to adolescents; testimonials of adolescents who overcame difficult situations and invidualized care services provided by UNICEF partners with expertise in mental health issues. The name of the platform is Pode Falar and it can be accessed on www.podefalar.org.br.

The implementation of this platform requires coordinating activities in different areas including IT, Digital communications, planning and managing the contact with contractors and implementing partners. In order to avoid delays in providing mental health services, which is an urgent need for adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic, the Adolescent Programme is contracting a consultant to coordinate all partners’ activities needed to implement the digital mental health platform for adolescents, strengthening and consolidating activities initiated in February 2021 by establishing MoUs and cooperation agreements with new partners.

Purpose 

This consultant is expected to provide management support and technical assistance to guarantee an efficient implementation of the project Pode Falar, which is a virtual platform that aims to improve mental health and well-being for adolescents and young people from Brazil. The consultant must provide the necessary means to strengthen and consolidate Pode Falar project, by establishing partnerships with different organizations. Furthermore, the consultant must provide effective communication and coordination among UNICEF staff and strategic partners.

Expected results: (measurable results)

The consultant will carry out the following activities:

1 – Elaborate a document with official data on adolescents and young people’s mental health in Brazil (disaggregated by gender, race and ethnicity), including self-esteem and body confidence issues, and the systematization of UNICEF’s intervention in this area, create a summarized version of the text for UNICEF website and suggest cards to be used on UNICEF social media.

30 days

2 – Monitor the implementation of the assistance provided by Pode Falar helpline by coordinating efforts with implementing partners and Weni, the contractor responsible for providing technical services.

30 days

3 – Coordinate the implementation of Pode Falar communication strategy, in association with the implementation of the self-esteem chatbot

30 days

4 – Coordinate the implementation of a training course for professionals responsible for assisting adolescents on mental health issues and another one for young people acting as peer-supporters.

30 days

5 – Strengthen the networks of partners engaged in Pode falar platform in all Brazilian regions.

30 days

6 – Evaluate the implementation of Pode falar platform in coordination with UNICEF and partners teams and in dialogue with adolescents (using focus groups or other tools)

30 days

7 – Propose an intersectional approach to link Pode Falar with mental health promotion activities as part of UNICEF’s iniatitives in the semiarid, the amazon and in large urban centres.

30 days

8 – Monitor the implementation of audiovideo channels as part of the services provided by Pode Falar platform.

30 days

9 – Edit testimonials of adolescents published on Pode Falar website.

30 days

10 – Select new materials on mental health for adolescents to be published on Pode Falar website, including the chatbot on self-esteem and body confidence.

30 days

11 – Collect data with implementing partners and UNICEF zone offices, write at least one donor report and two donor proposals to contribute to the sustainability of mental health iniatitiaves in Brazil.

30 days

CONTRACTING MODALITY AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS

Individual or legal entity

Payment for the service will be made after the submission and approval of each deliverable. 

Duty Station

Home based

Timeframe 

Start date: 10 June 2021                            End date: 10 May 2022                   

Deliverables  Please add the payment (% of the contract link to the deliverables) 

1 – Document prepared with official data on adolescents and young people’s mental health in Brazil (disaggregated by gender, race and ethnicity) and the systematization of UNICEF’s intervention in this area, a summarized version of the text for UNICEF website delivered and content for social media cards suggested.

10% of the budget

2 – Pode Falar helpline monitoring report presented, including data related to coordinating efforts with implementing partners and Weni, the contractor responsible for providing technical services.

10% of the budget

3 – Pode Falar communication strategy implementation coordinated

10% of the budget

4 – A training course for professionals responsible for assisting adolescents on mental health issues and another one for young people acting as peer-supporters implemented.

10% of the budget

5 – Networks of partners engaged in Pode falar platform strengthened in all Brazilian regions.

10% of the budget

6 –  Pode falar platform evaluated

10% of the budget

7 – Proposal prepared for the implementation of an intersectional approach to link Pode Falar with mental health promotion activities as part of UNICEF’s iniatitives in the semiarid, the amazon and in large urban centres.

10% of the budget

8 – Audiovideo channels implemented as part of the services provided by Pode Falar platform.

10% of the budget

9 – Testimonials of adolescents edited and published on Pode Falar website.

10% of the budget

10 – Ten new materials on mental health for adolescents selected and published on Pode Falar website.

5% of the budget

11 – Data on the implementation of mental health activities collected with implementing partners and UNICEF zone offices, at least one donor report and two donor proposals prepared.

5% of the budget 

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 

• The activities must be carried out in accordance with the criteria and contents defined above, and the products with technical quality and in accordance with the deadlines established in this Term of Reference;
• If the product delivery date is on the weekend or holiday, it must be delivered on the next business day;
• Immediately after signing the contract, the UNICEF supervisor and selected consultant will meet for a detailed discussion of the Work Plan and quality criteria for delivering the products. Ordinary meetings will still be scheduled to monitor the activities defined in the Work Plan.

Key competences, technical background, and experience required Deadline 

• Bachelor  in communication, social sciences, psychology, social assistance or related fields
• Masters degree is an asset
• Previous professional and academic experience of at least five years in the area of psychology, communication, human rights and/or the rights of children and adolescents
• Previous professional and academic experience in the areas of gender relations and ethnic-racial relations, preferably with an intersectional and / or decolonial approach is an asset
• Excellent written skills
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Native Portuguese and fluency in written English

General Conditions: Procedures and Logistics 

The Consultant will work from home using own equipment and stationery. UNICEF will provide office space for consultative meetings when needed.

No contract may commence unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant or individual Contractor

Consultants / ICs will not have supervisory responsibilities or authority on UNICEF budget.

Insurance and health coverage 

• The contractor is fully responsible for arranging, at his or her own expenses, such life, health and other forms of insurance covering the term of the contract as he or she considers appropriate.
• The contractor is not eligible to participate in the life or health insurance schemes available to UNICEF and United Nations staff members.

Financial Proposal 

Final rate shall follow “best value for money” principle, i.e., achieving the desired outcome at the lowest possible fee. Consultants and individual contractors are asked to stipulate all inclusive fees, including lump sum travel and subsistence costs, as applicable.

The payment 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.

Required documents for the consultancy proposal submission: 

1. Work schedule

2. Detailed budget 

Restrictions

In case of government officials, the contract cannot be issued without prior written clearance by the Government​, or unless on leave without pay.

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.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual 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 and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors 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.