Ukraine-Based Youth Mental Health Consultant

Opportunity Summary
NORC at the University of Chicago is preparing a proposal in response to a competitive procurement for an assessment of youth mental health needs and youth-center response capacity in Ukraine. We are seeking a qualified consultant based in Ukraine to serve as a member of the project team during implementation.
Please note: This opportunity is contingent upon successful award of the contract. Recruitment at this stage is intended to identify qualified experts for inclusion in the proposal; no consulting agreement is guaranteed, and any engagement will be subject to contract award and subsequent agreement between the parties.
Background
The proposed study will assess the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of young people ages 14-35 across multiple oblasts in the South and East and evaluate the capacity of youth centers and related institutions to respond to identified needs. The study will employ a mixed-methods design, including quantitative survey research, qualitative data collection, institutional assessment, and policy-oriented analysis.
Purpose of the Role
The Ukraine-Based Youth Mental Health and Research Consultant will serve as a member of the study team, providing technical expertise, contextual knowledge, and stakeholder insights to support implementation of a mixed-methods assessment of youth mental health needs and youth-center response capacity in Ukraine. The consultant will help ensure that study activities, stakeholder engagement, data collection, and interpretation of findings appropriately reflect the Ukrainian social, policy, youth-service, and mental health context. Responsibilities may include:
Serve as a member of the study team and provide technical guidance on the Ukrainian youth, mental health, psychosocial support (MHPSS), and related policy landscape.
Support stakeholder engagement and coordination with government entities, youth-serving organizations, youth centers, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.
Contribute to the adaptation, review, and contextualization of research instruments, protocols, and study materials.
Advise on ethical, cultural, trauma-informed, and conflict-sensitive approaches to research implementation in Ukraine.
Co-facilitate training of quantitative and qualitative data collection teams in collaboration with NORC staff.
Observe and, as appropriate, support data collection activities, including interviews, focus groups, stakeholder consultations, and site visits.
Support interpretation and contextualization of quantitative and qualitative findings.
Collaborate with NORC staff in developing evidence-based conclusions, recommendations, reports, presentations, and dissemination materials.
Contribute to assessing youth-center capacities and identifying opportunities to strengthen youth-centered mental health and psychosocial support services.
Required Qualifications
Candidates should be based in Ukraine and demonstrate:
Experience related to mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and/or youth wellbeing in Ukraine.
Strong knowledge of the Ukrainian social, policy, and institutional context relating to youth mental health.
Expertise in one or more of the following areas, preferably with experience related to youth populations or mental health: youth policy and development; mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS); or public health.
Familiarity with youth-serving institutions, youth centers, or related government programs.
Professional proficiency in both Ukrainian and English, including the ability to participate actively in technical discussions and collaborate with an international research team.
Advanced degree in psychology, psychiatry, social work, public health, or a related field preferred.
Desired Qualifications
The following qualifications are not required but desired:
Experience conducting or supporting quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research, assessments, monitoring and evaluation activities, or policy-relevant analytical work.
Experience related to public policy or institutional/organizational assessment in Ukraine.
Experience working with international donors, development organizations, research firms, universities, or consulting organizations.
Willingness to travel around Ukraine.
Expression of Interest
Interested individuals are invited to submit the following materials:
CV or résumé.
Brief statement of relevant experience (1 page or less).
Contact information and availability.
Daily consulting rate.

Work arrangement
Yes