Direct from WHO careers
Consultants UPDATING THE NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGY OF SUDAN
Full job description
Position details
- Vacancy number: 2603590
- Contractual arrangement: External consultant
- Contract duration: 0,4,0
- Organization: EM_SUD WHO Representative%27s Office, Sudan
- Schedule: Full-time
- Closing date: Sep 8, 2026, 11:59:00 PM
BACKGROUND:
As a direct result of the ongoing conflict that escalated in April 2023, Sudan is facing one of the world's largest humanitarian and displacement crises. Millions of people need humanitarian assistance, with widespread population displacement, disruption of basic services, and significant deterioration of health outcomes. The conflict has severely affected the health system, resulting in damage to and closure of health facilities, shortages of essential medicines and medical supplies, and substantial interruptions to the delivery of primary and specialized health services across many states.
Sudan faces significant challenges related to the availability, distribution, and retention of qualified health workers, including mental health professionals. Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services remain limited, particularly outside major urban centres, with a concentration of specialized mental health personnel in a few states. The ongoing conflict has further strained the already limited workforce through displacement, migration, insecurity, and disruptions to training and supervision systems. Access to specialized mental health care, including psychiatric services, psychological interventions, and community-based support, remains inadequate for the majority of the population.
The protracted crisis has increased mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs among affected populations due to displacement, loss, insecurity, and socioeconomic hardship. At the same time, the mental health system faces challenges related to limited resources, shortages of trained personnel, stigma, and constrained institutional capacity. With support from WHO and partners, the Federal Ministry of Health has made important progress in strengthening MHPSS services through initiatives such as mhGAP implementation, workforce capacity-building, and the integration of mental health into primary health care. However, gaps remain in coordination, service coverage, and strategic direction. Strengthening governance arrangements and updating existing strategic frameworks will help guide future investments, improve coordination, and support a more effective and sustainable response to growing mental health needs in Sudan.
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:
Purpose of the Assignment: The purpose of the assignment is to provide technical support to the Federal Ministry of Health and WHO Sudan in updating the existing National Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Strategy.
Objective: Review the existing national mental health and psychosocial support strategy document and update the content with relevant gaps, priorities and opportunities within the mental health system through active consultation with partners, WHO, the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders.
DURATION: 4 months – September to December 2026.
TERMS OF REFERENCE/ SCOPE OF WORK:
Under the overall guidance of the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and in close collaboration with the WHO Sudan, the consultant(s) will undertake the following:
Deliverable 1: Conduct a review of the existing National Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Strategy
Output:
o Review the existing National Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Strategy and other relevant available documents.
o Compile key gaps, priorities and areas requiring further attention within the existing strategy.
o Support the identification and compilation of proposed areas for updating the strategy.
Deliverable 2: Support stakeholder consultations and Strategy Revision
Output:
o Support technical review and validation activities, document feedback from WHO, the Federal Ministry of Health and relevant stakeholders.
o Compile and organize stakeholder inputs and assist with incorporating consolidated feedback into the draft updated National Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Strategy.
Deliverable 3: Progress Updates and Coordination
Output:
o Maintain regular communication with WHO Sudan throughout the assignment.
o Provide brief progress updates and follow up on agreed actions and inputs as required.
o Flag any issues or matters requiring further guidance or clarification.
FUNCTIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
The consultant(s) should demonstrate:
§ Proven knowledge and experience in mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), including policy, strategy, or programme development.
§ Relevant experience of reviewing and updating health or mental health related technical documents.
§ Good analytical, writing, and communication skills.
§ Familiarity with WHO guidance and public health approaches to mental health is desirable.
§ Knowledge of the Sudan context and health system is an asset.
EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS
Essential:
Bachelor University degree (First Level University Degree) in psychology, psychiatry, public mental health or a related field.
EXPERIENCE
Essential:
§ A minimum of one year of relevant experience in mental health policy, strategy development and humanitarian settings.
§ Experience with Ministries of Health, and/or WHO and UN agencies is required.
MILESTONES AND PAYMENTS
Milestone | Payment amount | Date of delivery |
First draft of the updated national MH strategy | 50% | Upon the completion of the first two months of consultancy first week of November 2026 |
Final draft of the updated national MH strategy | 50% | Upon the delivery of the last final approved draft – two weeks after the four months period - first week of January 2027. |
Listing sourced from WHO careers. Applications are handled entirely by the employer.
Similar impact roles
