Consultant for Addressing Children’s Exposure to and Poisoning

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and operates with a mission to ensure that children have access to health, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. UNICEF employs thousands of staff members globally and collaborates with various partners to implement programs that address the needs of children and families in diverse contexts.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position aims to provide specialized technical support to UNICEF Mexico and its national partners in developing and implementing strategies to reduce childhood lead exposure. The consultant will be responsible for producing a series of technical outputs, including a collaborative Children Environmental Health (CEH) framework with actionable recommendations, an implementation plan for integrating environmental health into national strategies, and a structured Lead Risk Assessment Questionnaire. The role will also involve creating outreach materials and communication products tailored to vulnerable populations, generating a roadmap and policy proposals to institutionalize environmental health surveillance and lead exposure prevention protocols within Mexico’s primary health-care system, in alignment with national priorities such as the First 1,000 Days strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical recommendations to support the establishment of the Intersectoral Environmental Health Board.
• Develop, review, and finalize the adaptation of the Children's Environmental Health (CEH) document.
• Offer specialized technical assistance for designing scripts and key messages for outreach communication products focused on lead exposure prevention.
• Prepare a Technical Report & Proposal Document for the Children's Environmental Health Forum on Public Policies and Advances in Environmental Health with a Child-Focused Approach.
• Develop a Lead Risk Assessment Questionnaire.
• Collaborate with national partners and stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of strategies aimed at reducing lead exposure in children.
• Conduct research and analysis to inform policy proposals and recommendations.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions for health professionals on environmental health issues.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of implemented strategies and provide feedback for continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Environmental Sciences, Medicine, Biology, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of work experience in environmental health, public health, or related fields, with a focus on programs addressing exposure to environmental contaminants, particularly lead.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively convey complex information to diverse audiences.
• Proven project management skills, including planning, execution, and monitoring of health-related projects.
• Ability to identify gaps in current strategies and propose actionable solutions based on expert reviews and strategic recommendations.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Environmental Sciences, Medicine, Biology, or Social Sciences is required. A Master’s degree or PhD in Environmental Health, Toxicology, Epidemiology, or related sciences is desirable and will enhance the candidate's profile.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in environmental health or public health, particularly in roles that involve addressing exposure to environmental contaminants. Experience in designing or applying tools for environmental exposure assessment and working with health authorities or intersectoral teams is highly valued. Additionally, experience in the design and analysis of epidemiological studies, questionnaire validation, and scientific communication is beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, as the primary communication will be in this language. Proficiency in English is also required, particularly the ability to comprehend scientific literature and communicate effectively in both languages. Additional fluency in English is considered a desirable asset.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is remote, requiring regular meetings via Teams and phone calls, along with planned travel within Mexico City. The position is expected to adhere to UNICEF’s core values and competencies, which include building partnerships, demonstrating self-awareness, achieving results for impact, and managing ambiguity. The consultancy will involve a detailed technical and financial proposal submission process, with specific requirements for documentation and cost breakdowns. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.