Consultant for Lead Exposure Prevention

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 all children have access to health, education, and protection. UNICEF employs thousands of staff members globally and collaborates with various partners to implement programs that address critical issues affecting children and families. The organization is known for its dedication to humanitarian efforts and advocacy for children's rights, making it a leading voice in global child welfare.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for Lead Exposure Prevention focuses on addressing the significant public health challenge posed by lead exposure in children in Mexico. The consultant will work on enhancing awareness and knowledge of lead exposure prevention among health professionals and communities through culturally adapted Social and Behavior Change (SBC) strategies and targeted training programs. The role involves collaborating with national partners to implement effective prevention strategies, thereby contributing to the reduction of childhood lead exposure. The consultant will be responsible for developing and validating SBC materials, creating training packages, and promoting e-learning initiatives. This consultancy is crucial in supporting UNICEF's mission to protect children's health and well-being in Mexico, particularly in regions most affected by lead contamination.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key deliverables, including:

• Developing an Inception Report that outlines the approach and methodology for the consultancy.
• Creating an Adaptation Framework and Draft Scripts/Messages for SBC Materials tailored to the target audience.
• Validating SBC materials and developing a comprehensive training package along with an e-learning promotion plan.
• Conducting a National Training of Trainers and producing a report along with a final content package and policy brief. The consultant will also engage in regular communication with UNICEF and stakeholders, participate in meetings, and provide updates on progress. Additionally, the consultant will be expected to travel within Mexico for three planned trips to facilitate training and collaboration with local partners.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this consultancy, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Biology, Sciences, Nutrition, Medicine, Anthropology, or a related field. Candidates should have 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. Demonstrated experience in adapting SBC materials for low-literacy and culturally diverse populations is essential. Candidates should also have strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Environmental Health, Biology, Sciences, Nutrition, Medicine, Anthropology, or a related discipline. A Master’s degree or PhD in one of these fields is desirable and would enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in environmental health, public health, or related fields. Experience in implementing programs and research projects that address exposure to environmental contaminants, particularly lead, is highly valued. Additionally, experience in designing and delivering training programs for health professionals and community workers is preferred, as well as experience in promoting digital learning initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is required for this position, as the consultant will be working primarily with local communities and health professionals. Proficiency in English is also necessary, particularly the ability to read and write in English with good comprehension of scientific articles, as the consultant may need to engage with international literature and reports.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. However, it requires regular meetings via Teams and phone calls, along with three planned trips within Mexico for training and collaboration purposes. The consultant will need to submit a technical proposal detailing their approach, methodology, and work schedule, along with a financial proposal that includes a cost breakdown per deliverable. The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 8 months, and all proposals must be submitted independently, as corporate proposals will not be considered. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.