Children’s Environmental Health Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a leading organization dedicated to promoting children's rights and well-being globally. Established in 1946, UNICEF has been operational for over 70 years, working in 190 countries and territories. The organization focuses on various aspects of child welfare, including health, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. With a workforce of over 12,000 employees, UNICEF is the largest provider of vaccines for developing countries and is funded entirely through voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position for Children’s Environmental Health Consultant is aimed at developing global strategies to enhance children's environmental health and providing technical assistance to countries. The role is crucial as UNICEF has prioritized climate change and environmental degradation in its strategic plan, integrating these issues into its programs. The consultant will work within the Healthy Environments for Healthy Children (HEHC) programme framework, which is being implemented in over 20 countries. The consultant's work will involve mobilizing collective action to protect child health from climate change impacts and environmental degradation, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The consultant will collaborate closely with the HEHC team and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the program and to enhance the understanding and prioritization of children's environmental health issues.

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

• Providing technical assistance to improve the prioritization of children’s environmental health by supporting country-level assessments and laying the groundwork for biomonitoring studies.
• Deepening partnerships with regional organizations such as PAHO to promote children's environmental health initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Organizing regional webinars and follow-ups with countries to encourage participation in the CEH Collaborative.
• Developing global guidance and technical reports on monitoring children’s environmental health, including climate and health interactions.
• Collaborating with external partners to enhance Children’s Environmental Health Profiles and reviewing country assessments.
• Ensuring the delivery of high-quality technical notes, reports, and presentations for diverse audiences, including policymakers and technical experts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's or Ph.D. in Public Health, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Statistics, Demography, or a related field. They should have a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in lead programming in low- and middle-income countries. Technical expertise in monitoring lead, heavy metals, and environmental health is essential. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to conduct rigorous research, analyze complex data, and synthesize information into actionable guidance. Excellent communication skills and the ability to produce high-quality technical documentation are also required. Previous experience with UNICEF or the UN is desirable, along with knowledge of public health systems and policies related to environment and health.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree or Ph.D. in relevant fields such as Public Health, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Statistics, or Demography. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of children's environmental health and for developing effective strategies to address these issues.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience, particularly in lead programming and environmental health in low- and middle-income countries. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting research, analyzing data, and developing technical guidance related to environmental health and child health issues. Experience in designing studies and assessments, as well as familiarity with monitoring and evaluation methods, is also essential.

Languages:
Proficiency in both Spanish and English is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will be working in the Latin America and Caribbean region. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is remote and is expected to last from March 16, 2026, to May 15, 202

• The consultant will need to provide a financial proposal that includes costs for each deliverable, travel costs, and any other estimated expenses. UNICEF will cover any emergent travel expenses. Selected candidates must have current health insurance coverage and will be subject to background checks. The position does not confer staff member status, and consultants are responsible for their tax liabilities. Additionally, candidates must confirm their fully vaccinated status against COVID-19, although this requirement does not apply to those working remotely.