Consultant for Environmental Regulation on Lead Exposure

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories. Its mission is to reach the world's most disadvantaged children, save their lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. UNICEF operates with a commitment to never give up on any child, striving to build a better world for everyone.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be tasked with developing environmental regulations aimed at preventing lead exposure in Bhutan. Lead is a highly toxic metal that poses severe health risks, particularly to children and pregnant women. The consultant will work closely with various ministries and stakeholders to create a comprehensive regulatory framework that addresses the urgent public health issue of lead exposure, which has been identified as a significant challenge in Bhutan. The role requires specialized expertise in law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">environmental law, public health, and toxicology, as well as the ability to translate complex scientific evidence into actionable policy. The consultant will also be responsible for conducting assessments of existing policies, identifying regulatory gaps, and proposing effective measures to mitigate lead exposure risks.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review and assess existing national policies, laws, and institutional mandates related to chemicals and public health.
• Conduct a comparative review of international standards and best practices on lead regulation.
• Identify legal deficiencies and inconsistencies in current regulations.
• Develop a comprehensive national environmental lead regulation, including permissible limits for lead in consumer goods and environmental media.
• Engage key stakeholders for consultations on the proposed regulations.
• Prepare an actionable roadmap and recommendations for improving legal and policy frameworks.
• Draft reports and facilitate stakeholder consultations to gather input and ensure inclusiveness in the regulatory process.
• Submit final reports and regulations incorporating feedback from consultations.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree (master's or higher) in Environmental Law, Environmental Health, Public Health, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in legal framework analysis, policy development, and environmental regulation.
• Familiarity with WHO and UNEP frameworks on lead and chemical safety.
• Experience working with UN agencies, especially UNICEF, WHO, and UNEP on similar assignments is an asset.
• Strong communication and analytical skills, with the ability to manage diverse viewpoints and work in demanding situations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's or higher) in fields such as Environmental Law, Environmental Health, Public Health, or related disciplines. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of environmental regulations and public health implications associated with lead exposure.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in legal framework analysis, policy development, and environmental regulation. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on similar projects, particularly in the context of lead exposure and public health. Familiarity with international standards and frameworks, as well as experience in stakeholder engagement, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all reports and communications will be conducted in English. Knowledge of local languages may be beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be expected to work remotely or on-site as needed, with specific deliverables and deadlines outlined in the work assignment overview. The payment schedule is based on the completion of deliverables, with a total of 100% payment distributed across various milestones. The consultant must ensure compliance with UNICEF's policies and procedures, including background checks and adherence to ethical standards. The position is not considered a staff member role, and consultants are responsible for their own tax liabilities and health insurance.