Remote/Work from Home: UNICEF is Hiring for Home-based Consultant for Children’s Environmental Health Assessment

,In its ongoing commitment to safeguarding children’s health and well-being, UNICEF is calling for applications from qualified consultants to undertake a comprehensive Children’s Environmental Health (CEH) assessment in Eswatini. This critical five-month consultancy, primarily remote, aims to generate vital evidence on environmental hazards affecting children, inform policy priorities, and strengthen multisectoral responses to environmental health risks.

About the Role

Based in Mbabane, Eswatini, the consultant will work closely with UNICEF’s Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health (MCAH) section and partner government agencies, notably the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Tourism and Environment (MOTE). The primary objective is to assess the current landscape of environmental hazards—such as air pollution, lead poisoning, toxic chemicals, climate-related threats, and other pollutants—and their specific impacts on child health.

This assessment will serve as a foundational step toward prioritizing interventions, strengthening policies, and supporting capacity-building efforts to address environmental risks that threaten the survival, health, and development of children across Eswatini.

Why This Matters

Children in Eswatini face increasing exposure to environmental hazards amplified by climate change, industrial activities, and urbanization. While strides have been made in reducing under-five mortality through immunization and maternal health programs, emerging environmental risks—particularly lead exposure and air pollution—pose a new challenge that requires urgent attention.

The country’s vulnerability to climate change, ranked 137th out of 181 globally, underscores the urgency of understanding and mitigating these risks. Data indicates that exposure to heavy metals like lead, especially in urban areas with high traffic density, and air pollution levels exceeding WHO guidelines, threaten to undermine health gains achieved over recent decades.

Scope of the Consultancy

The consultant will undertake a multi-faceted assessment aimed at providing actionable insights. Key activities include:

• Conducting a thorough desk review of existing data, policies, and research related to environmental hazards impacting children.
• Designing and leading stakeholder consultations, including mapping partners across government, civil society, private sector, and development agencies.
• Assessing the regulatory and health system capacity to address environmental health threats, with particular focus on lead poisoning and pollution control.
• Evaluating health infrastructure, surveillance mechanisms, and capacity gaps.
• Analyzing exposure patterns, disease burdens, and vulnerabilities among children, especially those in high-risk communities.
• Developing recommendations for policy, programmatic, and capacity-building interventions, including integrating lead poisoning prevention into national health and environmental policies.

In addition, the consultancy will facilitate capacity-building activities by supporting the adaptation and delivery of WHO/UNICEF e-learning modules on CEH to key stakeholders, and developing advocacy materials to promote awareness and action.

Expected Deliverables

Throughout the consultancy, the following key outputs are expected:

• An inception report outlining the assessment framework and detailed work plan.
• A comprehensive CEH assessment report, including data analysis, stakeholder mapping, policy review, and vulnerability mapping.
• Policy briefs summarizing key findings, recommendations, and strategic priorities.
• A capacity needs assessment and training plan for health sector personnel.
• Reports on stakeholder consultations, training sessions, and dissemination activities.
• Final presentation and dissemination of findings to policymakers and partners.

Qualifications and Experience

UNICEF seeks a highly qualified professional with:

• A Master’s or postgraduate degree in Environmental Health, Public Health, Medical Sciences, Epidemiology, or related fields.
• At least five years of experience in public and environmental health, with demonstrated expertise in environmental risk assessments, child health, and pollutants such as lead and toxic chemicals.
• Proven capacity to design and conduct assessments, research, and capacity-building activities in low-resource settings.
• Strong understanding of health systems, environmental governance, and policy analysis.
• Excellent communication skills, particularly in stakeholder engagement and advocacy.
• Fluency in English (oral and written).

Why Join UNICEF?

This assignment offers an impactful opportunity to contribute to the health and future of children in Eswatini. By generating evidence and supporting policy reforms, the consultant will help shape strategies that reduce environmental risks and promote healthier environments for vulnerable children. The work aligns with UNICEF’s broader mission to defend children’s rights, improve health outcomes, and build resilient communities.

Application Process

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications through UNICEF’s recruitment portal, including a detailed CV, a cover letter highlighting relevant experience, and a technical proposal outlining their approach to the assignment.

Additional Information

• This consultancy is for a period of five months, with an expected start date in [insert date].
• The position is open to qualified individuals with relevant expertise and experience.
• UNICEF provides a supportive environment focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Make a Difference

If you are passionate about child health, environmental protection, and policy advocacy, this is your chance to contribute to meaningful change in Eswatini. Join UNICEF in its mission to create healthier, safer environments for children to thrive.

APPLY HERE

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The post Remote/Work from Home: UNICEF is Hiring for Home-based Consultant for Children’s Environmental Health Assessment appeared first on Scholarly Africa.

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In its ongoing commitment to safeguarding children’s health and well-being, UNICEF is calling for applications from qualified consultants to undertake a comprehensive Children’s Environmental Health (CEH) assessment in Eswatini. This critical five-month consultancy, primarily remote, aims to generate vital evidence on environmental hazards affecting children, inform policy priorities, and strengthen multisectoral responses to environmental health …

The post Remote/Work from Home: UNICEF is Hiring for Home-based Consultant for Children’s Environmental Health Assessment appeared first on Scholarly Africa.

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