Job offer: International Consultant – UNICEF

International Consultant for Children’s Environmental Health (CEH) Assessment in Cameroon (WCAR) – Remote & On-Site Workdays

Join UNICEF in Making a Lasting Impact on Children’s Lives

UNICEF is looking for an International Consultant for Children’s Environmental Health (CEH) Assessment in Cameroon (WCAR).

UNICEF operates in some of the world’s most challenging environments, striving to reach the most vulnerable children. Our mission is clear:

• Save lives
• Protect children’s rights
• Empower them to reach their full potential

With a presence in 190 countries and territories, we are committed to ensuring that every child, everywhere, every day has the opportunity to grow up in a safer, healthier, and more inclusive world.

And we never give up.

UNICEF’s Work in Cameroon

Since 1975, UNICEF has been a key partner in Cameroon, supporting women and children in their fundamental right to development, in alignment with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Our work spans seven critical areas to address the country’s most pressing needs:

• Health
• HIV/AIDS
• Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
• Nutrition
• Education
• Child Protection
• Social Inclusion

With an estimated population of 26.5 million (UN data, 2020), Cameroon faces significant socioeconomic and environmental challenges, particularly affecting rural communities. Limited access to essential services and the growing impact of climate change exacerbate poverty and child deprivation.

Addressing these issues requires a collective effort—from individuals and organizations within and beyond Cameroon. We call upon:

• Government authorities
• Technical and financial partners
• Donors
• Civil society
• The private sector
• Youth and local communities

Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and build a future where every child in Cameroon thrives.

How Can You Make a Difference?

Protecting Children’s Health from Climate and Environmental Hazards

The Growing Threat to Child Well-being

Climate change and environmental degradation pose serious risks to children’s survival, health, and development, potentially undoing years of progress in global child welfare. Millions of children worldwide face exposure to polluted air, contaminated water and food, hazardous chemicals, unsafe infrastructure, and climate-related disasters. Addressing these escalating threats requires urgent investment, political commitment, and decisive action.

Globally, 850 million children—1 in 4—are exposed to at least four environmental and climate-related hazards. Some groups, including indigenous children, displaced children, girls, children with disabilities, and those living in poverty, are particularly vulnerable. Due to their physical, physiological, and socio-economic vulnerability, children are more susceptible to floods, droughts, heatwaves, toxic exposures, and disease outbreaks linked to environmental degradation. The impact is severe—climate-related risks increase childhood mortality from diseases such as pneumonia, malaria, and diarrhea. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 26% of child deaths could be prevented by addressing environmental risks early.

UNICEF’s Response: The Healthy Environments for Healthy Children Framework

To combat these challenges, UNICEF launched the “Healthy Environments for Healthy Children” framework in 2021. This initiative identifies key environmental hazards affecting child health worldwide and integrates solutions into UNICEF’s health programs, WASH strategy, and climate policies. A major focus of the framework is lead poisoning, which was highlighted in UNICEF’s 2020 report on lead pollution’s neurological, cognitive, and physical effects on children. Research indicates that toxic exposures—from lead to plastic pollution—pose greater threats to children than previously understood.

Consultancy Opportunity: Strengthening Environmental Health for Children in Cameroon

As part of this initiative, UNICEF Cameroon is seeking a consultant to support its WASH Section in addressing children’s environmental health risks. Guided by the Country Assessment on Children’s Environmental Health, the consultant will:

• Collaborate with key government institutions (e.g., Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environment, National Disease Prevention bodies) to conduct an in-depth national assessment on child health risks linked to climate and environmental hazards. This includes heat stress, vector-borne diseases, air pollution, lead exposure, toxic metals, e-waste, pesticides, and other pollutants. The assessment will involve data analysis, stakeholder consultations, and policy reviews.
• Support government and stakeholder coordination on environmental health. This includes technical assistance, organizing policy discussions, and strengthening evidence-based advocacy through meetings and workshops at national and sub-national levels.
• Develop capacity-building initiatives for health professionals, conducting training needs assessments and integrating environmental health topics into national health worker curricula.

This consultancy represents a critical opportunity to drive policy action and improve environmental health protections for children in Cameroon.

For further details, refer to CEHA Consultant TOR 2025_.docx.

Consultancy Opportunity: Environmental and Climate Health Assessment for UNICEF

UNICEF is seeking a consultant/contractor to conduct an in-depth assessment of environmental and climate-related health issues affecting children. The consultant will be responsible for addressing key topics throughout the contract period and within the project deliverables.

The UNICEF Country Office (CO) team will provide access to relevant existing data and documents to streamline the research process and avoid redundancy.

Scope of Work

The consultant will focus on the following key areas:

1. Analysis of the National Health System

• Assess the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children.
• Evaluate sectoral capacities, including national policies, frameworks, and existing gaps.
• Review monitoring tools, health technologies, and infrastructure.
• Analyze the health budget and expenditure allocated for addressing climate and environmental hazards.
• Provide an overview of current Climate and Environmental Health (CEH) programs in the country.

2. Child Exposure to Environmental and Climate Hazards

• Examine the health impact of environmental hazards, such as toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and hazardous waste.
• Assess climate-related risks, including flooding, heat stress, drought, and shifting patterns of vector-borne diseases.
• Analyze the combined effects of air pollution and climate factors on child health.

3. Stakeholder and Partner Mapping

• Identify key stakeholders in environmental and climate health, including public and private sector partners.
• Map out existing collaborations, policies, and initiatives.

4. National and Global Environmental Governance

• Assess the regulatory landscape for environmental and climate health.
• Identify policy gaps and opportunities for improvement.

Consultancy Duration & Work Arrangement

• Contract Period: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025 (3 months)
• Work Modality: Remote-based (75 days) with 15 working days in-country

Deliverables & Payment Schedule

To achieve the project objectives, the consultant will deliver the following:

Payment Conditions:

• Payments will be made upon successful submission of each deliverable.
• UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payments if deliverables are deemed substandard or delayed.

Application Process

Required Documents

Interested candidates must submit the following documents:

1. Letter of Interest (Cover Letter)
2. Updated CV/Resume
3. Performance Evaluation Reports or References from similar assignments (if available).
4. Financial Proposal: A lump-sum cost covering all expenses, including medical insurance (with medevac), travel, and accommodation.
5. Technical Proposal: A detailed methodology, work plan, and cost breakdown.

Eligibility & Qualification Criteria

Minimum Requirements

To qualify for this consultancy, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Advanced Degree (Master’s or higher) in Environmental Health, Public Health, Medical Sciences, Epidemiology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in public health, environmental health, or related areas.
• Proven expertise in study design, research methodologies, and environmental health assessments.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and policy advisory is an asset.
• Fluency in English and French (additional UN languages are a plus).

Evaluation Criteria

General Terms & Conditions

• UNICEF upholds a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, including sexual exploitation, abuse, discrimination, and harassment.
• Candidates must adhere to UNICEF’s ethical guidelines, safeguarding policies, and child protection standards.
• The consultant is responsible for their visa and health insurance for the contract period.
• Full COVID-19 vaccination (WHO-endorsed vaccine) is required for in-person engagements.

Diversity & Inclusion
UNICEF is committed to diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds, including women, people with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented communities. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for applicants and employees with disabilities.

Application Deadline

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.

Interested applicants should submit their applications through the UNICEF careers portal before the specified deadline.