Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Organization: UNICEF – United Nations Children’s Fund
Type: Consultancy (Contractor Agreement)
Occupational Groups: Public Health, Statistics, Environment
Application Deadline: 3 December 2025

About the Consultancy

UNICEF is seeking a National Consultant to support IEDCR in implementing Market Surveys and Home-Based Assessments to identify sources of heavy metal exposure in children, based on findings from MICS 2025. This role involves coordination with government agencies, leading field team recruitment and training, supervising sample collection and analysis, and ensuring timely reporting to all stakeholders.

UNICEF works in more than 190 countries to save children’s lives, protect their rights, and help them realize their full potential—from early childhood through adolescence. We foster a workplace culture rooted in passion, purpose, and diversity. UNICEF offers opportunities for professional development along with attractive compensation and benefits packages.

Background

Heavy metal contamination remains a significant public health threat in Bangladesh, particularly affecting children and pregnant women. Lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury are non-biodegradable toxins that can accumulate in the body, leading to irreversible neurological damage, reduced IQ, and long-term health impairments.

  • Lead exposure costs Bangladesh an estimated USD 10.9 billion annually (3.6% of GDP).

  • The Toxic Truth report by UNICEF and Pure Earth states that 35.5 million children in Bangladesh have blood lead levels above WHO’s recommended threshold.

  • MICS 2025 findings indicate that 38.3% of children and 8% of pregnant women have elevated blood lead levels, with the highest concentrations in Dhaka, Sylhet, and Chattogram divisions.

  • Surprisingly, higher exposure rates were recorded among wealthier households.

Major contamination sources include:

  • Informal battery recycling

  • Adulterated turmeric and contaminated spices

  • Unsafe consumer products (e.g., toys, cookware)

  • Cosmetics such as surma, sindoor, and kajol

  • Industrial emissions and household environmental hazards

To address these risks, UNICEF is supporting government agencies in conducting Market Surveys and Home-Based Assessments. These involve sampling food, consumer products, and household items, followed by testing through portable XRF and ICP-MS analysis.

Purpose of the Assignment

The consultant will:

  • Support IEDCR and UNICEF in implementing Market Survey and Home-Based Assessment activities linked to MICS 2025.

  • Coordinate with relevant government bodies and ensure smooth operation of field-level activities.

  • Facilitate recruitment, training, and supervision of field teams.

  • Oversee sample collection, safe handling, storage, and laboratory analysis.

  • Provide regular updates, technical guidance, and reports to stakeholders.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

Education:

  • Advanced degree in Medicine, Public Health, Environmental Science, or a related field.

Experience:

  • Minimum 5 years of experience in coordinating field surveys or assessments.

  • Proven experience in large-scale heavy metal exposure assessments, including sample collection, storage, transport, and laboratory analysis.

  • Strong background in capacity building, training facilitation, and field team supervision.

  • Familiarity with government systems and multi-sector coordination.

  • Previous experience working with the UN, INGOs, or government agencies.

  • Excellent communication, documentation, and report-writing skills.

  • Ability to work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams and manage unexpected tasks.

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in Bangla and English (spoken and written).

UNICEF Values and Commitment

At UNICEF, you are expected to demonstrate our core values: Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

UNICEF promotes diversity and inclusion and strongly encourages applications from candidates of all genders, nationalities, cultural backgrounds, and persons with disabilities. We offer:

  • Paid parental leave

  • Breastfeeding breaks

  • Reasonable accommodation for candidates and staff with disabilities

  • Flexible work arrangements

Important Notes

  • UNICEF does not hire candidates married to individuals under 18 years old.

  • UNICEF has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, discrimination, and abuse of authority.

  • All selected candidates undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic and employment history.

  • Consultants are not considered UN staff and are responsible for their tax obligations.

  • Consultants must ensure valid health insurance and (if applicable) visa documentation through the duration of the contract.

  • COVID-19 vaccination (WHO-approved vaccine) is required unless working fully remotely.

Please verify the deadline and details on the official UNICEF recruitment site before applying. Applications that do not meet the minimum qualifications may not be considered.