Children's Environmental Health Assessment Consultant

UNICEF seeks a Children's Environmental Health Assessment Consultant in Manila, Philippines. The role involves adapting assessment methodologies to local contexts, collecting and analyzing data on children's exposure to environmental threats, and assessing existing CEH programs. Responsibilities include stakeholder analysis, consultations with children, and formulating recommendations. The position offers opportunities for professional growth within UNICEF's mission to uphold children's rights and enhance their health amid environmental challenges.
UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children’s lives, defending their rights, and fostering their potential from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is a place where careers are built, offering diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF welcomes individuals who seek to grow in a diverse and passionate culture, supported by attractive compensation and benefits. More information about UNICEF's work can be found on their website.

In the Philippines, UNICEF actively partners with the Government and civil society to uphold the rights of every Filipino child, aligning with SDG priorities. Their efforts are concentrated on vulnerable regions like Visayas and Mindanao, identified by the Government’s Development Plan. UNICEF aims to ensure sustainable and scaled-up interventions by supporting national and local government units (LGUs) in service delivery and system building, considering capacities and sector-specific issues. UNICEF Philippines maintains offices in Manila and Cotabato City, Mindanao, a region affected by conflict and natural disasters.

Under the direct supervision of the UNICEF Immunization Specialist, the Children's Environmental Health Assessment Consultant will play a crucial role. This involves adapting the standard Children’s Environmental Health Assessment methodology to the specific context of the Philippines, considering local data availability and key stakeholders. The consultant will collect secondary data from public sources and scientific evidence, employing systematic approaches for data triangulation. This data will be used to analyze the burden of disease among children in the Philippines, especially those linked to climate and environmental hazards. A key responsibility is to assess and analyze children's exposure to environmental threats such as heat, air pollution, heavy metals, toxic chemicals, hazardous waste, and other climate change-related issues, forming the foundation of the CEH Assessment report. Furthermore, the consultant will analyze existing CEH programs, policies, frameworks, and initiatives at national and subnational levels to identify bottlenecks. This will include conducting a stakeholder analysis and partnerships mapping, examining institutional arrangements, coordination mechanisms, existing civil society organizations, and potential public or private sector partners. Critically, the consultant will consult with children and young people to gather their perspectives. Finally, in collaboration with key stakeholders, the consultant will formulate conclusions and recommendations, culminating in a comprehensive final report.

Deliverables for this consultancy include an inception phase to define assessment questions based on UNICEF’s global CEH methodology, identify key stakeholders, and develop assessment tools. Data collection will involve a desk review of existing environmental health data in the Philippines and key informant interviews with various sectors—government, civil society, academia, private sector, and young people—at both national and subnational levels. The consultant will be responsible for data analysis and synthesizing findings according to the CEH assessment framework. The process concludes with the validation of findings and drafting of recommendations through consultations with key stakeholders. Detailed Terms of Reference can be requested.

To qualify for this vital role, candidates should possess an advanced degree in Public Health, Health Sciences, Environmental Health, Toxicology, or other relevant fields. A minimum of 5+ years of work experience in environmental health and/or climate change and health is required. Desirable skills include demonstrated experience in secondary research, especially within environmental health, a strong understanding of the Philippine context, particularly its health and environmental sectors. Previous work experience with Philippine government agencies and familiarity with UN agencies are considered assets.

To apply, qualified candidates must complete an online candidate profile on the UNICEF website by 24 March 2026. Only applications submitted through the e-recruitment portal under Job Number: 591755 will be considered. Applicants must also submit a cover letter and a duly filled P11 Form, downloadable from the UNICEF website, indicating three previous supervisors. It is essential to include your professional fees and earliest availability for the post.

UNICEF’s core values—Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS)—guide all actions. The required competencies for this post include building and maintaining partnerships, demonstrating self-awareness and ethical awareness, driving to achieve results for impact, innovating and embracing change, managing ambiguity and complexity, thinking and acting strategically, and working collaboratively with others. UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of every child's rights globally, striving for a diverse workforce that reflects the children it serves. Applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, are encouraged. UNICEF offers benefits like paid parental leave and reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. UNICEF strictly prohibits hiring candidates married to children (under 18) and maintains a zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, discrimination, and all conduct incompatible with UN and UNICEF aims. All selected candidates undergo rigorous background checks and are expected to adhere to UNICEF's safeguarding principles. Appointments are subject to medical clearance and may require visa issuance and inoculation against diseases, including COVID-19.

Individuals engaged as consultants are not considered staff members and are not entitled to staff benefits. Their terms of service are governed by their contract, and they are responsible for their tax liabilities. UNICEF does not charge fees at any stage of its recruitment process.