Consultant for development of the strategy for Lead Free Bangladesh

Consultant for development of the strategy for Lead Free Bangladesh 

Duty Station:  Partner/IP Office

Contract Duration:  6 Months

Number of Vacancies: 01

Contract Type: Contract with E-Zone.

Contract Start Date: Immediate 

Reporting to : Health Specialist

A.    Purpose

The purpose of recruiting a consultant is to develop a comprehensive and actionable strategy for achieving a Lead-Free Bangladesh.

B.    Background

Heavy metals are persistent, ubiquitous, and non-biodegradable in nature and can affect human health directly and indirectly. Chronic exposure of heavy metals can damage various organs like kidneys, liver, lung, brain, and bones. Poisoning of heavy metal exposure in Bangladesh has been increasing in an alarming rate in recent years due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. The widespread heavy metal pollution in Bangladesh has received attention worldwide. As per World Bank estimates, diseases caused by pollution in Bangladesh were responsible for 28 percent of all deaths in 2015, highest among South Asian countries.   Lead is one of a heavy and highly toxic metal along with several others such as cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As), chromium (Cr) etc.  Lead exposur has been identified as one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity as stated by the World Bank (CEA 2018).

In Bangladesh, estimated 35.5 million children are affected by lead pollution.  In 2022, a UN AGENCY supported Blood Lead Level Surveillance study, conducted by IEDCR, has found lead in the blood of the 100% of the 980 sampled children tested in 4 districts, with BLL higher than 5 µg/dL among 40% of the children. Another study team of icddr,b has found > 5 µg/dL lead in the blood among 80% of the 500 study children in Dhaka. As no level of lead in blood is safe, these findings are alarming, indicating a devastating situation of lead poisoning and grave public health concern. Lead not only effects physical and mental development of children, it also has a lifelong effect on their education, health, overall well-being and future prospects.

Considering the situation of lead pollution and its devastating effects, UN AGENCY and Pure Earth launched Protecting Every Child’s Potential (PECP) initiative from late 2020 till June 2023, later from July 2023 “Healthy Environment for Healthy Children (HCEC)” program by UN AGENCY, for reducing lead and other heavy metal pollution among children in several countries including Bangladesh. Under PECP/HEHC, UN AGENCY Bangladesh supports DGHS/MOHFW, in designing and implementing program, research, development of policies and Social Behaviour Change materials, capacity building and communication activities around lead poisoning prevention and management; Pure Earth has been working closely with the Department of Environment in identification and remediation of Lead Toxic Sites, capacity building of GoB and private sectors in the areas.

As the issues are multisectoral, DGHS alone cannot effectively address the lead poisoning and other environmental and toxic heavy metal pollutions and protect millions pf children and their health and well-being from lead and other heavy toxic metal pollutions and their devastating effects. It requires multisectoral collaboration and contribution. It also requires support and coordinated actions from different departments and ministries and organizations such as Department of Environment, MoEFCC, Ministry of Industry, MoWCA, relevant other UN and International agencies, academia, and NGOs. Addressing these multifaceted lead contamination issues requires a coordinated and urgent multi-sectoral response to mitigate health impacts and protect both human and environmental health. The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and other relevant government and non-government stakeholders to conduct a thorough assessment of the current sources and levels of lead exposure in Bangladesh including industrial activities, e-waste recycling, contaminated soil, consumer products and informal recycling of lead acid batteries etc, formulate evidence-based policy recommendations and regulatory frameworks to reduce lead exposure, strengthen enforcement, and ensure compliance with national and international standards, coordinate with various stakeholders including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, development partners, community groups, and business associations to ensure comprehensive and collaborative efforts in the strategy’s development and execution, deliver a well-structured strategy document that outlines clear objectives, actions, timelines, and performance indicators for achieving a Lead-Free Bangladesh. Overall, the consultant’s work will be pivotal in guiding the development and implementation of a robust strategy to mitigate lead exposure, protect public health, and promote environmental sustainability in Bangladesh.

C.     Objectives, Purpose and Expected Results

Objective:

To engage a qualified consultant to develop a comprehensive and actionable strategy for achieving a Lead-Free Bangladesh. 

The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and other relevant government and non-government stakeholders to conduct a thorough assessment of the current sources and levels of lead exposure in Bangladesh including industrial activities, e-waste recycling, contaminated soil, consumer products and informal recycling of lead acid batteries etc, formulate evidence-based policy recommendations and regulatory frameworks to reduce lead exposure, strengthen enforcement, and ensure compliance with national and international standards, coordinate with various stakeholders including government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, development partners, community groups, and busines associations to ensure comprehensive and collaborative efforts in the strategy’s development and execution, deliver a well-structured strategy document that outlines clear objectives, actions, timelines, and performance indicators for achieving a Lead-Free Bangladesh. Overall, the consultant’s work will be pivotal in guiding the development and implementation of a robust strategy to mitigate lead exposure, protect public health, and promote environmental sustainability in Bangladesh.

Purpose:

The purpose of recruiting a consultant is to develop a comprehensive and actionable strategy for achieving a Lead-Free Bangladesh. The consultant will provide expert guidance and coordination to assess the current sources and levels of lead exposure in Bangladesh, formulate evidence-based policy recommendations, and develop regulatory frameworks aimed at reducing lead contamination. Through close collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and other key stakeholders, the consultant will facilitate a multisectoral approach that ensures strong enforcement, compliance with national and international standards, and sustainable environmental health practices. The resulting strategy will serve as a critical roadmap for mitigating lead exposure, protecting public health, and promoting environmental sustainability across the country.

Expected Results:

A.      A well-documented and mapped inventory of all significant lead exposure sources, providing a clear understanding of the scope and scale of lead contamination across the country.

B.      A comprehensive analysis of the health impacts of lead poisoning, leading to actionable insights for public health interventions.

C.  Practical and enforceable policy recommendations that strengthen national regulations and ensure improved enforcement mechanisms to mitigate lead exposure.

D.    Active engagement of all relevant stakeholders in the development of a strategy, ensuring shared responsibility and commitment to the Lead-Free Bangladesh initiative.

E.  A robust and actionable strategy document, outlining clear objectives, timelines, and steps for remediation, awareness, monitoring, capacity building, and resource allocation, ready for implementation.

F.  Relevant sectors equipped with the knowledge and tools required for effective implementation of lead remediation and prevention measures.

D.    Key Tasks and Responsibilities

1. Desk review and analysis of existing data to identify and map current sources of lead exposure across Bangladesh.

·         Analyse existing sources of lead including industrial activities, informal lead-acid battery (ULAB) recycling, shipbreaking, contaminated soils, consumer products, and environmental contamination and mapping of the sources.

2. Analysis of available existing data to identify health impacts.

·         Analyse health data and research related to lead poisoning.

·         Review and evaluate existing policy and guideline documents regarding lead poisoning.

3. Policy and Regulatory Framework Review

·         Review current policies, regulations, and enforcement mechanism documents. 

·         Develop detailed policy and regulatory recommendations, propose methods for improving enforcement and compliance mechanisms.

4. Stakeholder Coordination and Engagement

·         Identify and map key stakeholders and their roles.

·         Organize and facilitate stakeholder consultations and workshops for developing the policy and strategy documents.

5. Draft and submit the strategy for lead free Bangladesh

     Develop a comprehensive strategy document outlining:

o   Clear objectives, actions

o   Remediation of lead-contaminated sites and safe disposal of lead-containing waste

o   Public awareness campaign.

o   Performance and monitoring indicators with timelines.

o   A detailed implementation plans.

o   Capacity building and training plan for relevant sectors including roles and responsibilities.

o   Resource requirements. 

o   A phased approach to strategy execution for achieving a Lead-Free Bangladesh.

6. Reporting and Documentation

·         Prepare and submit monthly progress reports to the UN AGENCY, MoEFCC.

·         Compile and deliver a final comprehensive report with findings and recommendations.

7. Additional Support

·         Provide expert advice and support for unforeseen challenges during the consultancy.

·         Facilitate knowledge transfer sessions for stakeholders.

E.     Deliverables

F.    Payment

The consultant will get BDT 2,400,000 total.

G.    Administrative issues

·         For payment by E-Zone on due time, the Supervisor will forward the certified attendance sheet and confirmation of receiving expected deliverables for the respective period.

·         Computer and communication will bear by the Consultant. 

·         Stationary and other office equipment will bear by the Consultant.

H.     Qualification Requirement

·         Qualifications include a master’s in public health, master’s in social sciences, environmental science, or other relevant areas.

·         At least 8 years working experience in supporting programs that link with national policy, strategy, and guidelines development on related environment and health areas.

·         Preference will be given for expertise and knowledge on conducting situation analysis and development of national policy and strategy document, prior experience in working with environment related programs. 

·         Deep understanding of environmental policy standards and regulations.

·         Familiarity with Government infrastructure for overall coordination and capacity building processes on environmental issues, i.e., air pollution, lead poisoning etc. including regulatory and safety compliance issues is an added asset. 

·         Well versed in computer programmes like MS office.

·         Preference will be given for the candidates having proven skill in data analytic software eg. SPSS.

·         Good communication skill, report writing, and analytical skill is essential.

I.    Language Requirements

Fluency in Bangla and good English communication skills are required.

This position is open for Bangladeshi Nationals only. All candidates, irrespective of gender, religious and ethnic backgrounds can apply for the vacancies. 

The UN Agency prides itself as fostering a multicultural and harmonious work environment, guaranteed by a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and on any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment and discrimination. All selected consultants will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 

Last Date of Application:  October 31 , 2024 

No phone calls please. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. All applications will be treated according to the merit and with strict confidentiality.