Consultant for development of Air Quality Strategy for UNICEF. Islamabad Pakistan.WASH.6 Months. Nationals Only.Office based ( with Travel)#594326

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of every child's rights not just as a job, but as a calling. UNICEF fosters diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to develop a comprehensive Air Quality Strategy for UNICEF in Pakistan. Air pollution is a critical environmental health risk, disproportionately affecting children. Pakistan faces severe challenges from both outdoor sources like transport and industry, and indoor sources such as solid fuel use for cooking. Recent reports highlight over 11 million children under five in Punjab exposed to hazardous air pollution, leading to school closures and significant health impacts, including increased respiratory infections. The strategy will address these multifaceted issues, considering provincial variations and the need for consistent implementation and enforcement of clean air action plans. The consultant will contribute to mitigating the adverse health outcomes and developmental impacts of air pollution on children in Pakistan.

Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for developing a detailed Air Quality Strategy for UNICEF Pakistan, addressing both indoor and outdoor air pollution. This includes conducting a thorough analysis of the current air quality situation in Pakistan, identifying key drivers of pollution, and assessing their impact on children's health and well-being. The consultant will review existing provincial clean air action plans, evaluating their effectiveness and identifying gaps in implementation and enforcement. A critical part of the role involves synthesizing evidence-based research to inform policy and programmatic recommendations tailored to the Pakistani context, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries and South Asia. The strategy should propose concrete actions and interventions that UNICEF can support to improve air quality and protect children. This will involve extensive stakeholder engagement with government agencies, development partners, and local communities. The consultant will also be expected to translate complex findings into clear, actionable policy and programmatic recommendations, ensuring the strategy is practical and implementable. The final output will be a robust strategy document that guides UNICEF's efforts in addressing air pollution in Pakistan.

Work Experience

At least 8 years of relevant professional experience in air quality, environmental health, or closely related sectors. Demonstrated experience in policy analysis, strategy development, and multi-sectoral programmes.

Skills

Proven understanding of air pollution issues in low- and middle-income countries, preferably in South Asia or Pakistan, Experience in conducting evidence-based research, Translating research findings into policy and programmatic recommendations, Strong analytical writing skills, Strong stakeholder engagement skills, Policy analysis, Strategy development, Multi-sectoral programme experience

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