National Consultant – Blood Heavy Metal Level Measurement

Background and purpose of the assignment:

UNICEF and the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) are collaborating to introduce a module on heavy metal testing in the upcoming 7th round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) scheduled for 2024. Notably, Bangladesh will be only the second country globally to incorporate heavy metal testing within the MICS framework, and the first to undertake this initiative with technical backing from the Global MICS Programme. This collaboration aims to develop and integrate a standardized module specifically focused on blood lead level testing. Consequently, meticulous attention to the design, methodology, quality of implementation, data collection, and monitoring processes is paramount for the success of MICS both within Bangladesh and on a global scale. Valuable insights gleaned from previous UNICEF-supported blood lead level surveillance studies conducted in four districts across Bangladesh in 2022, as well as from the blood lead level surveillance conducted during the UNICEF Georgia MICS in 2018, will be carefully considered during the design, planning, and execution phases. The module is set to encompass blood tests for four key heavy metals: lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As).

UNICEF is engaging a technical expert as consultant to provide technical assistance and coordination for the successful implementation of the national survey’s component of blood heavy metal levels among children and pregnant women ensuring smooth collaboration between UNICEF, BBS, and the research laboratory/institution as part of the MICS in Bangladesh.  The consultant will be an integral part of the MICS Team in Bangladesh and will collaborate with Global, Regional, and Bangladesh MICS Teams, including two consultants (a. National MICS Consultant and b. International MICS Consultant), MICS focal person at BBS and UNICEF Bangladesh MICS Team.

The consultant will support the procurement of logistics and training of field workers for blood sample collection, transportation, storage, and analysis at an accredited laboratory. The consultant will ensure the maintenance of consistently high standards and quality control measures for blood collection, storage, transportation, and analysis. The consultant will also ensure field and lab staff comply with national guidelines, international standards, good laboratory practices, ethical principles, data quality and integrity, safety precautions, and infection prevention and control measures.

Work Assignment Overview:

Tasks/Milestones:	Deliverables/Output:	Timeframe:
Provide technical support for coordination of the design, planning, and execution of the heavy metal testing component at the national and field level	Brief report on technical support and coordination at national and subnational level	Monthly
Provide technical assistance to UNICEF for timely procurement of required logistics for heavy metal testing in blood for the MICS 2024, with the right specifications	Report on technical assistance for procurement of logistics including list.	By the end of June 2024
Develop a quality assurance checklist and oversight mechanism to ensure all blood samples are collected, transported, and analyzed to conform to the standards.	Checklist and quality assurance framework for the MICS team to implement.	By the end of June 2024
Provide technical support and oversight for training of field workers on blood collection, storage, and transportation to ensure quality results.	One training report.	By the end of August 2024
Conduct visits to the field and provide support to the field workers on the ground to ensure effective and timely transportation of blood samples to the lab including maintenance of cold chain and safety precautions.	Field visit report	Monthly
Set up a daily monitoring system during sample collection, transportation, and analysis to ensure quality throughout the process.	Monitoring results	Daily during sample collection

Minimum Qualifications/Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• A Master’s in Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Laboratory Medicine, Toxicology
• Experience of similar work with UN or UNICEF/International agencies or Government is an advantage
• A postgraduate degree in biochemistry, analytical science/chemistry, toxicology, or laboratory medicine is required
• An additional degree in public health, sociology, or other relevant disciplines would be an asset
• Technical expertise and proven substantial experience of at least 8 years in public health surveillance and quality assurance
• Research experience in chemical analysis.
• Strong Analytical Abilities, proficiency in analytical techniques, data interpretation

Administrative details:

Assignment duration:  15 months

Work modality:   Office based

Payment:  Payment will be made upon successful completion of each deliverable with certification from supervisor

 ToR_MICS7BD-withVA-Heavy Metals Consultant.docx