National Consultant – Mercury and Health Project

Area of expertise

National Consultant – Mercury and Health Project

Purpose of consultancy

The global project on elimination of mercury containing skin-lightening products is being implemented in three countries including Sri Lanka. The project is under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Global Mercury Partnership and is jointly being implemented by the Ministry of Health Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Environment Sri Lanka in close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI).

Under the proposed project, the consultant will support theMinistry of Health to develop and implement a national plan to update national legislation and strengthen surveillance of mercury in skin-lightening products in Sri Lanka. The project is expected tohelp country move towards elimination of mercury containing skin-lightening products from the market, in compliance to the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) is actively leading and working to eliminate the use of mercury Skin Lightening Products (SLPs) and to discourage the use of SLPs overall. In response to the health-related issues or activities and articles of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the Sixty-seventh World Health Assembly adopted and approved Resolution WHA67.11 (2014): Public health impacts of exposure to mercury and mercury compounds: the role of World Health Organization (WHO) and ministries of public health in the implementation of the Minamata Convention. The Resolution calls on WHO Member States to address the public health aspects of mercury and mercury compounds in the context of the health sector by identifying measures and preparatory actions to be taken by their health ministries for implementation of the health-related articles of the Convention.

To protect the public from negative health effects of mercury in SLPs, the proposed project seeks to support Parties in implementing the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Sri Lanka is Party to the Convention since 2017.The Convention requires Parties to phase out the manufacture, import, and export of mercury-containing products subject to the provisions of Article 4. The phase out is also related to other articles, including Article 16 (health aspects), Article 17 (information exchange), and Article 18 (public information, awareness and education). These also apply to products including cosmetics containing mercury, including skin lightening creams and soaps.

Deliverables

• To implement the project, the consultant, in close consultation with the relevant national stakeholders and international partners,is expected implement the national plan to phase out mercury-added skin-lightening products from the market. The consultant is also expected to hold national consultations and capacity building to improve stakeholder and public awareness on mercury in skin-lightening products and the Minamata Convention, and draft technical products to achieve the objectives of the project.
• The consultant will work with the Directorate of Environmental & Occupational Health of the Ministry of Health, Government of Sri Lanka as primary responsible agency of the project. A national project activity plan agreed by the national stakeholders will need to be implemented, in close consultation with the National Project Steering committee, other national stakeholders, and in collaboration with global SLP project partners. The following key activities would be completed in the assignment period.
• Facilitating the process of establishing or improving existing regulations and revision of of standards for mercury containing cosmetics (SLP).
• Evaluating existing laboratory capacities related to mercury assessment in SLPs.
• Planning and conducting SLP sampling and testing for mercury content and finalizing analyses and reports.
• Developing recommendations and guidance on enforcement and compliance to strengthen surveillance of mercury in SLPs.
• Participating in meetings of Technical Sub-Committees as established the Ministry of Health under the project.
• Planning and conducting awareness and training workshops with identified national stakeholders. E.g. Government officials, health professionals, producers, traders importers.
• Developing education and awareness materials for varied target audience on mercury in SLPs and their health impact.
• Preparing policy briefs, communication products, and project reports, targeted to policymakers, consumers, health practitioners and tailored to the products found in the national marketplace as required during the implementation phase of the project.
• Preparing regular project updates and supporting evaluation of country’s participation and contribution to global project efforts.
• Participating in project coordination and progress review meetings, held virtually or physically, develop minutes and follow up on agreed actions throughout the assignment period.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications

Essential: Bachelor’s degree in public health, environmental health, or biological sciences, from a recognized university

Desirable: Master’s degree in public health

Experience

Essential:At least one year of experience in developing, supporting, or managing environmental health related projects.

Desirable: Experience of working in public health or environmental health within the government sector. Frequent contacts inside and outside government agencies and international organizations involved in environmental health and/or product safety. Experience in collaborative programmes supported by bilateral or multi-lateral international agencies would be an advantage. Experience of working on heavy metals in the environment will be an advantage

Skills/Knowledge

• Knowledge and understanding of the policies and procedures on environmental health and/or product safety.
• Experience and proficiency in working with government and other partners in an effective and culturally competent manner.
• Ability to work effectively in health and non-health sectors, with government and non-government partners.
• Ability to analyze issues and formulate conclusions and recommendations.

Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Expert):

Essential: Expert knowledge of English

Desirable: Expert knowledge of Sinhala or Tamil

Location

Off site: Directorate of Environmental Health, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environment, with occassional attendance at WHO Country Office Sri Lanka for required coordination.

Travel

The Consultant may require to travel within the country to hold meetings with relevant stakeholders. Dates and venues to be decided as and when required.

Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

Remuneration: LKR 450,873.00 per month

Living expenses: Not applicable

Expected duration of contract: 8 months – 100%

Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication in a credible and effective way
• Ensuring effective use of resources
• Building & Promoting partnerships across the Organization and beyond

Additional Information

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
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