UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. And we never give up.

For every child, Immunization

With over 850 indigenous languages and one of the most ethnically diverse populations, widespread poverty, and gender inequality make it hard for many children to realize their rights. In Papua New Guinea, UNICEF’s works effectively both ‘upstream’ (with governments) and ‘downstream’ (at the grassroots level) to carry out its mission through a programme of cooperation jointly developed with the government guides our work in the country.

How can you make a difference?

Background

The National Department of Health (NDOH) is currently drafting the Health Care Waste Management (HCWM) Policy and Guidelines. These documents are in the internal review stage and will soon be ready for external consultation. An initial assessment was conducted during the early drafting phase, but the findings are not readily accessible. To ensure the policy is comprehensive and aligns with both international and national standards, a current situation analysis is necessary. Additionally, a Training Module for HCWM has been developed to support the implementation of the policy and guidelines.

In Papua New Guinea, the effective management of health care waste is critical to safeguarding public health and the environment. The absence of clear policies and guidelines has led to improper handling and disposal of medical waste, posing significant health risks and environmental hazards. Addressing these issues is essential to prevent disease transmission and environmental contamination. Health care facilities in PNG face significant challenges, including inadequate water supply, sanitation, hygiene, waste management, and environmental cleaning services. Rural areas are particularly affected, with limited access to essential services. The weak management of health care waste exacerbates these challenges, leading to adverse health and environmental impacts. Developing comprehensive policies and guidelines is crucial to improving health care waste management practices in PNG.

Scope of Work:

1. Conduct a desk review of the existing HCWM practices and policies.
2. Conduct field visits to ten (10) health facilities of different levels and interview three (3) relevant stakeholders to gather data on current HCWM practices.
3. Analyze the collected data to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
4. Adapt the existing HCWM guidelines using PNG documents and ensure alignment with international standards.
5. Review the current draft of the HCWM policy and guidelines, providing recommendations to ensure alignment with international and national standards.
6. During a 3-day workshop, draft a Strategic Plam and a 5-yr roadmap of activities and actions with timelines, necessary budget and level of effort that can be endorsed by NDOH.
7. Review and update the training materials to ensure they align with the HCWM policy framework.
8. Conduct one (1) national Training of Trainers (TOT) sessions focused on immunization waste management.
9. Collaborate with NDOH and UNICEF to finalize the adapted guidelines and policy draft.

The consultant will require to conduct field travel to provinces to validate the current situation on waste management practices. The consultant will facilitate the stakeholder consultative workshop for validation of the policy guidelines.

As a champion for every child, qualifications are…

Advanced University degree in one of the following fields is required:

• Public Health, Environmental Health, Environmental Science, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Sustainability, or a related field is often required.

Professional Certifications: Certifications in waste management, environmental policy, or related areas can enhance qualifications. Examples include Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) or Certified Environmental Professional (CEP).

Other Skills and Qualifications:

1. Necessary experience.

• A minimum of 5 years’ professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: waste management, environmental policy, public health, or a related field. Experience in policy development, implementation, and evaluation is crucial.
• Relevant experience Health Sector institutions, NGO, Civil Society Organizations, or development programmes is an asset.

1. Skills and Competencies:

• In-depth understanding of local, national, and international waste management regulations and standards.
• Skills in developing long-term strategies and policies that address waste management challenges.
• Experience in developing and conducting training programs

1. Language skills. Fluency in English is required.
2. Other necessary/desirable skills/qualifications.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills to articulate policy proposals, engage with stakeholders, and present findings.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to work with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and the community, to gather input and build consensus.

For every Child, you demonstrate… our core values of Commitment, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability.

This position is a short-term assignment and doesn’t give rise to a long-term permanent post with the organization.

Applicants are required to include in their applications a financial proposal which includes a lumpsum amount for consultancy fees, local transportation, and other miscellaneous costs. Breakdown or details of the fee will be much appreciated.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or orientation).

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.