The objective of the proposed consultancy is to support the work of WHO in strengthening public health response to exposure to harmful chemicals in the Western Pacific Region, including capacity development and resource mobilization.
Lead poisoning is a global, preventable health crisis, estimated to have caused more than 3.5 million deaths globally in 2023. More broadly, acute poisoning by hazardous chemicals is recognized as a serious public health concern. To respond to these challenges, the World Health Assembly has adopted a resolution (WHA 78.27) calling for a draft global action plan on lead mitigation, and resolution V/10 (2024) of the International Conference on Chemicals Management highlighted the important roles and functions of poison centres to manage poisoning – establishing a target under the Global Framework on Chemicals for all countries to have access to poison centres (GFC Target A6). In order to strengthen Member States capacity to respond to the public health threat from hazardous chemicals and lead exposure, WHO requires consultancy support to analyse the situation and provide solutions on a range of topic areas relating to lead exposure and chemical and pesticide poisoning, including the role of poison centres.
Output 1. Technical package for lead poisoning prevention
Deliverable 1.1: Review and provide technical inputs to modules of the lead poisoning prevention technical package led by WHO Headquarters.
Output 2. Enhanced national capacities to prevent, detect, treat and mitigate lead exposure, especially in children and pregnant and lactating women
Deliverable 2.1: Draft training materials for lead poisoning delivered to healthcare providers and feedback submitted to WHO
Deliverable 2.2: Support WHO’s global and regional work to improve national capacities through review and pilot testing of new WHO training modules for capacity building of healthcare providers;
Deliverable 2.3: Prepare progress report of the work undertaken on lead exposure prevention and control
Output 3. Situational analysis of pesticide poisoning (including intentional poisoning/self-harm and suicides) in Western Pacific Member States
Deliverable 3.1: Compile case studies, obtain data and conduct analysis of pesticide poisoning (including intentional poisoning/self-harm and suicides) in Western Pacific Member States
Deliverable 3.2: Draft technical report: Overview of pesticide poisoning in the Western Pacific Region and selected case studies
Output 4. IHR core capacity implementation on chemical events in the Western Pacific Region (report)
Deliverable 4.1: Support strengthening national core capacities needed for chemical events in accordance with strategic areas required under IHR.
Output 5. Strengthening the network of Poison Centres in Western Pacific Region
Deliverable 5.1: Collate details of poison centres which are operating for updating the WHO Global Directory and assess their capacities through administering a questionnaire.
Deliverable 5.2: Support the preparation and organization of any regional or global meetings of Poison Center networks in 2027.
Output 6. Progress report on technical support.analysis ofarrangements for procuring antidotes
Deliverable 6.1: Conduct situational analysis of existing arrangements for procuring antidotes (for lead, mercury and methanol poisoning) in priority countries;
Output 7. Proposal development for exposure to harmful chemicals
Deliverable 7.1: Conduct partnership and resource mobilization activities to improve public health response capacities for exposure to harmful chemicals;
Essential: First university degree in toxicology, biomedical sciences, environmental health, ecology, natural science, or a related field from a recognized university.
Desirable: Master’s degree in toxicology, biomedical sciences, environmental health, ecology, natural science, or a related field from a recognized university.
Essential: Minimum of 5 years’ experience in national and international work on sound management of chemicals of public health concern and or chemical poisoning prevention and control;
Desirable: Experience of work at the national level and with international organizations on chemical safety and health.
Relevant work experience on poison centre operations, surveillance and reporting systems for public health threats
Experience of working with UN agencies, and familiarity with WHO key policies and strategies on environment, chemical safety and health such as WHO’s Chemicals road map, global framework on chemicals and International Health Regulations.
Proven knowledge and hands-on technical expertise on chemicals management or chemical poisoning prevention and control.
Technical expertise in undertaking environmental health research and report writing.
Good communication, team work and interpersonal skills.
Essential: Expert knowledge of English (reading, writing, and speaking).
On site: WHO ACE, Seoul, Republic of Korea
The Consultant may be required to travel for capacity building work in countries and support WHO meetings, at the request of the ACE Director and Responsible Officer.
Remuneration: Pay band A, USD 4,500 (monthly)
Expected duration of contract: 11 months, October 2026 to September 2027
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- A written test may be used as a form of screening.
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