Contract Duration 6 Months

Working arrangement: Office Based

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Air pollution is one of the leading environmental health risks globally. The State of Global Air 2025 reports that approximately 36% of the global population was exposed to PM2.5 concentrations exceeding 35 µg/m³ in 2023, while nearly 2.6 billion people remain exposed to household air pollution from the use of solid fuels1 . Globally, air pollution contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality, with children being particularly vulnerable due to their developing respiratory systems and higher exposure rates. Air pollution arises from both outdoor (ambient) sources such as transport, industry, waste burning, and agriculture and indoor (household) sources, primarily the use of biomass fuels for cooking and heating. Household air pollution remains a major challenge in low- and middle-income countries, contributing to a high burden of disease among women and children2 . Pakistan is among the countries most affected by poor air quality. The country’s annual mean PM2.5 levels remain significantly above WHO guideline values, and a substantial proportion of the population continues to rely on polluting fuels for cooking. WHO estimates indicate that approximately 47% of the population lacks access to clean cooking fuels, highlighting the scale of indoor air pollution exposure2 . In addition, Pakistan experiences recurrent seasonal smog episodes, particularly in Punjab, driven by vehicular emissions, industrial activity, agricultural burning, and meteorological conditions. Recent evidence highlights the severity of the crisis. In November 2024, UNICEF reported that over 11 million children under five in Punjab were exposed to hazardous air pollution levels, with pollution concentrations exceeding WHO guideline limits multiple times during peak smog events. These conditions also led to school closures affecting approximately 16 million children, demonstrating the direct impact of air pollution on education and child well-being. Air pollution is further estimated to contribute to a significant proportion of under-five mortality in Pakistan, primarily through respiratory infections and related conditions3 . At the provincial level, Punjab faces the most severe urban smog challenges, while Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan experience a combination of urban emissions, household fuel use, and dust-related pollution. Although provincial clean air action plans have been developed, implementation and enforcement remain inconsistent4 , 5 . The distinction between indoor and outdoor air pollution is particularly important in the Pakistan context. Outdoor air pollution affects children’s exposure in urban environments, schools, and public spaces, while indoor air pollution disproportionately affects infants and young children through prolonged exposure in households using solid fuels. Both exposure pathways contribute to adverse health outcomes, including respiratory illnesses, impaired lung development, and increased vulnerability to disease

If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here: TMC0003852 External ToR.pdf

Minimum requirements

Education: Master’s Degree environmental health, public health, environmental science, climate change, or a related field

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 and translating findings into policy and programmatic recommendations

Strong analytical writing, and stakeholder engagement skills

Language Requirements: Fluency in written and spoken English and Urdu is required.

Knowledge of provincial/local languages will be considered an asset

Desirables Prior experience working with UN agencies, governments, or development partners is highly desirable

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents via the online recruitment portal, TMS (Talent Management System):

An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
Cover letter
A separate financial proposal (only acceptable in the format of the linked template) TMC0003852 Financial proposal template.docx
A detailed technical proposal including proposed Approach, and highlighting demonstrated technical Expertise (Air Quality and related areas)

Remarks:

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

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