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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.

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For every child, the right to health

Mexico’s vulnerability to climate change is extremely high for children, according to UNICEF’s Climate Change Risk Index—only behind Haiti and Guatemala in the LAC region. This vulnerability affects sectors including health and education. Since 2020, there has been an increase in cases of heat and light-related effects, as classified by the ICD-10. Mexico has a robust National Epidemiologic System that tracks the effects of heatwaves; nevertheless, there is no risk communication framework to advise the population. In June 2023, due to extreme heat, 18 states suspended face-to-face classes, impacting 13.1 million children and adolescents. Seven out of ten children suffer learning losses, and only 16.1% of 5th grade students reached a satisfactory level in reading, according to Mejoredus 2022–2023 Diagnostic Evaluation.

UNICEF Mexico is supporting this process through evidence generation, technical assistance, and policy dialogue. As part of these efforts, UNICEF has initiated a study on the impacts of climate change on children, following CEED guidelines, which may open further opportunities for engagement with government authorities.

How can you make a difference? 

The consultancy aims to strengthen climate action in Mexico by adapting the BEAT the HEAT framework to the Mexican context, adapting the risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) strategy and materials, and pilot the RCCE strategy for caregivers and healthcare personnel in Morelos, Tabasco, and Baja California (Mexicali). The goal is to deliver a validated, context-specific strategy that can be scaled up nationally, enhancing the capacity of health systems and communities to prevent and respond to heatwave-related risks for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding women.

Key Deliverables: 

1. BEAT the HEAT framework adapted to the Mexican context.
2. Proposal for an adaptation of the RCCE strategy contextualized to the Mexican context.  
3. Integrated pilot of BEAT the HEAT framework and RCCE strategy for the Mexico context.
4. Final report and a Policy brief.

If you would like to know more, please review the complete Job Description here:  ToRs_Consultancy for adaptation of BEAT THE HEAT .pdf

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

Minimum requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Environmental Sciences, Environmental health, Medicine, Biology, Social Sciences, o related field.
• Work Experience: At least 5 years of experience working in the development and/or management of work plans or projects in environmental health, preferably focused on the protection of children, pregnant women, or breastfeeding women. 
• Skills
  • Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Project management skills, including planning, execution, and monitoring.
  • Ability to identify gaps and propose actionable strategies based on expert reviews and strategic recommendations.
• Language Requirements: 
  • Fluency in Spanish.
  • Proficient level of English (Ability to write, read and comprehend scientific articles in English, as all BEAT the HEAT materials are in English)

Desirables:

• Desirable master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Public Policy Management, Environmental Sciences, or related field.
• Preferred experience working in or with government agencies.
• Preferred experience in risk communication and community engagement.
• Desirable experience in the systematization or design of interventions with a social and behavior change approach, using UNICEF methodology or similar frameworks.
• Desirable experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder sessions.   
• Complete fluency in English is desirable.

Working Conditions:

This consultancy is remote and involves regular meetings via Teams and phone calls as needed, along with three planned trips within Mexico. 

For detailed information regarding the working conditions and travel requirements during the consultancy, please refer to the relevant section of the Terms of Reference:   ToRs_Consultancy for adaptation of BEAT THE HEAT .pdf

Technical and Financial Proposal Requirements

All documents must be written by the consultant and submitted independently through the designated upload links in the application system. Only individual proposals will be accepted; corporate or business proposals will not be considered.

Technical Proposal:

• An updated curriculum vitae explicitly demonstrating the required qualifications for the consultancy.

• Technical Proposal (maximum 5 pages): This document should detail the theoretical-conceptual framework, methodology, and work schedule. The technical proposal must have clear objectives identify, a list of sources to consult for the development of the products, and a general summary of how it proposes to comply with the terms of reference within a tentative timeline considering the total duration of the consultancy.

• Portfolio of Relevant Previous Works: 3 or more documents (e.g., technical reports, peer-reviewed articles, communication materials, evaluations) that are relevant for the scope of this consultancy. Preferably focused on children, pregnant women, or breastfeeding women. 

Candidates who meet the threshold of 49% in the Technical Assessment will move forward to the Financial Evaluation. 

Financial Proposal:

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

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

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. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation 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.

UNICEF appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:  

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

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.

UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer, general service category or individual consultancies.

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.