Senior Advisor - Consultant (USAID/Center for Education)

ZemiTek, LLC is a Woman-Owned, SBA-certified 8(a) Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) based in the Washington, DC metro area. We have a strong record delivering innovative and high-quality solutions. Since 2007, ZemiTek has provided technical assistance, project management, information technology (IT), knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation, training and learning development, and institutional support services.

One in three children globally - approximately 800 million children - have elevated blood levels which are associated with decreased intelligence, as well as behavioral and learning difficulties. Lead exposure was estimated to account for 1.5 million deaths annually, and up to 20% of the learning gap between children in high-income countries and their counterparts in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). The economic consequences of toxic lead exposure are estimated to cost at least $1 trillion, and LMICs face the greatest consequences. Toxic lead exposure has negative impacts for children individually such as impaired cognitive development, as well as societal consequences such as increased violence and crime later in life.

Children under five face the greatest risks for toxic lead exposure, and negative consequences can continue to accumulate through ongoing chronic exposure throughout childhood and adulthood. Ignoring the importance of toxic lead exposure will restrict USAID’s ability to achieve its goals across sectors. Negative consequences of toxic lead exposure on brain development include lower intelligence and increased risk of learning disabilities, both of which negatively affect academic achievement. No amount of exposure to lead is known to be safe, and taking action to prevent exposure is the greatest hope for mitigating the negative consequences of toxic Lead on children, societies, and the environment.

USAID has committed to championing efforts to address global lead pollution, starting with the phase out of lead from consumer goods, by leveraging USAID’s global presence to convene around, advocate for, and support lead mitigation efforts by partner governments. Furthermore, USAID has been directed by Congress to address toxic chemical pollution in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, including “programs to measurably reduce public exposure to lead associated with the unsafe disposal or recycling of batteries, contaminated cookware, or other sources of lead exposure.” USAID also engages in an International Lead Exposure Working Group,

Location Remote

Period of Performance Part-time, period from o/a July 17, 2024 to July 16, 2025 (152 days)

Salary Range Full salary range for this position is $670.08 - $726.96 daily rate with the starting salary determined based on candidate’s knowledge, skills, experience, and education, in addition to budget availability.

Clearance Required Ability to obtain a facility clearance

Ability to Travel One domestic trip and two international trips will be required

• Provide technical expertise on reports, recommendations, action plans, and toolkits from USG and non-state entities.
• Provide technical expertise to Missions on lead exposure and mitigation as requested, including reviews of source-specific exposures and their relative importance globally and/or in a specific region or country.
• Provide input on development of internal and external communication materials (memos, presentations, reports).
• Provide technical expertise to USAID Missions interested in lead and USAID programming related to lead exposure at the Mission level, including programs ongoing at USAID/India and USAID/South Africa.
• Draft language for USAID to consider as part of a “do no harm” approach to prevent procuring known lead contaminated products within USAID programs, and advise on feasibility of implementing a strategy of this kind.
• Engage in discussions on lead with other stakeholders, such as UNICEF, UNEP, and others who are active in lead mitigation efforts globally.
• Attend routine meetings and provide technical guidance to the USAID LWG to guide the landscaping and engage in the ILEWG.
• Engage in developing materials for the UNICEF Toolkit for lead mitigation in LMICs.
• Provide technical assistance in support of global partnership efforts.
• Other tasks as assigned.
• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field with a minimum of six (6) years of experience, or a master’s degree with a minimum of five (5) years of experience.
• Expertise in environmental health and its relationship with child development, and preferably experience around toxic lead exposure, measurement, and/or mitigation for children in low- and middle-income countries.
• Experience conducting landscape analyses and desk reviews of peer-reviewed and non-peer reviewed literature.
• Strong writing skills, experience facilitating stakeholder engagement required.
• Familiarity with USAID or other donor programming preferred.
  
  
  

ZemiTek is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant’s qualifications are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law.

ZemiTek is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, ZemiTek will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].

ZemiTek embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion and strives to build and maintain a safe environment where we celebrate diverse backgrounds, treat everyone with respect, and value the unique lived experiences each person brings based on their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, military or veteran status, national origin, age, marital status or family status and related conditions.