Consultant to support the Assessment of Costs of Inaction for Chemicals Management

Result of Service• A literature review, including stakeholder feedback, to validate data and identify key areas of focus. • A proposed methodology and scoping to undertake the cost of inaction as mandate by ICCM5 Resolution V/3: Financial considerations. Work LocationRemote/Home based Expected duration10 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe primary objective of the study is to establish the baseline and develop a methodology and scoping for estimating the global economic costs of inaction related to the health and environmental impacts arising from a lack of sound management of chemicals on human health and exposure, as well as remediation and clean up. The study will attempt to assess the state of knowledge and examine and bring to bear the existing and most recent developments in the peer reviewed literature on the topic. The study will also determine the methodology and feasibility of generating cost estimates arising from lack of action based on impact data starting with chemicals of concern (ref to Global Framework on Chemicals). The proposed methodological approach would be adopted to minimize introducing biases in estimation of benefits of action for addressing adverse impact of use of chemicals. These approaches include: • Using a benefit transfer function to get well rounded and unbiased estimates of the benefits of taking action in certain regions or countries. These estimates can be expressed in annuity value terms, including upper and lower bounds to reflect a range of probable outcomes; • Where gaps in data exist, a robust production function approach could be used (for human health, agriculture and other sectors) to estimate value creation and avoided costs of good chemical management across their life cycle in the different sectors. These estimates could draw on WHO data being developed for the Global Burden of Disease update on chemicals which will soon be available (as of mid-2025). • Scenario building based upon site estimates for various regional groups of countries of the world for 2030 and 2040, using a CGE/IO model to compare baseline scenarios with improved chemical management scenarios across regions. In this regard, the study will seek to shed light on the incidence of costs and benefits – and their distribution across countries, social groups, and environments Qualifications/special skills• Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) and experience in economics, public policy, environmental economics, or a related field. Two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree. Expertise in Economic Valuation of Health and Environment Impacts is required Experience in Policy-Oriented Analysis and Drafting Reports is required: Research, Data Collection, and Analysis Skills is required Knowledge of Chemicals Risk Management and Environmental Policies is required LanguagesExcellent written and oral command of English. Knowledge of another UN language would be an asset. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.