Company Profile

Pure Earth is a dedicated international nonprofit focused on addressing mercury and lead pollution issues in low- and middle-income countries. Since 1999, Pure Earth has executed over 150 projects worldwide, concentrating on research, training, and environmental remediation. By partnering with public, private, and civil society organizations, we combat toxic metal pollution, specifically from lead (Pb) and mercury, through innovative and evidence-based solutions. In Ghana, our efforts have identified over 150 toxic sites, with lead being a significant contaminant.

Job Description

Terms of Reference
Engagement of Consultant for Regulatory Analysis for the Open Philanthropy Cookware and Cosmetic Project

• Project Title: Northern Ghana Cookware & Cosmetics Project
• Total Consultancy Amount: USD $18,000
• Duration: 6 Months – 10 months

Project Background
The cosmetics and cookware industries in Ghana have a significant impact on public health and environmental safety. However, regulatory compliance and product safety concerns persist due to the presence of hazardous ingredients and materials.

A Rapid Market Screening study conducted by Pure Earth in 2021 assessed over 193 consumer products and food samples across four regions, revealing alarming lead contamination rates. Findings showed that 55% of metal foodware (Dadesen), 18% of ceramic foodware, 14% of toys, and 7% of cosmetics contained concerning lead levels, with 10% of total samples across all categories exceeding safety thresholds.

Further evaluations from the Protecting Every Child’s Potential (PECP) project indicated elevated blood lead levels among children in local communities, with 53.5% surpassing safe limits. The use of the traditional eyeliner, Chilo, on children was found to be very prevalent in the Northern Region. Most mothers (93% of those surveyed) applied Chilo on the children assessed in Yendi and Tolon. Of the limited Chilo samples that were tested during this time, all exceeded the Ghana Standards Authority threshold of lead in cosmetics, and some were composed entirely of lead, posing a significant source of lead exposure to children.

Additionally, locally manufactured aluminum cookware (Dadesen) was found to contain higher concentrations of lead (Pb) levels, with 77% of assessed pots exhibiting hazardous lead levels potentially capable of leaching into food, which may contribute to elevated blood lead levels in children.

The Open Philanthropy Cookware and Cosmetics Project, led by Pure Earth in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), aims to improve product safety and regulatory compliance in Ghana’s cookware and cosmetics industries. To support the effective implementation of the project, Pure Earth seeks the expertise of a consultant to analyze existing policies, identify gaps, and propose recommendations for improved regulatory frameworks.

Objectives
The consultant will play a critical role through the following activities:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of policies and regulations governing cookware and cosmetics safety in Ghana.
• Identify regulatory gaps and challenges in enforcement.
• Provide recommendations to enhance policy effectiveness and compliance.
• Support stakeholder engagement with relevant regulatory bodies.

Scope of Work
Regulatory and Policy Review:

• Conduct an in-depth review of existing regulations, policies, and standards related to cosmetics and cookware safety.
• Identify inconsistencies and gaps in the existing regulatory framework.

Stakeholder Consultation:

• Engage with EPA, GSA, and other key stakeholders to understand policy challenges.
• Conduct interviews and discussions with industry players and consumer groups.
• Conduct validation engagement workshop with stakeholders, regulators, industry players, consumer groups, etc. to discuss, review, and validate specific findings, methodologies, or outputs.

Policy Recommendations

• Develop actionable policy recommendations to improve regulatory enforcement.
• Draft regulatory amendments or guidelines for consideration by policymakers.

Advocacy and Awareness Support:

• Assist in creating policy briefs and advocacy materials.
• Provide technical guidance for public awareness campaigns.

Deliverables:
The consultant will be expected to prepare and submit reports including the following:

• Regulatory and policy review
• Stakeholder consultation
• Policy recommendation
• Advocacy materials (policy briefs, presentations, reports)

Reporting & Coordination:

• The consultant will report to the Technical Program Manager of Pure Earth.
• Regular updates will be provided during bi-weekly project meetings.
• Final outputs will be submitted to Pure Earth, EPA, and GSA for review and adoption.

Duration & Timeline

• The consultancy will be carried out within 6 -10 months.

Required Skills or Experience

Expertise and Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in Environmental Policy, Public Health, Law, Regulatory Affairs, or a related field or a consulting firm with proven expertise in environmental policy, public health, regulatory affairs, or a related field.
• Individual or Firm should have a minimum of 7 years of experience in policy analysis, regulatory compliance, or public health research.
• Proven experience in conducting policy and regulatory assessments, preferably in the health, environmental, or industrial sectors.
• Strong understanding of Ghana’s regulatory landscape, particularly in environmental safety, food safety, and consumer protection.
• Experience working with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and international organizations.
• Excellent research, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication abilities.
• Familiarity with international standards and best practices related to lead safety and toxic substance regulation.