Careers
When you join the Pure Earth team, you will have the opportunity to make a profound impact on global health. We offer a collaborative work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to lead innovative research initiatives that protect the most vulnerable populations.
Pure Earth’s core strength is its team of nearly 100 passionate, skilled professionals working through nine offices across the globe. This team includes a diversity of professional expertise that spans the fields of medicine, engineering, toxicology, public health, behavioral and social sciences, communications, administration, and a host of other relevant disciplines.
Open Positions
Project Title: Northern Ghana Cookware & Cosmetics Project
Total Consultancy Amount: USD $18,000
Duration: 6 Months – 10 months
1.0 Background:
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.
2.0 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.
3.0 Objectives:
The consultant will play a critical role through the following activities:
1. Conduct a comprehensive review of policies and regulations governing cookware and cosmetics safety in Ghana.
2. Identify regulatory gaps and challenges in enforcement.
3. Provide recommendations to enhance policy effectiveness and compliance.
4. Support stakeholder engagement with relevant regulatory bodies.
4.0 Scope of Work:
4.1 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.
4.2 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.
4.3 Policy Recommendations:
• Develop actionable policy recommendations to improve regulatory enforcement.
• Draft regulatory amendments or guidelines for consideration by policymakers.
4.4 Advocacy and Awareness Support:
• Assist in creating policy briefs and advocacy materials.
• Provide technical guidance for public awareness campaigns.
5.0 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)
6.0 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.
7.0 Duration & Timeline: The consultancy will be carried out within 6 -10 months.
8.0 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.
How to apply:
Please submit your CV/resume and cover letter as a single PDF attachment to
teamghana@pureearth.org. Be sure to include the position title in the subject line.
The deadline for application is 15th April 2025 and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Anticipated start date: 1st May 2025
Equal Opportunity Employment:
It is the policy of Pure Earth to provide equal opportunity for all qualified persons and not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, gender or gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status
Job Description:
Position Title: Project Support Consultant
Location: Accra & Northern Region of Ghana
Reports To: Program Manager, Pure Earth Ghana
Project Title: Northern Ghana Cookware & Cosmetics Project
Duration: 6 months- 12 months.
BACKGROUND:
1. Introduction to the Organization
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.
2. Role Overview
The Project Support Consultant will play a critical role in supporting the
implementation of project activities designed to assess and address environmental health risks associated with the cosmetics and cookware industries in Northern Ghana. This position requires a detail-oriented consultant with strong analytical and
communication skills to facilitate stakeholder engagement, manage data collection and analysis, and collaborate closely with the project implementation team and partners. The consultant will contribute to the mapping of production processes, conducting market screenings, and assessing regulatory frameworks, ensuring that project milestones are met efficiently and effectively.
Objective:
To provide comprehensive support in facilitating project activities aligned with the implementation plan and concept note, focusing on stakeholder and production mapping, market screening, supply chain analysis, and regulatory assessment, while also supporting the project implementation team and partners.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Stakeholder Mapping & Engagement
- Conduct research to identify stakeholders within the cosmetics and cookware industries, focusing on Northern Ghana.
- Compile a detailed list of stakeholders with relevant contact information.
- Organize and facilitate interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions to gather insights and validate findings.
2. Data Collection & Analysis
- Collect data on production capacities, supply chains, and market demand for both
industries. - Analyze collected data to identify trends, gaps, and areas for potential development or collaboration.
- Map production processes utilizing tools like process flow charts and GIS software.
Market Screening & Supply Chain Analysis
- Conduct market screening using secondary data sources to evaluate the safety and quality of products in the target regions.
- Analyze supply chain dynamics in both cosmetics and cookware sectors, identifying challenges and opportunities for improvement.
4. Reporting & Dissemination
- Prepare comprehensive reports consolidating research findings, including visualizations and actionable insights.
- Develop multi-format outputs (e.g., presentations, infographics, digital media) to share findings across diverse audiences.
- Implement a dissemination strategy targeting key stakeholders to promote findings and collect feedback.
5. Support for Project Implementation Team and Partners
- Actively collaborate with the project implementation team and partners to ensure successful execution of project activities and adherence to timelines.
- Assist in the coordination and organization of workshops, meetings, and stakeholder
events to facilitate project goals. - Provide logistical and administrative support to the project team as needed throughout the project lifecycle.
- Gather feedback from project partners to continuously improve collaborative efforts and project outcomes.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Public Health, Social Science, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
- 1-3 years of proven experience in project support, research, and stakeholder engagement in relevant industries (cosmetics, cookware, or public health).
- Experience in working within the NGO sector is mandatory.
- Strong analytical skills with experience in data collection and analysis methods.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present data
clearly to various audiences. - Proficiency in using project management tools and software, GIS mapping, and data
visualization tools. - Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and engage with diverse stakeholders.
Working Conditions:
- The working environment will involve both office-based tasks and fieldwork to engage stakeholders and gather data.
- Willingness to work in varied environmental conditions across the Northern Region of Ghana.
How to apply:
Please submit your CV/resume and cover letter as a single PDF attachment to
teamghana@pureearth.org. Be sure to include the position title in the subject line.
The deadline for application is 15th April 2024 and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Anticipated start date: 1st May 2025
Equal Opportunity Employment:
It is the policy of Pure Earth to provide equal opportunity for all qualified persons and not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, gender or gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Job Description:
Position Title: Technical Program Manager
Location: Accra, Ghana
Contract Terms: Fixed-term Contract
Reports to: Country Director
Working relationship with: Global Technical Director, HQ team and Field Project team.
BACKGROUND:
1. Introduction to the Organization
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.
2. Role Overview
The Technical Program Manager provides strategic technical direction, supervision and successful implementation of Pure Earth’s projects in the country. S/he ensures that program objectives are met, all activities are responsive to the needs of the host country and donors. S/he collaborates with the Country Director and partners to conduct a country’s situational analysis, develop program work plans, and provides oversight of budgets based on expected program outputs and results.
The Technical Program Manager also provides strategic leadership and oversight of the programmatic technical aspects of projects in the country including technical leadership; team management and mentoring; donor, government and partner liaising and oversight of programmatic management and reporting.
The Technical Program Manager reports to the Country Director and would have
working relationship with Global Technical Director , HQ technical team and field project officers to ensure successful management and implementation of active programs, and represents Pure Earth to local partners, communities, and donors.
3. Key Responsibilities
Program Management:
- Support the strategic direction and execution of initiatives related to toxic metal pollution mitigation such as Lead(Pb) and Mercury.
- Develop and oversee work plans and timelines to meet project milestones,
incorporating financial management duties such as budget oversight and resource allocation. - Engage with Ghanaian government agencies to address regulatory challenges and support the development of local and national policies focused on toxic metal management.
- Supervise program staff charged with the day-to-day execution of the program
Engage with Industry Experts in cosmetics and cookware industry for Lead contamination. - Collaborate with artisanal gold mining stakeholders to address and mitigate mercury contamination issues.
- Conduct supply chains analyses of potential toxic metal exposure, identifying regulatory gaps and improvement opportunities.
- Work with partners to review existing and develop new policies and regulations to address toxic pollution.
Strategic Planning:
- Work closely with the Country Director and partners to prepare and develop a high quality country program and work plan appropriate for the local context, complementary to government & donor development plans and in line with the organization’s overall vision and mission.
- Ensure that the organization continues to develop and strengthen programs based
on strategic analysis of the local country context. - Work with the communication team to coordinate in-country marketing and promotion of the organization and program.
- Work closely with the Global Technical Director to coordinate the implementation of project activities in the field.
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E):
- Lead the development and implementation of M&E frameworks to assess program effectiveness.
- Ensure effective project monitoring and evaluation systems are in place, adjusting strategies based on data analysis to improve project outcomes.
- Lead data collection efforts on lead exposure, ensuring findings inform project strategies and stakeholder education.
- Promote a culture of learning and adaptation within the team through data-driven insights.
- Collaborate with teams for accurate and timely M&E reporting to donors and stakeholders.
Stakeholder Engagement and Partner Relationship Management:
- Cultivate and build strong relationships with stakeholders, including government agencies such as the Ghana Health Service and Environmental Protection Agency.
- Engage with industry representatives, community organizations, and international
entities to align efforts and share insights on lead mitigation. - Collaborate with academic institutions for research and evidence-based program design.
- Advocate for policy reforms and enhancements to regulatory frameworks concerning ULAB management and lead(Pb) and mercury exposure issues.
- Facilitate workshops to educate communities about lead and Mercury exposure risks and promote safe recycling practices.
4. Skills and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Public Health, or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred.
- 5-7 years of experience in managing environmental health programs, particularly in lead(Pb) and Mercury pollution and poisoning management or handling.
- Strong understanding of regulatory issues related to environmental health and toxic substance management.
- Solid research skills, with experience in field work, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with experience in team management and capacity building.
- Capable of developing strategic solutions to complex environmental health challenges.
- Fluent in English; knowledge of local languages spoken in Ghana is advantageous.
- Experience in working within the Environmental health NGO sector is mandatory.
- Only Ghanaian citizens or applicants with the right to work in Ghana will be considered.
How to apply:
Please submit your CV/resume and cover letter as a single PDF attachment to
teamghana@pureearth.org. Be sure to include the position title in the subject line.
The deadline for application is 15th April 2025 and applications will be reviewed on a
rolling basis. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Anticipated start date: 1st May 2025
Equal Opportunity Employment:
It is the policy of Pure Earth to provide equal opportunity for all qualified persons and not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, gender or gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
POSITION TITLE: Community Assistant (2 Positions)
CONTRACT TYPE: Casual terms
DURATION: 3 Months
LOCATION: Northern Ghana (Tolon and Yendi districts)
REPORTS TO: Technical Project Officer
BACKGROUND:
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.
Pure Earth and CGD are implementing a pilot study focused on assessing the feasibility of replacing contaminated cookware and cosmetics to reduce lead exposure in children.
This initiative targets households identified to have lead-containing products in two districts of Northern Ghana.
Role Overview:
The Community Assistants will play a vital role in engaging with local households, facilitating communication between the project team and community members, and supporting various activities related to the pilot study. They will work directly with
families to promote awareness of lead exposure and assist in implementing
interventions.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Community Engagement:
• Facilitate recruitment of families to participate in the pilot study based on established
criteria.
• Conduct household visits to explain the study aims, procedures, and benefits to
potential participants.
2. Lead Awareness and Education:
• Deliver educational sessions to participating households about the health risks of
lead exposure and the importance of replacing contaminated cookware and
cosmetics.
• Distribute health and hygiene materials to families, focusing on best practices for
maintaining a lead-free home environment.
3. Support Baseline and Follow-Up Assessments:
• Assist the project team in collecting data during the baseline assessment phase, including documenting existing cookware and cosmetic products.
• Participate in follow-up monitoring visits every two weeks to track adherence to study protocols and gather feedback from families.
4. Intervention Implementation:
• Aid in distributing lead-free cookware and cosmetics to selected households and ensure proper understanding of usage.
• Work closely with families to encourage compliance with study guidelines and
maintain regular communication regarding progress and challenges.
5. Data Collection and Reporting:
• Record observations, household feedback, and any challenges faced during the
project implementation, contributing to ongoing assessments of the program’s
effectiveness.
• Assist in compiling reports on community engagement activities and outcomes.
Qualifications:
• Minimum of a Diploma in Public Health, Social Sciences, Community Development, or a related field.
• Knowledge of lead exposure issues or experience in community health promotion is an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse community members.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Familiarity with data collection methods and community engagement strategies.
• Fluency in English and local language relevant to the study areas.
• Must reside in the project district (Yendi, Tolon)
How to apply:
Kindly submit your CV/resume and cover letter in a single PDF document attachment to teamghana@pureearth.org.
The deadline for application is 20th February 2025 and applications will be reviewed on
a rolling basis. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected
for an interview will be contacted.
Anticipated start date: 2nd March 2025
Equal Opportunity Employment:
It is the policy of Pure Earth to provide equal opportunity for all qualified persons and not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, gender or gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation or any other protected status.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: Project Assistant Consultant
LOCATION: Northern Ghana (Tolon & Yendi District)
JOB DURATION: 3 Months
REPORTS TO: Technical Projects Officer
Background:
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.
Pure Earth and CGD are implementing a pilot study focused on assessing the feasibility of replacing contaminated cookware and cosmetics to reduce lead exposure in children.
This initiative targets households identified to have lead-containing products in two districts of Northern Ghana.
Role Overview:
The Project Assistant Consultant will provide critical support to the project team through various phases of the pilot study, including recruitment, baseline assessments, and monitoring of the intervention phase. The consultant will work closely with community monitors, local households, and the project team to ensure the successful execution of
study protocols and objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Recruitment Support:
- Assist in the identification and recruitment of participating households based on predefined criteria.
- Collaborate with team members during household visits to explain the study’s
purpose and benefits.
2. Baseline Assessment:
- Support the team in conducting lead testing of existing cookware and cosmetics,
including the collection of dust samples. - Ensure proper documentation and handling of data collected during the assessments.
3. Intervention Implementation:
- Aid in the distribution of lead-free cookware and cosmetics to selected households.
- Collaborate with community monitors in educating participants about the health
benefits of lead-free products and hygiene practices.
4. Follow-Up and Monitoring:
- Participate in the regular monitoring of households to ensure adherence to the
guidelines and proper use of provided items. - Collect feedback from households regarding the usability and acceptance of the
lead-free alternatives.
5. Data Collection and Reporting:
- Assist in administering post-pilot surveys and interviews assessing user satisfaction
and perceived benefits. - Support the analysis and compilation of data for reporting purposes.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in public health, Environmental Science, Social Science, or a related field.
- Previous experience in community-based health programs, research, or project
assistance is preferred. - Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on community
engagement. - Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Proficient in data collection methods and documentation.
- Familiarity with lead exposure issues or health education in low-income settings is an advantage.
- Fluency in English and local language relevant to the study areas.
- Must reside in Tamale or Yendi
How to apply:
Kindly submit your CV/resume and cover letter in a single PDF document attachment to teamghana@pureearth.org
The deadline for application is 20th February 2025 and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Anticipated start date: 2nd March 2025.
Equal Opportunity Employment:
It is the policy of Pure Earth to provide equal opportunity for all qualified persons and not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, gender or gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Pure Earth is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate and embrace diversity, and we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees. Our evaluation of candidates and employees is always based on merit, qualifications, and performance. It is the policy of Pure Earth to provide equal opportunity for all qualified persons and not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, gender or gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.