Deadline: 22-Dec-2025
UNICEF has launched an initiative to strengthen laboratory capacity for metals analysis in environmental and biological samples, supporting its global WASH and Environment programs. The initiative focuses on harmonising laboratory practices, providing technical guidance, conducting capacity assessments, and promoting quality control and accreditation to improve public health and environmental decision-making.
Overview of the Initiative
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has announced a specialised opportunity to enhance laboratory capabilities in metals analysis. This initiative falls under the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and Environment sector, aiming to improve environmental and public health outcomes globally. The program provides technical guidance, capacity assessments, and continuous support to ensure high-quality laboratory analyses in multiple regions. Key objectives include:
-
Harmonising laboratory selection and analytical methods.
-
Establishing minimum standards and quality control measures.
-
Supporting technical teams at UNICEF headquarters and country offices.
Why the Initiative Matters
Accurate metals analysis is critical for monitoring environmental pollution, safeguarding water quality, and protecting human health. By strengthening laboratory systems, UNICEF aims to:
-
Enhance decision-making for WASH and environmental programs.
-
Promote consistent and reliable laboratory results across countries.
-
Build sustainable technical capacity in environmental and biological testing.
Who is Eligible?
-
Laboratories in countries partnering with UNICEF in WASH and Environment programs.
-
Technical teams responsible for metals analysis in environmental and biological samples.
-
Facilities seeking guidance for quality control, method standardisation, and accreditation.
-
Institutions supporting UNICEF headquarters or country offices with laboratory services.
How the Program Works
1. Laboratory Capacity Assessment
-
Identify suitable laboratories in up to ten countries.
-
Conduct remote assessments for up to fifteen laboratories.
-
Complete on-site evaluations for up to five laboratories.
-
Analyse operational capabilities, technical practices, and compliance with standards.
2. Technical Guidance and Support
-
Provide continuous technical assistance to laboratories.
-
Develop expert video materials and resources for standardised laboratory practices.
-
Establish minimum analytical standards for metals testing.
3. Quality Control and Accreditation
-
Identify quality control measures for accurate metals analysis.
-
Facilitate pathways for recognition or accreditation with international bodies.
-
Ensure laboratories implement best practices for consistent and reliable results.
4. Capacity Building
-
Train technical teams on metals analysis methods, sample preparation, and data reporting.
-
Harmonise laboratory practices across regions for comparability and reliability of results.
-
Support sustainable improvements in laboratory infrastructure and technical expertise.
Common Mistakes and Tips
-
Mistake: Not aligning lab practices with UNICEF standards. Tip: Follow the minimum standards and guidance provided by UNICEF.
-
Mistake: Overlooking quality control measures. Tip: Implement all recommended QC protocols to ensure accurate results.
-
Mistake: Failing to document processes or evaluations. Tip: Maintain detailed records for monitoring and accreditation purposes.
-
Mistake: Neglecting ongoing technical support. Tip: Engage regularly with UNICEF technical teams for guidance and troubleshooting.
FAQ
1. What is the goal of this UNICEF initiative?
To strengthen laboratory capacity for metals analysis in environmental and biological samples, supporting global WASH and Environment programs.
2. Which laboratories are eligible to participate?
Laboratories in countries partnering with UNICEF that conduct metals analysis in environmental and biological samples.
3. What kind of support will UNICEF provide?
Technical guidance, expert video materials, capacity assessments, quality control recommendations, and accreditation pathways.
4. How are laboratories evaluated?
Through a structured assessment process including remote evaluations for up to fifteen labs and on-site evaluations for up to five labs.
5. Why is metals analysis important in WASH and Environment programs?
It ensures accurate monitoring of environmental pollution, water safety, and public health risk management.
6. How does this initiative contribute to public health?
By improving the reliability of laboratory results, it informs better WASH interventions and environmental health decisions.
7. What are the long-term benefits for laboratories?
Improved technical capacity, adherence to international standards, potential accreditation, and harmonised practices across regions.
Conclusion
UNICEF’s laboratory capacity strengthening initiative enhances the ability of laboratories to conduct reliable metals analysis, supporting global WASH and environmental health programs. By combining technical guidance, assessments, quality control measures, and capacity building, the program ensures laboratories can deliver high-quality, consistent results, leading to better environmental monitoring, public health decisions, and sustainable laboratory systems worldwide.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
