Used Lead Acid Battery (ULAB) Advisor

ABOUT PURE EARTH

Pure Earth is a growing international nonprofit addressing one of the most urgent yet solvable global health crises, toxic pollution and its profound impacts on human health. We specialize in preventing lead and mercury exposure, deploying innovative, evidence-based solutions in low- and middle-income countries worldwide. Our initiatives not only protect vulnerable children and communities today but also build sustainable systems to ensure lasting change for future generations.

Recognized globally for our impactful programs and leadership on these issues, Pure Earth enjoys strong partnerships with governments, renowned philanthropies, and leading international development institutions. Our credibility is underscored by top ratings from nonprofit evaluators such as Charity Navigator and Candid/GuideStar.

With new multi-year funding, Pure Earth is scaling up proven interventions, establishing new country offices, and broadening cross-sector collaborations. At Pure Earth, you will be part of an agile, passionate team that swiftly translates science and innovation into meaningful action. Your contributions will yield clear, measurable outcomes, transforming countless lives around the globe.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Used Lead Acid Battery (ULAB) Advisor will serve as Pure Earth’s focal person for work related to the lead acid battery (LAB) industry as part of Pure Earth’s Global Lead Program. They will be responsible for supporting supply chain analyses and mass balance studies, and for developing evidence-based policy recommendations related to the LAB industry. A major focus will be on policy related to used lead acid battery (ULAB) recycling in low- and middle-income countries; this would include both policy that will incentivize countries to eliminate the unsafe practices of informal ULAB recycling and government owned policy that will allow countries to regulate unsafe practices. The ULAB advisor will also collaborate in the development of technical publications and resources, and may represent Pure Earth with donors, governments, and other stakeholders, as appropriate.

Reporting to the Vice President of Technical Support and Research, the ULAB Advisor will sit within Pure Earth’s Technical Unit, working alongside colleagues from the Programs Department, the Innovation Lab, and other internal and external technical advisors.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide thought leadership to Pure Earth management and operational staff regarding the lead acid battery industry, including formal and informal ULAB recycling.
• Research LAB supply chain dynamics worldwide and in geographies targeted by Pure Earth, including cross-border transportation of LAB and their waste.
• Work closely with country teams to complete mass balance studies for Pure Earth geographies.
• Evaluate ULAB recycling facilities, their environmental and occupational safeguards, and their adherence to relevant regulations.
• Research and assess alternative livelihoods for ULAB informal workers.
• Develop a policy and programmatic implementation playbook regarding ULAB recycling applicable to a wide range of settings as found in LMICs.
• Produce policy briefs related to ULAB recycling based on the latest research and programmatic findings, including those made by Pure Earth.
• Collaborate with staff to design research studies and implement programmatic activities whose outcomes can be used to formulate policy.
• Network with the LAB manufacturers, ULAB recyclers, trade associations, governments, non-governmental organizations, and academia.
• Coordinate with partner organizations working on ULAB-related issues (e.g., Global Development Incubator, Oeko Institute, Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Initiative).
• Represent Pure Earth and Pure Earth interests at specific events or meetings.

QUALIFICATION

• MPhil, MSc or 5+ years of relevant experience in Environmental Policy, Environmental Health, Engineering, Chemistry, Economics, Law, and or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience with, and deep knowledge of, the LAB industry worldwide, including formal and informal ULAB recycling industry.
• Strategic thinker with experience conducting research and developing, communicating, and implementing policy, preferably as relates to the formal and informal ULAB recycling industry.
• Demonstrated experience working with a variety of stakeholders in low- and middle-income countries, such as government officials, industry trade organizations, non-governmental organizations, and community groups.
• Experience with economic analyses, especially as relates to the LAB industry; experience conducting mass balance studies a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse and multicultural teams with members in multiple locations at the same time.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including written and oral fluency in English; multilingual capabilities are a plus.
• Willingness to travel internationally and to work flexible hours across time zones.
• Candidates must possess valid, work authorization for their chosen country of residence, as Pure Earth will not provide sponsorship or assistance with work visas for this position.

LOCATION

Location flexible – Must be authorized to work in the USA or other country in which Pure Earth is registered or planned to do business.

Eligible countries: USA, Bangladesh, India, Colombia, Ghana, Indonesia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Armenia, Ethiopia and Brazil

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Schedule: Full-time Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm (depending on location late nights, weekends or early mornings may be required
• Local and/or international travel expected

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND RESONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS 

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. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please let us know when you are contacted for a screening or interview.

This job description may be revised and updated as required to meet organizational objectives.