International Consultant for Health Impact Assessment of Sand and Dust Storms (SDS)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development across the UN system. Established to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, UNEP has been operational since 1972 and has grown to encompass a wide range of environmental issues. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to various environmental initiatives. UNEP's mission is to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. The UNEP West Asia Office specifically supports countries in the region in achieving their environmental and sustainability objectives through policy advice, capacity building, and technical cooperation, particularly in the context of pressing environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant for Health Impact Assessment of Sand and Dust Storms (SDS) in West Asia involves conducting a comprehensive assessment of the health impacts associated with SDS in the region. This role is crucial as it contributes to the development of the Regional Masterplan to Combat Sand and Dust Storms, which aims to address the multifaceted challenges posed by SDS. The consultant will be responsible for establishing the analytical foundation necessary to determine the health impacts of SDS and propose adaptive measures. This assessment will be guided by established methodologies, including the UNCCD Toolbox and guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO). The consultant will work closely with the Project Manager at UNEP’s Regional Office for West Asia and the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) in Saudi Arabia, ensuring that the findings are relevant and actionable for policy and public health planning.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of duties and responsibilities, including conducting a literature review of existing studies on the health impacts of SDS, proposing a structured methodology for the health impact assessment, preparing an inception report, developing a health impact assessment model, drafting the health impact assessment report, and presenting findings at regional or national consultations. Specific tasks include reviewing epidemiological and toxicological studies, identifying health outcomes associated with SDS, developing a health impact typology, and creating an inventory of health impacts. The consultant will also be responsible for defining exposure metrics, population groups, and impact pathways, as well as providing guidance on interpreting model outputs. The final deliverables will include a comprehensive health impact assessment report that incorporates feedback from consultations and is ready for publication.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Public Health, Health Science, Environmental Health, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A PhD is considered desirable. Additionally, candidates must have a minimum of 7 years of experience in environmental health or a related field, with proven experience in health assessments of natural hazards and climate-risk impacts. Experience in multistakeholder engagement and the development of technical reports is also required, along with knowledge of environmental and health issues specific to West Asia. Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, or funding institutions is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Public Health, Health Science, or Environmental Health. A PhD is preferred but not mandatory. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have additional qualifying experience. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of health impacts related to environmental issues, particularly in the context of Sand and Dust Storms.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in environmental health or a related field. Candidates should have a strong background in conducting health assessments related to natural hazards and climate risks. Experience in engaging with multiple stakeholders and developing comprehensive technical reports is crucial for the successful execution of the duties associated with this role. Familiarity with the environmental and health landscape in West Asia is also necessary, as it will inform the consultant's approach to the assessment.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the preparation of reports and assessments that will be utilized in the region. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English and Arabic are the primary languages needed for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of 9 months. While specific details regarding compensation and benefits are not provided, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization emphasizes that it does not require information about applicants' bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and ethical recruitment process.