Consultant for One Health Integration

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and coordinates the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP’s Ecosystems Division engages with governments and other partners to develop and promote ecosystem-based solutions for sustainable development. The organization has been operational since 1972 and has a presence in over 100 countries, employing thousands of professionals dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The consultant will work within UNEP's Nature and Health Unit (NAHU) of the Biodiversity and Land Branch, Ecosystems Division. The primary function of this position is to support GEF eligible countries in integrating holistic One Health considerations into their biodiversity planning and policy frameworks. The consultant will strengthen national and regional capacities to promote the integration of One Health approaches into National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). This role involves conducting reviews and analyses of biodiversity and health integration into submitted targets and NBSAPs, supporting the development of integrated science-based indicators and methodologies, and facilitating workshops to enhance knowledge on the interconnectedness of biodiversity loss and health. The consultant will also contribute to the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at the national level, ensuring that biodiversity-health interlinkages are effectively integrated into national strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of the inclusion of biodiversity and health into submitted targets and NBSAPs to identify elements of the Global Action Plan (GAP) being adopted by countries.
• Encourage the future uptake of biodiversity and health considerations into national biodiversity planning and share experiences and lessons learned.
• Collaborate with the CBD Secretariat, Quadripartite, and other partners to develop and peer review integrated science-based indicators, metrics, and methodologies for assessing biodiversity and health considerations in national biodiversity planning and policy frameworks.
• Strengthen national, regional, and global capacity to promote the uptake of the Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health.
• Facilitate expert participation in workshops to foster knowledge on the interconnectedness of biodiversity loss and poor health.
• Develop materials and disseminate good practices and experiences on biodiversity and health.
• Engage with stakeholders to enhance collaboration across sectors such as environment, health, and agriculture.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in One Health, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, Environment and Health, Environmental Governance, or other fields directly relevant to the environmental dimensions of health is required.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience working in integrated, multi-disciplinary, or intersectoral approaches to addressing complex challenges at the intersection of nature and health is required.
• Proven experience in the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks is required.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating workshops, developing presentations, and engaging with internal and external stakeholders is required.
• Experience in project management and overseeing cross-agency programs is required.
• Familiarity with National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans is desirable.
• Experience in capacity building, technical and scientific cooperation, and facilitating dialogues across sectors is desirable.
• Familiarity with UN system operations, procedures, and mandates related to environment and health is desirable.
• Experience working in developing country contexts or supporting countries in implementing multi-sectoral approaches to complex problems is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in relevant fields such as One Health, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, Environment and Health, or Environmental Governance is required for this position. This educational background ensures that the consultant possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively address the complex interlinkages between biodiversity and health.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in integrated, multi-disciplinary, or intersectoral approaches to addressing challenges at the intersection of nature and health. This experience should include working on projects that involve collaboration across various sectors, demonstrating the ability to manage complex initiatives and engage with diverse stakeholders effectively. Experience in developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks is also essential, as is a proven track record in facilitating workshops and stakeholder engagement.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is considered an advantage and may enhance the consultant's ability to communicate and collaborate with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 12 months, and 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 is committed to ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process, and applicants should be aware that the United Nations does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.