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 aims to strengthen the integration of environmental considerations in One Health approaches through various initiatives, including its role as a member of the Quadripartite Collaboration on One Health and as the Secretariat of the Nature4Health initiative. These initiatives encompass global, regional, and national interventions, aiming to stimulate systemic One Health approaches that fully incorporate environmental dimensions.

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 capacity 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 inclusion in 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, ultimately aiming to strengthen the capacity of countries to integrate biodiversity-health interlinkages into their NBSAPs in line with the Global Action Plan on Biodiversity.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Head of the Nature and Health Unit, the consultant will undertake several key assignments:

• 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, encouraging future uptake of biodiversity and health considerations into national biodiversity planning, and sharing experiences and lessons learned.
• Collaborate with the CBD Secretariat, the Quadripartite, and other partners to contribute to the development and peer review of 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, facilitating expert participation in workshops to foster knowledge on the interconnectedness of biodiversity loss and poor health, and disseminating good practices and experiences on biodiversity and health.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an 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. 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. Additionally, experience in the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks is essential. Candidates should demonstrate experience in facilitating workshops, developing presentations, engaging with internal and external stakeholders, and designing and delivering webinars and workshops across digital channels. Project management experience and overseeing cross-agency programs are also required. Familiarity with National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans is desirable, as is experience in capacity building, technical and scientific cooperation, and facilitating dialogues across sectors such as environment, health, and agriculture. Familiarity with UN system operations, procedures, and mandates related to environment and health is also desirable, along with experience working in developing country contexts or supporting countries in implementing multi-sectoral approaches to complex problems.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, either a Master’s or PhD, in relevant fields such as One Health, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, Environment and Health, or Environmental Governance. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complex interrelations between health and environmental factors, which are central to the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, particularly in integrated, multi-disciplinary, or intersectoral approaches to addressing challenges at the intersection of nature and health. Candidates should have a proven track record in developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks, as well as experience in project management and overseeing cross-agency programs. Experience in facilitating workshops and engaging stakeholders is also essential, as is familiarity with National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans.

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

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 12 months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview meetings, processing, or training. Additionally, the United Nations does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.