Nature for Health Systems Approach Facilitator and Project Development Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP was established in 1972 and has since been instrumental in coordinating 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 operates in over 150 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 1,000 employees, working towards a sustainable future for all.

Job Overview:
This position is focused on facilitating the scoping phase of the Nature for Health Fund (N4H) in Kenya, which aims to establish a sustainable and locally relevant project that addresses health risks through environmental determinants. The consultant will work to create a common understanding and commitment among various stakeholders involved in the N4H initiative. The role involves developing an Implementation Project Document that will guide the project’s activities and budget. The consultant will engage with stakeholders to assess the links between health, ecosystems, and environmental factors, and will support the integration of these elements into public health approaches. The position is part-time and home-based, expected to last for 9 months, and is crucial for ensuring that the N4H initiative is effectively implemented in Kenya, contributing to the overall goal of reducing zoonotic disease spillover risks and enhancing planetary health.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks:

• Develop a shared understanding of N4H objectives among stakeholders through workshops and discussions, ensuring that the objectives of the One Health approach are well understood.
• Design and facilitate workshops to assess the current situation regarding One Health in Kenya, co-designing the Implementation Phase project document with stakeholders.
• Facilitate the building of partnerships among One Health stakeholders in Kenya, guiding the collaborative process and ensuring that all voices are heard.
• Develop content for the Implementation Phase in collaboration with the Core Team and project manager, ensuring that the system thinking approach is integrated into all project documents. The consultant will also be expected to manage workshop dynamics, gather feedback, and prepare reports that reflect the discussions and outcomes of the workshops.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (MSc level or higher) in social, ecological, behavioral, or management sciences. Professional qualifications in coaching or facilitation and systems thinking are highly desirable. A first-level degree with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A minimum of 7 years of postgraduate work experience in knowledge management, organizational learning, and facilitating partnership building in diverse multi-stakeholder environments is required. Candidates should demonstrate experience in facilitation, program management, and developing actionable plans for sustainable development informed by facilitated systemic inquiries. Strong communication and presentation skills, as well as familiarity with systems tools, are also important.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (MSc level or higher) in relevant fields such as social, ecological, behavioral, or management sciences is required. Candidates with a first-level degree and additional qualifying experience may also be considered. Professional qualifications in coaching or facilitation and systems thinking are preferred, indicating a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of postgraduate work experience in areas such as knowledge management, organizational learning, and facilitating partnerships in multi-stakeholder environments. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in facilitation and the ability to apply system thinking tools in diverse settings. Experience in program management and developing project documents for sustainable development is also essential, as is experience working in Africa and facilitating workshops in that context.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of another UN language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate with a broader range of stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is part-time and home-based, with an expected duration of 9 months. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible to all qualified candidates. The role is focused on building partnerships and facilitating collaboration among stakeholders in the One Health arena, contributing to the overarching goals of the Nature for Health initiative.