One Health Surveillance Specialist

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. Established in 1972, UNEP has grown to encompass a diverse workforce of thousands of employees across various countries, working collaboratively to address pressing environmental issues. UNEP operates in over 150 countries, focusing on areas such as climate change, sustainable development, and environmental governance, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

Job Overview:
The One Health Surveillance Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting UNEP's commitment to tackling the environmental drivers, sources, and challenges of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through a One Health approach. The consultant will work under the supervision of the AMR Team Lead and the Programme Management Officer, focusing on finalizing the 'Conceptual Roadmap for Global Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the Environment' and developing an implementation plan. This position requires a proactive approach to creating and maintaining an expert group to support UNEP in developing and implementing environmental surveillance of AMR. The specialist will also be responsible for identifying and analyzing initiatives related to environmental monitoring and surveillance, working closely with UNEP regional offices to address countries' needs, and developing knowledge products that enhance understanding of environmental surveillance of AMR. The role demands strong technical support capabilities to ensure environmental aspects are integrated into the Global Integrated Surveillance System for AMR/AMU and to contribute to the development of various technical documents and project proposals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the One Health Surveillance Specialist include:

• Finalizing the 'Conceptual Roadmap for Global Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the Environment' and developing a detailed implementation plan with timelines and milestones.
• Creating and maintaining an expert group to support UNEP in environmental surveillance of AMR.
• Conducting research and literature reviews to identify initiatives and platforms related to environmental monitoring and surveillance.
• Collaborating with UNEP regional offices to assess capacities and needs for environmental surveillance in various countries.
• Developing knowledge products that elaborate on the purpose and methodology of environmental surveillance of AMR.
• Creating a technical support package and draft course materials to strengthen capacity in environmental surveillance.
• Providing technical support to ensure environmental aspects are incorporated into the Global Integrated Surveillance System for AMR/AMU.
• Contributing to the development of project proposals, reports, and communication assets as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental science, epidemiology, public health, environmental health, or a closely related field. A first-level university degree in the same fields combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in surveillance-related fields, particularly in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance within a One Health framework. Proven expertise in designing and implementing AMR surveillance systems in diverse contexts is essential, along with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary environments and coordinate with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as environmental science, epidemiology, public health, environmental health, or environmental engineering. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in these fields, combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience, may be accepted. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental monitoring and public health as they relate to AMR.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in surveillance-related fields, with substantial experience in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance within a One Health framework. Candidates should have demonstrated expertise in the design, development, and implementation of AMR surveillance systems, particularly in low-resource settings. Experience in coordinating with international partners and stakeholders, as well as leading the development of technical guidance and policy documents, is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language of the United Nations. Knowledge of another UN language, such as French, would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 12 months and is a full-time position. The role is home-based, allowing for remote work. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair hiring process.