Climate Change Support
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) leads global public health efforts, aiming to promote health, ensure universal access, maintain global safety, and support the vulnerable. The Eastern Mediterranean Region faces significant health impacts from climate change, including extreme heat, water scarcity, and infectious diseases. WHO's Climate Change and Health (CHE) unit assists Member States in assessing risks, building resilient health systems, and integrating health into climate commitments, engaging in global processes like ATACH and UNFCCC COPs.
Job Purpose
This role will strengthen the capacity of WHO's Climate Change and Health (CHE) unit in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, which is highly exposed to climate change's health effects. The volunteer will support the unit's efforts to assess climate-related health risks, build climate-resilient health systems, and integrate health into national climate policies. The position is crucial during a period of high demand, including follow-up activities from COP31 and regional engagement with the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH), ensuring effective delivery of the unit's mandate.
Responsibilities
The National UNV Specialist will support regional climate change and health activities under the supervision of the Regional Adviser. Key duties include coordinating regional ATACH activities, assisting countries in integrating health into national climate plans (NDCs, H-NAPs) by tracking progress, and supporting the organization of regional consultations, webinars, and technical meetings. The role involves contributing to knowledge products like technical briefs and country profiles, collecting data on climate-sensitive health risks and projects, and monitoring workplan activities for donor reporting. Additionally, the specialist will maintain unit records and contact lists, and perform other related duties as assigned.
Work Experience
A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience is required in climate change, environment, or public health programs. Experience with an international organization, government, or academic institution is preferred. Strong drafting and analytical skills, proficiency in MS Office, and experience in organizing meetings and collaborating with multiple partners are essential.
Skills
Core competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, creativity, judgment, decision-making, planning, organizing, professionalism, and self-management. Technical expertise in public health, immunization, energy, project management, program development, and strategy is also required.