International Consultant - Nature-based Solutions (NbS), One Health, and Environmental Health Policy and Evidence Synthesis
Organizational Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) is addressing the interconnected challenges of human, animal, and ecosystem health, exacerbated by environmental drivers like climate change and pollution. The One Health approach is recognized as a unifying framework, but its policy implementation remains fragmented. This consultancy aims to bridge this gap by positioning Nature-based Solutions (NbS) as a practical mechanism to operationalize One Health, aligning with the Budapest Declaration and WHO guidance.
Job Purpose
The purpose of this consultancy is to synthesize and critically assess existing evidence on how Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can contribute to the implementation of the One Health approach. The role involves conducting a structured review of scientific literature and policy documents, identifying key pathways and mechanisms through which NbS address shared environmental drivers of One Health risks, and evaluating the current evidence base, particularly within the WHO European Region. The ultimate goal is to translate this evidence into actionable, policy-relevant insights and recommendations for policymakers, positioning NbS as a cost-effective strategy for operationalizing One Health and enhancing integrated health and environmental policies.
Responsibilities
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a structured review of peer-reviewed literature and policy reports on nature-based solutions (NbS) relevant to One Health implementation in the WHO European Region. This includes synthesizing evidence on the impacts of NbS on human, animal, and ecosystem health, and identifying key pathways and mechanisms linking NbS to One Health risks such as climate hazards, infectious diseases, and pollution. The role also involves assessing the strength, gaps, and limitations of the existing evidence base, and translating scientific findings into policy-relevant insights, including enabling conditions and governance requirements. Furthermore, the consultant will analyze existing One Health policies for alignment and gaps concerning NbS, identify barriers and enabling factors for policy uptake, and develop clear, actionable policy recommendations for integrating NbS into One Health implementation. The consultant will produce an inception report, an analytical framework and evidence-mapping matrix, a policy analysis report, a complete draft policy paper, and a final policy paper, along with a PowerPoint presentation.
Work Experience
A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in environmental health, public health, climate and health, or One Health is required. Essential experience includes conducting structured evidence reviews and literature syntheses, and demonstrating experience in environmental health policy analysis, development, or translating scientific evidence into policy recommendations. Desirable experience includes work in nature-based solutions, nature and health, or multisectoral policy development.
Skills
Essential skills include the ability to critically appraise and synthesize scientific and policy evidence, identify evidence gaps and limitations, and translate findings into clear, evidence-based policy recommendations. Knowledge of international environmental health and One Health policy frameworks is also essential. Expert knowledge of spoken and written English is required.