Role Overview
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is seeking a qualified and experienced Biodiversity and Health Expert to support international efforts aimed at integrating biodiversity and health considerations into national biodiversity planning and policy frameworks.
- Job Title: Biodiversity and Health Expert
- Organization: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
- Job Category: Consultants (CON)
- Job Family: Environmental Affairs
- Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
- Contract Duration: 12 Months
- Application Deadline: 14 May 2026
This consultancy role is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and offers an opportunity to contribute to global environmental sustainability, One Health initiatives, and biodiversity policy development through the United Nations system.
The selected consultant will support countries in integrating holistic One Health approaches into National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) while strengthening national and regional capacity for biodiversity and health integration.
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About UNEP
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority responsible for setting the international environmental agenda and promoting sustainable development within the United Nations system.
UNEP works with governments, organizations, and stakeholders worldwide to address environmental challenges, develop policy consensus, and advance sustainable ecosystem-based solutions.
This consultancy assignment falls under UNEP’s Ecosystems Division within the Nature and Health Unit (NAHU) of the Biodiversity and Land Branch.
Organizational Setting
The Nature and Health Unit (NAHU) works to strengthen the integration of environmental considerations into One Health approaches through:
- UNEP’s role within the Quadripartite Collaboration on One Health
- UNEP’s role as Secretariat of the Nature4Health initiative
These initiatives aim to promote systemic One Health approaches that incorporate environmental dimensions across global, regional, and national interventions.
NAHU also collaborates with the Nature Frameworks Support Unit to assist countries in revising and updating their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) in alignment with:
- The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
- The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
- The Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health
Reporting Line
The consultant will work under the supervision of the Head of the Nature and Health Unit and in close coordination with the Nature Frameworks Support Unit.
Key Responsibilities
Biodiversity and Health Policy Analysis
- Conduct reviews and analyses of biodiversity and health integration within submitted national targets and NBSAPs
- Identify elements of the Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health being adopted by countries
- Document experiences, lessons learned, and best practices
Technical Support and Framework Development
- Support UNEP’s collaboration with:
- Convention on Biological Diversity Secretariat
- Quadripartite partners
- Other technical partners
- Contribute to the development and peer review of:
- Science-based indicators
- Metrics
- Methodologies for biodiversity and health integration
Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
- Strengthen national, regional, and global capacity on biodiversity-health interlinkages
- Facilitate workshops, webinars, and technical dialogues
- Develop training and outreach materials
- Promote sharing of experiences and good practices across sectors
Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
- Support cross-sector collaboration among stakeholders in:
- Environment
- Health
- Agriculture
- Biodiversity policy
- Engage with national and international partners to support integrated One Health approaches
Expected Results
The consultancy is expected to:
- Strengthen national and regional capacity to integrate One Health approaches into biodiversity planning
- Support GEF-eligible countries in integrating biodiversity-health considerations into NBSAPs
- Promote stronger policy frameworks addressing biodiversity and health interlinkages
- Enhance the uptake of the Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health
Minimum Qualifications
Education
Applicants must possess:
- An advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in:
- One Health
- Conservation Biology
- Environmental Science
- Environment and Health
- Environmental Governance
- Or another directly relevant field
Professional Experience
Candidates must have:
- At least 7 years of experience working on integrated, multidisciplinary, or intersectoral approaches related to nature and health
Required experience includes:
- Monitoring and evaluation framework development
- Workshop facilitation and stakeholder engagement
- Designing and delivering webinars and presentations
- Project management and cross-agency programme implementation
Desirable experience includes:
- Reviewing National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs)
- Capacity building and technical cooperation
- Facilitating multi-sector dialogues
- Working within UN systems and environmental-health mandates
- Supporting developing countries on multisectoral initiatives
Language Requirements
- Fluency in English is required
- Knowledge of another official United Nations language, particularly French, is an advantage
Skills and Competencies
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and research skills
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities
- Ability to work across multidisciplinary teams
- Experience managing complex environmental programmes
- Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills
- Knowledge of biodiversity and One Health frameworks
Additional Information
- UNEP does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process
- The United Nations does not request applicants’ banking information
- Only shortlisted candidates may be contacted for further assessment
OTHER ROLES:
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How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official United Nations careers portal before the application deadline.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early and ensure all required documents and qualifications are accurately provided.
