International Consultant- Nature-based solutions (NbS) for health and well-being

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Qualifications

Purpose of consultancy  

To write a policy brief for Member States on harnessing NbS to improve and promote health and well-being.

Background 

Health and well-being are fundamental for resilient societies and sustainable development, yet they are increasingly strained by urbanization, climate change, social isolation, and widening inequities. Health systems remain largely treatment-oriented, with insufficient attention to prevention and promotion of health related to environmental determinants. At the same time, many communities lack equitable access to green and blue spaces that support restoration, cohesion, physical activity, mental health and resilience.

Nature-based solutions are actions that protect, restore, and sustainably manage ecosystems. They offer a practical, evidence-based way to strengthen population health and well-being while simultaneously delivering other societal benefits. Access to and engagement with nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood and cognitive functioning, enhance social cohesion, encourage physical activity, and build resilience to environmental stressors such as heat and pollution. By addressing environmental, social, and behavioral determinants simultaneously, targeted and properly designed NbS can deliver measurable improvements in quality of life while generating co-benefits for climate adaptation, biodiversity, and local economies.

In the Budapest Declaration, Member States committed to accelerate action for improvement of population health by addressing environmental determinants of disease and by promoting cleaner, greener and healthier urban environments, including through the integration of NbS in policies and planning. To translate these commitments into practice, practical recommendations are needed to guide policymakers, environmental and urban planners and health authorities on how to design and implement NbS so they effectively deliver health, biodiversity and climate co-benefits.

Using a theory-of-change framework, the brief will offer key evidence-based practical policy messages based on linking designs of NbS to health outcomes, and on stating the mechanism through which the link occurs. The brief should be in a “best buys” format, providing 10 to 20 key NbS relevant for the WHO European Region.

For example: 

a.     Ensure Daily Access to Nearby Green Space

Design principle: Every resident should live within short walking distance (≈300 m) of quality green space. 

Why: Proximity strongly predicts lower depression and anxiety rates.

b.     Provide Microclimate Comfort

Design principle: Shade trees, airflow corridors, seating in sun and shade.

Why: Heat stress worsens mental distress; thermal comfort improves emotional regulation.

The policy-relevant evidence and solutions will leverage existing experiences from the Region and help health care facilities and all levels of government to embed NbS targets into public health and urban planning systems and so improve health and well-being. By presenting health outcome results from targeted NbS, we aim to accelerate cost-effective, preventive action that strengthens health, reduces long-term health system pressures, and supports more resilient and livable communities across the Region.

The brief will strengthen prevention and health promotion in the Region by integrating evidence-based specific NbS into public health policy, planning, and practice. 

Specifically, the policy brief aims to:

•          Synthesize and contextualize evidence on NbS targeted to prevent and promote health relevant to the WHO European Region. Particular attention is to be given to the identification of experiences that include an economic assessment of the costs and benefits of the intervention.
•          Categorize the NbS interventions based on diverse settings and criteria (e.g. urban, peri-urban, environmental, social/vulnerable communities, cost-effectiveness).
•          Develop a regional “best-buys” NbS for health framework aligned with One Health, natural capital, and health system priorities.

Deliverables

Deliverable 1: Evidence review document that will include a literature review of NbS targeted to prevent and promote health linking between NbS design, the mechanism at which it works to prevent and/or promote health, and the health outcome (see examples above) expected by [1.2.2027].

Deliverable 2: Mapping Matrix that will include map existing NbS and health interventions (e.g., green prescribing, therapeutic landscapes, urban greening for health and well-being expected by 1.3.2027.

Deliverable 3: Categorization framework where solutions will be categorized by settings and criteria expected by 1.4.2027.

Deliverable 4:  Draft “best-buys” policy brief providing evidence-based recommendations for policymakers on the use of NbS to prevent disease and promote health, expected by [1.5.2027].

Deliverable 5: Finalize the brief following a WHO review expected by 1.7.2027.

Deliverable 6: Power Point presentation for dissemination among policymakers and stakeholders expected by 1.6.2027.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications: 

Essential: Advanced university degree in public health, environmental health or a related field

Experience

Essential:

•          At least 7 years of experience in the field of environment, climate change and health
•          Relevant experience with systematic reviews and syntheses
•          Relevant experience with environment and health policy

Desirable:

•          experience in nature and health  
•          experience in designing multi-sectoral policies

Skills/Knowledge:

•          Essential Strong skills in evidence review, critical appraisal and synthesis of scientific literature.
•          Knowledge of WHO and the European Environment and Health Process

Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Expert):

Essential:

Expert knowledge of spoken and written English

Location

Off site

Travel

The consultant is not expected to travel

Remuneration and budget:

Remuneration: USD 350–499 /day, depending on level of experience

Consultants pay band range: level B

Expected duration of contract:

40 working days over a six-month period, from [start date] to 1 July 2027.

Additional Information:

•          This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
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•          A written test may be used as a form of screening.
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