International Consultant- Nature-based solutions (NbS), One Health, and environmental health policy and evidence synthesis

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Qualifications

Purpose of consultancy  

To synthesize and critically assess the available evidence on how nature-based solutions can contribute to implementation of the One Health approach, and to develop an evidence-based policy paper with actionable recommendations for policymakers in the WHO European Region. 

Background 

Human, animal, and ecosystem health are increasingly shaped by shared environmental drivers such as climate change, biodiversity loss, land-use change, water degradation, and pollution. These drivers contribute to increased risk of zoonotic disease emergence, food safety, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), increasing the burden on health and health systems.

The One Health approach provides a unifying framework to address these interconnected challenges, yet policy implementation remains fragmented across health, environment, agriculture, and urban development sectors. NbS actions that protect, sustainably manage, or restore ecosystems while addressing societal challenges, are increasingly promoted in climate and environmental policy, but their role as preventive health interventions within One Health frameworks is not yet systematically articulated or operationalized.

Existing evidence on NbS demonstrates benefits for climate adaptation and biodiversity, but health outcomes are often treated as co-benefits rather than primary objectives. There is a critical need for a consolidated, policy-relevant evidence review that explicitly links NbS to human health, animal health, and ecosystem outcomes, and translates this evidence into actionable guidance for policymakers. This policy paper will address this gap by positioning NbS as a practical and cost-effective mechanism to operationalize One Health.

 The project is aligned with relevant commitments in the Budapest Declaration concerning environmental health, nature-based solutions and the One Health approach, as applicable.

The paper will be directly relevant to national governments and regional authorities seeking to operationalize One Health approaches, by supporting alignment with WHO One Health guidance and relevant global initiatives such as the Global One Health Joint Plan of Action, climate adaptation strategies, biodiversity frameworks, and bioeconomy and natural capital agendas, particularly within the WHO European Region.

Objectives

To produce an evidence-based policy paper, informed by a structured review of relevant scientific literature and policy documents, that assesses how NbS may contribute to implementation of the One Health approach and identifies actionable recommendations for policymakers.

•          Review and synthesize existing evidence on the impacts of nature-based solutions on human, animal, and ecosystem health.
•          Identify key pathways and mechanisms through which NbS address shared environmental drivers of One Health risks, including climate hazards, infectious diseases, and pollution.
•          Assess the strength, gaps, and limitations of the evidence base, with particular attention to the WHO European Region.
•          Translate scientific evidence into policy-relevant insights, including enabling conditions and governance requirements.
•          Develop clear, actionable policy recommendations for integrating NbS into One Health.

Deliverables

 Deliverable 1: Inception report and structured evidence review, to be submitted by [1.3.2027].

a.      Conduct a structured review of peer-reviewed literature  and policy reports on nature-based solutions applicable for implementation in One Health in the WHO European Region.

b.     Include evidence spanning environmental outcomes (e.g. biodiversity, ecosystem function, pollution, climate change), human health outcomes (e.g. heat stress, respiratory and mental health, waterborne disease), and animal health outcomes (e.g. disease dynamics, welfare).

 Deliverable 2: Analytical framework and evidence-mapping matrix, to be submitted by [1.5.2027].

a.      Organize findings using a One Health systems framework linking environmental drivers, NbS interventions, and health outcomes

b.     Map NbS to key risk domains such as climate and heat, water and sanitation, biodiversity loss, zoonotic disease emergence, food systems, and AMR

 Deliverable 3: Policy analysis report, to be submitted by [1.7.2027].

a.      Review existing One Health policies to assess alignment and gaps related to NbS.

b.     Identify barriers and enabling factors for policy uptake, including governance, financing, and cross-sectoral coordination.

 Deliverable 4: Complete draft policy paper, to be submitted by [15.8.2027].

The draft shall integrate the evidence review, analytical framework and policy analysis, and include key findings, limitations and uncertainties, and prioritized, evidence-based policy recommendations for integrating NbS into One Health implementation in the WHO European Region.

Deliverable 5: Final policy paper incorporating consolidated comments from WHO and designated reviewers, to be submitted by [1.10.2027].

Deliverable 6: Final Power Point presentation for dissemination among policymakers and relevant to be submitted by [31.8.2027].

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications: 

Essential: Advanced university degree in public health, environmental health, environmental sciences, ecology, One Health, or another field directly relevant to the consultancy.

Experience

Essential:

•          At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in environmental health, public health, climate and health, One Health, or a closely related field.
•          Demonstrated experience conducting structured evidence reviews, literature syntheses or equivalent evidence-assessment work.
•          Demonstrated experience in environmental health policy analysis, policy development or translating scientific evidence into policy recommendations.

Desirable:

•          Demonstrated experience in nature-based solutions, nature and health, One Health, or related interdisciplinary research and policy work.
•          Experience in developing or evaluating multisectoral policies, governance frameworks or cross-sectoral implementation approaches.

Skills/Knowledge:

 Essential:

•          Ability to critically appraise and synthesize scientific and policy evidence; identify evidence gaps, uncertainties and limitations; and translate findings into clear, evidence-based policy recommendations.
•          Knowledge of relevant international environmental health and One Health policy frameworks. Familiarity with WHO's work and the European Environment and Health Process is desirable.

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

Consultants pay band range: level- B

Expected duration of contract:

 35 working days, with the consultancy ending no later than 30 October 2027

 5 additional working days for a defined revision round, if required, by 30 October 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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