Air Quality and Health Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Description of task

The Government of Viet Nam issued a national action plan on controlling air quality in 2016, and a Directive No 03 dated 18/01/2021 to strengthen air quality control, in which the Ministry of Health was assigned to propose measures to mitigate health effects from air pollution.

The Ministry of Health of Viet Nam requested WHO to provide technical supports in (1) development of a set of advisories on health preventive measures of air pollution for communities and dissemination of advisories to protect human health in mass media channels (2) strengthening advocacy to the government on health impacts from air pollution and (3) technical supports in improving national policies and strategies, implementing national action plans in combating air pollution to protect public health. The UN Volunteer (Air Pollution specialist) will work closely with Technical Officer in Environmental Health under supervision of the UHC-HLE Team Co-ordinator.

Under the direct supervision of the UHC-HLE Team Coordinator, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Task 1: Providing technical support to the development of a set of advisories on health preventive measures of air pollution for communities and dissemination of advisories to protect human health in mass media channels

• Reviewing related documents and drawing lessons learnt/international experience from Asian countries and other countries in the world on guidelines for health prevention, warning delivery systems and practice, including the process from setting up a database of air pollution and health impacts to warning delivery system. Assisting national consultants in conducting assessment of the international experience and adapting to the context of Viet Nam
• Collecting (1) available information/data on air quality and air pollution in Viet Nam from MONRE, (2) air-pollution related health problems from MOH for developing air quality and health database and an appropriate advisories delivery system.
• Providing technical supports and following up the process of (i) Developing a set of advisories on health preventive measures of air pollution for communities; (ii) Consulting relevant departments, universities, specialized hospitals and experts from MOH and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) for improving the set of advisories and the delivery system through consultation meetings/workshops; (iii) Piloting the advisories delivery system on mass media; (iv) Finalizing the set of advisories on health preventive measures of air pollution for communities and the advisories delivery system and (v) Submission to MoH for approval of the set of advisories on health preventive measures of air pollution for communities.

Task 2: Strengthening advocacy to the government on health impacts from air pollution

• Using international experience to recommend measures for improvement of the national approach and methodology of evidence collection, research process for health impacts.
• Joining a Technical Working Group on air pollution, stakeholders’ consultation workshops to share international experience and practice in advocacy on health impacts from air pollution and recommendations for improvement of advocacy on health impacts from air pollution

Task 3: Providing technical supports in improving national policies and strategies, implementing national action plans in combating air pollution to protect public health

• Reviewing national policies, strategies, action plans and intervention solutions to identify gaps for improvement based on international experience
• Proposing changes in implementation of the national action plan

Task 4: Performing other duties as requested/required by the WHO Vietnam office and UHC-HLE team

Educational additional comments

Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Occupational Health and Safety, Medical Science, Public Health, Epidemiology, Social Science, Journalism and Communication or Public Policy for health. An advanced university degree would be desirable.

Language skills

• English(Mandatory), Level - Fluent

Area of expertise details

• At least 2 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in environmental or occupational health, environmental management, medicine, public health, communication, or research projects or programmes related to air quality monitoring, air pollution control, health impacts, respiratory diseases, community health or public awareness on environmental health issues; experience working in the WHO or other UN/international development organization would be a valuable asset;

• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;

• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain; (if not applicable, delete)

• Sound security awareness;

• Have affinity with or interest in the mission of promoting the UN Sustainable Development Goals especially the goal on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through stronger regulatory systems, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Competencies values

Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment and Motivation, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Working in Teams

Application procedure

This assignment is funded by the Government of Norway, therefore only Norwegian nationals are eligible to apply. Please apply via the link below. You can then either log in if you already have an account or register via ‘Candidate Signup’. You may apply to a maximum of three assignments per advertisement and indicate your order of preference in the ‘Additional Remarks’ section of your profile. Application deadline: 28 September 2021. Selection process: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The selection will be done by the UN Host Entity at the level of the country of assignment. Interviews will be conducted by the UN Host Entity between 4 and 15 October. COVID-19: In case of travel restrictions, assignments may start remotely or start dates may be postponed