Regional One Health Focal Point

Contract

This is a UNV National Expert contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Expert contracts.

This UNV assignment is intended to support the UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office in strengthening its capacity and expertise to engage in One Health processes and to support the implementation of One Health activities at the regional and global levels. In March 2022, UNEP formally joined the Quadripartite One Health Alliance, formerly known as the Tripartite Collaboration for One Health, alongside the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). UNEP specifically aims to strengthen the environmental dimensions of human, animal and plant health, and contribute to the joint objectives of the expanded One Health Alliance, including through the development of the implementation framework for the One Health Joint Plan of Action and the Quadripartite Strategic Framework for Collaboration on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which were developed by the four partner organizations and theme-specific action plans and initiatives such as the Nature for Health initiative and the Global Action Plan on AMR.

Within the delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Regional Subprogramme Coordinator for Nature Action in the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, in collaboration with the Regional Subprogramme Coordinator for Chemicals and Pollution Action, and in close coordination with the One Health Team at UNEP headquarters, the UNV One Health Focal Point will undertake the following duties:

• Support the stocktaking of existing initiatives and emerging opportunities on One Health-related initiatives in the region. • Support the development of an internal strategy for UNEP’s engagement on One Health-related initiatives in the region and globally. • Participate and assist in the coordination of Quadripartite activities in the region as well as other One Health activities UNEP is involved in with other members of the Quadripartite and beyond, including by contributing to the implementation of the Nature for Health and AMR MPTF projects, join regular follow-up meetings with the AMR Quadripartite+ in LAC, supporting member States in the development of strategies, policies and targeted measures, and to keep the Regional Office and the One Health Team abreast of developments. • Contribute to the organization of capacity building and awareness raising activities on the One Health agenda, including AMR. • Contribute to One Health agenda setting and propose, advise on and review approaches and specific studies relevant to the development of a global approach to reduce environmental aspects of health risk, including risk of zoonotic pandemics, ecosystems health, pollution and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). • Contribute to the preparation of various written outputs for UNEP and the Quadripartite, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, and regional assessments, strategic documents, guidelines and policy recommendations etc. • Work with donors and key partners to support the development, resource mobilization, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects related to One Health, including by contributing to the preparation of funding proposals and project concept notes. • Provide technical support to member states in Latin America and the Caribbean on strengthening the implementation of the One Health approach. • Contribute to create the UNEP integrated narrative of One Health and Sustainable Food Systems in Latin America and the Caribbean and represent LAC as requested in related working groups and task forces. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to One Health, Eco Health, Planetary Health and other integrated approaches to health, particularly from the environmental angle, but complemented by a good understanding of the animal and public health aspects. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and United Nations Environment Programme in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues. • Planning and organizing: develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance, and commitment towards United Nations Environment Programme mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

project or programme management is required in at least two of the following fields: One Health, Ecosystem Health, Environmental Health, Health Systems, antimicrobial Health, social Economic and Behavioral Infectious diseases and Zoonoses, Public Health, Animal Health, social Economic and Behavioral Sciences related to One Health. The experience in the rest fields being desirable. • Verified experience with the preparation of written outputs in at least two of the following: draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, strategic documents, guidelines and policy recommendations. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. • Ability to facilitate workshops is desirable. • 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. • Sound security awareness.

Panama City is classified 'A' Duty Station (Family) and has good infrastructure (health, housing, banking, transportation, telecommunications and recreational facilities) and good supply of goods and services, with no particular health hazards.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.