OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY
To contribute to WHO’s custodial role in air pollution-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)’s indicators, i.e. 3.9.1 mortality from air pollution and – SDG 11.6.2 air quality in urban areas. The assigned duties include data analyses, monitoring and reporting activities, as well as interacting with WHO expert groups on air pollution and health to develop evidence-based tools and guidance to support countries tackling the health effects of air pollution.
BACKGROUND
The objective of the World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality and Health (AQH) unit in the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health is to promote health sector interventions, as well as interventions in economic sectors (e.g. housing, transport, energy) that reduce environmental health risks, promote better health, and optimize the health co-benefits of sustainable development and climate change mitigation policies.
AQH activities aim to address the urgent need for the health sector to respond to the effects on health associated with air pollution. One of the key activities is to inform policymakers and the broad public on the extent of population exposure to and health impacts from poor air quality. Accordingly, WHO is custodial agency of three air pollution-related SDG Indicators and is hosting several databases related to ambient and household air pollution.
WHO has established the Global Air Pollution and Health – Technical Advisory Group (GAPH-TAG) to work on the further development of activities related to health impacts assessments, desert dust and evidence-based interventions for air pollution, in which the SDG reporting is embedded.
DELIVERABLES
• Deliverable 1: Update and maintain the WHO databases on air quality.
• Deliverable 2: Derive or prepare datasets for SDG 3.9.1 and 11.6.2.
• Deliverable 3: Prepare and format the estimates for SDG 3.9.1 and 11.6.1 for inclusion in the Global Health Observatory, UN Statistical reporting, as well as UN statistical commission reporting.
• Deliverable 4: Facilitate technical responses on SDGs 3.9.1 and 11.6.2 and input data related queries.
• Deliverable 5: Participate and contribute to the organization of the GAPH-TAG meetings related to health impact assessment, desert dust and intervention and policies.
• Deliverable 6: Liaise with experts for the review and updates of methods for SDG 3.9.1 and 11.6.2.
• Deliverable 7: Participate and contribute to the organization of the GAPH-TAG meetings related to health impact assessment, desert dust and intervention and policies.
• Deliverable 8: Contribute to the development of tools to identify cost-effective interventions to address the health impact of air pollution.
• Deliverable 9: Contribute to the development of a toolkit to address the health impact of ambient air pollution in line of what was done with household air pollution with the Clean Household Energy Solution Toolkit.
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND LANGUAGES
Education
Essential: Minimum first university degree in epidemiology, public health, chemistry or atmospheric science, environmental or health science, or another relevant quantitative field.
Desirable: Postgraduate degree – or training in environmental health or epidemiology of air pollution
Experience
Essential:
• At least 7 years of practical work experience in air pollution, exposure assessment, health impact assessment, data management and quantitative analyses of large datasets and data cleaning.
• Experience in data visualization.
Desirable:
Experience working in a multicultural environment
Skills and knowledge
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including programming, Proficiency in Tableau, STATA or R; Shiny R and/or GIS.
• Excellent knowledge of air pollution data, or environmental statistics, as well as other health-related SDG indicators, and a good understanding of data quality and limitations.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Scientific technical writing as well as synthesis documents.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with partners within and across organizations.
• Organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a proactive way.
• Familiar with the WHO working environment.
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.
REMUNERATION
Band level B-USD 7,000 – USD 9,980 per month.
Primary Location: Off-site – Home based.
Travel: The consultant is expected to travel.
Expected duration of the contract: 6 months.
SUBMITTING YOUR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Kindly apply through WHO Stellis system searching for the following position:
Consultant – Air pollution and health statistics – (2305324)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level
- Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
- A written test may be used as a form of screening.
- In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
- According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.
- Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.
- Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.
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Deadline: June 27, 2023
