Nature for Health Systems Approach Facilitator at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

• The operational work in each country will be structured in two stages.
• The scoping stage is designed as a systemic inquiry and will conclude when a co-developed Implementation Project Document is produced that details the activity plan and budget. The scoping stage is a limited exercise estimated to last approximately 3 to 6 months and to be completed in 2024.
• The implementation stage is expected to last 2 to 3 years and be based on country interests and
• priorities, as agreed in the scoping stage, which support the N4H overall outcome areas:
• Assess: enhancing evidence on links between biodiversity, climate change, and health for better decision-making
• Build: supporting governments to develop effective policies, structures and frameworks for preventative One Health
• Enable: building capacity, knowledge management, and advocacy to implement such policies and frameworks
• Sustain: establishing sustainable partnerships and governance
• This assignment is intended to support UNEP’s Biodiversity and Land Branch in their role as Partners of the Nature for Health initiative during its scoping phase.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop a systemic and participatory approach that will be applied in the Implementation Phase of this Nature for Health project to generate a common understanding of One Health among the stakeholders in Zambia
• Design and facilitate relevant workshops to enhance One Health partnership in Zambia
• Understanding And Knowledge

Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Biodiversity, People and Landscapes Unit, with direct oversight by the Programme Manager within the Unit, the consultant will:

• Develop a shared understanding and knowledge among stakeholders of the scope of One Health arena in Zambia, Nature for Health (N4H) and its objectives, through a review of core materials and discussions with UNEP Partners and other relevant stakeholders as necessary
• Develop a deep understanding of the N4H system thinking methodology
• Help One health stakeholders to support and strengthen their existing systemic practice
• Design and facilitate workshops:
• Co-support the process of designing the scoping stage:
• Based on the N4H scoping guide, co-design and facilitate 4 workshops with Zambian stakeholders and other experts as necessary to assess the situation pertaining to One Health and the interrelationships between sectors and stakeholders and to co-design the Implementation Phase
• Manage dynamics in the workshops
• Co-develop agendas and list of stakeholders to be shared with the core team prior to each workshop
• Define scope (extent, boundaries) of the process (as per N4H Scoping guide)
• Support critical reflection on boundaries and power as well as ideation of creative solutions
• Create a safe space for discussions
• Apply the practical tools (in the N4H Scoping Guide) in workshops with local stakeholders

After the workshops, gather feedback from the stakeholders and revise materials (i.e. minutes, reports, etc) as needed

• Facilitate One Health partnership in Zambia
• Facilitate and guide the process of collaboratively building the N4H partnership in Zambia
• Facilitate OH stakeholders side meetings to consensually embrace a system thinking approach
• Provide support to stakeholders on the systems process
• Co-develop space for learning and reflection throughout the scoping process
• Co-create with stakeholders a common set of objectives to which stakeholders adhere and contribute
• Results of workshop in the Implementation Project Document
• Contribute to the elaboration of the Implementation Project Document under the lead of the project manager
• Ensure the system thinking approach is included across the design of the intervention/ document

Qualifications/special Skills

• A minimum of 7 years of postgraduate work experience in knowledge management and organizational learning to facilitate partnership building in diverse multi-stakeholder environments is required. Experience facilitating high level working groups of diverse stakeholders is required. Experience in partnership building processes and change/process management is required; Experience in sustainable development work is required.
• Partnership building processes; change/process management; sustainable development is required.
• An advanced university degree (MSc level or higher) in the social, behavioural or management sciences is required. A first level degree with additional two years of qualifying experience maybe accepted in lieu of advanced degree.

Specific Skills

• System thinking approach
• Ability to use system thinking tools and approaches in multi stakeholders environment
• Change management and facilitation
• Multi-sectoral partnership engagement and collaboration
• Process management and programming for sustainable development
• Communication and presentation skills
• Familiarity with rich picturing, influence diagrams, critical systems heuristics and others systems tools is desirable

Languages

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Working knowledge of another UN language is an advantage. Knowledge of one or two Zambian languages is desirable.

Additional Information

Competencies

• Professionalism: 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
• 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
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Collaboration and teamwork: 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.