Background:
Climate change is linked to human health in a complex manner. There are direct impacts, such as diseases and conditions that may result in morbidity or mortality related to extreme temperatures, and other, more indirect health effects, such as diseases related to consumption of contaminated drinking water, foodborne or vector-borne diseases and zoonoses, or health conditions related to lack of food and water.
UNDP and the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning (MoEPP) are implementing the project “Third National Communication to UNFCCC”. The main aim of the project is to strengthen the information base, analytical and institutional capacity of the key national institutions to integrate climate change priorities into country development strategies and relevant sector programs by providing financial and technical support to prepare its Third National Communication (TNC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Objective:
The main objective of the assignment is to contribute to the section of the Third National Communication to the UNFCCC related to the health sector. The consultant shall work in close cooperation with the relevant national institutions. While carrying out the assignment, She/he will be supported by a national consultant
Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the consultant will be responsible for carrying out the following tasks:
-Carry out rapid assessment of the current status in the health sector in the country in terms of the existing strategies, planning documents, studies, project reports, statistical documents in relation to climate change;
-Carry out rapid assessment of the capacities of national institutions responsible for health protection and management in regards to climate variability and climate change adaptation/mitigation (in close cooperation with the national consultant);
-Provide recommendations for short, medium and long term capacity building activities for the relevant national institutions in the health sector;
-Identify specific gaps on institutional level and propose appropriate measures for improvement, while keeping a holistic, cross-sectoral, and national perspective in view;
-Review the system for collection and analyze of relevant statistical data which can be used of analyses of the impact of climate change in the health sector, and provide recommendation for its improvement if needed;
-Review available methodologies and tools for assessment of climate change on the health recommended by UNFCCC with an aim to identify the most suitable methodology/tools for the country;
-Participate at a workshop for relevant counterparts to endorse the methodology and tools for assessment of climate change on the human health in the country;
-Provide guidance and advice to the national consultant in the process of assessment of the impact of climate change on the health sector for the purpose of preparation of the Third National Communication on Climate Change, and perform a peer review of the assessment of the national consultant;
-Provide examples of best practices worldwide which can be applicable in the country related to vulnerability assessments and adaptation in the health sector in relation with climate change.
Travel:
One field mission (3-4 days) to Skopje is expected in the second month upon signing the contract.
Competencies:
-Strong communication skills as well as ability to interact with counterparts of various backgrounds
-Communication and public speaking skills
-Team player
-Capacity to deliver as per deadlines
Required Skills and Experience:
Education: Master degree in the thematic areas relevant to the assignment (e.g. medicine, hygiene, climate and society , environmental sciences, public health, epidemiology); Advanced degree is a strong asset;
Experience:
-Minimum 5 years of professional experience in the area relevant to public health and climate variability/climate change
-At least 3 (three) similar assignments in nature and scope (research and/or studies taking into consideration climate variability / change impact on the health sector )
-Previous experience related to participation in national communications on climate change shall be considered an asset;
Expected Duration of Assignment:
Estimated max. 40 consultants’ days in the period of up to 6 Months (November 2012-May 2013)
Deadline: 26 November 2012
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