Purpose of the Consultancy
The consultancy will strengthen the regional work on climate, food and human health nexus. It specifically aims to provide technical support in undertaking a scoping study of food systems and climate change dynamics in the Asia-Pacific, developing a regional research agenda and recommendations for evidence-based policy interventions. The outcomes will advance the regional and national action towards building climate-resilient food systems, improving health and enhancing environmental sustainability in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
Background
Climate change, food systems and human health are closely interlinked and require integrated approach to protect health and well-being and sustainable development. Across the Asia-Pacific region, rapid urbanization, climate change and shifting dietary patterns are placing increasing pressure on food production and consumption. The region is home to more than 1.9 billion people and is highly vulnerable to climate-related disruptions, including extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and biodiversity loss. Food production accounts for nearly 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while land-use change and agricultural practices are driving deforestation and ecosystem degradation. The region also faces significant food insecurity. At the same time, unsustainable food systems contribute to the spread of zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the critical links between food security, health, and environmental sustainability within a One Health framework.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and WHO have emphasized the urgent need for integrated approaches to food, health, and environmental sustainability. Addressing the intersection of food systems, One Health, and climate change is essential for achieving global health and environmental goals.
The World Health Organization Asia-Pacific Centre on Climate, Environment, and Health (WHO ACE) is commissioning this consultancy to support regional efforts in understanding and responding to these intertwined challenges. This work is especially timely given the increasing recognition of food systems as a critical lever for achieving both climate resilience and health security. These efforts are aligned with global commitments such as the Paris Agreement, the UN Food Systems Summit follow-up actions, and the upcoming COP processes, ensuring that Asia-Pacific perspectives contribute meaningfully to international climate, food, and health discussions. The outcomes of the consultancy work will contribute to the realization of the regional priorities related to tackling climate change, scaling up One health approach and building healthy and resilient communities.
Deliverables
Provide expert support to the ACE management for shaping work priorities on climate-food and health nexus by undertaking the specific tasks: ย
Identify and engage with 3โ5 priority countries in the Western Pacific Region to scope demand, needs, and alignment opportunities for country-level programming.
Develop tailored program plans in collaboration with WPRO, selected country offices, integrating food systems, climate, and health priorities with an emphasis on equity and systems-based approaches.
Map and pursue strategic partnerships with UN agencies, development banks, philanthropic actors, and regional research institutions to support implementation.
Identify aligned funding mechanisms and co-develop concept notes or proposals with the ACE team for donor engagement.
Method(s) to carry out the activity
Summary report on 3โ5 priority countries for engagement, including scoping interviews and alignment analysis
Draft program plans for at least two countries, developed in collaboration with country offices
Partnership mapping report and draft strategy for key actors and opportunities
Draft concept notes or donor briefing materials for resource mobilization
Qualifications, experience, skills and languages
Education Qualification:
Essential: Advanced degree (masterโs level or equivalent) in environmental health, international health, public health, or a related field.ย
Experience:
Essential: Minimum 5 yearsโ experience in the intersectional research and policy development on climate change, environment, food systems and health at international level.ย
Desirable: Work experience with WHO on One Health governance and knowledge of key international frameworks and strategies.
Skills / Technical Skills and Knowledge:
Proven knowledge and expertise in undertaking the research and producing technical products;
Ability to develop and advocate policies and strategies using One Health approach;
Good knowledge and skills to introduce new ideas and strategic directions to improve Organizational results.
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Language:
Essential: Expert knowledge of English (reading, writing, and speaking)
Locationย
Off-site: Home-basedย
Travel
The Consultant is expected to travel to discuss technical details and progress of work with the ACE ย management and responsible staff and provide on-site support to the round table consultation.
Remuneration and budgetย
Remuneration: Payband level B, USD 350 to USD 450 (daily, 50% part-time) ย ย
Duration: 4 months, August to November 2025 (paid equivalent to 40 days)ย
Additional Information:
โข ย ย This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
โข ย ย Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
โข ย ย A written test may be used as a form of screening.
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