UNEP is Seeking a Biodiversity and Health Expert Consultant in Nairobi, Kenya – Apply By 14 May 2026

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced a new consultancy opportunity for experienced environmental and health professionals through the opening of a Biodiversity and Health Expert position based in Nairobi, Kenya. The consultancy forms part of UNEP’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the integration of biodiversity and health considerations into national and global environmental policy frameworks.

The 12-month consultancy offers qualified professionals an opportunity to contribute to international environmental governance, One Health approaches, and biodiversity planning under the United Nations system.

About the Opportunity

The Biodiversity and Health Expert will support UNEP’s Nature and Health Unit (NAHU) within the Biodiversity and Land Branch of the Ecosystems Division. The consultant will work closely with the Nature Frameworks Support Unit and international partners to strengthen countries’ capacities to integrate biodiversity-health interlinkages into National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).

The role aligns with the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, with a strong emphasis on advancing holistic One Health approaches.

UNEP indicated that the consultancy will help Global Environment Facility (GEF)-eligible countries incorporate biodiversity and health priorities into national planning processes and policy development.

About UNEP’s Nature and Health Unit

The Nature and Health Unit focuses on integrating environmental considerations into One Health approaches through global, regional, and national initiatives. The unit contributes to reducing health risks associated with ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss by promoting cross-sectoral collaboration among environmental, health, and development stakeholders.

NAHU works closely with:

• The Quadripartite Collaboration on One Health
• Nature4Health initiative
• Convention on Biological Diversity partners
• National governments and regional institutions

The unit also supports knowledge-sharing, policy coordination, and implementation of integrated biodiversity-health strategies.

Key Responsibilities

The Biodiversity and Health Expert will undertake several technical and analytical assignments during the consultancy period.

Key responsibilities include:

• Reviewing and analysing the integration of biodiversity and health considerations within submitted national biodiversity targets and NBSAPs
• Identifying lessons learned and best practices related to the uptake of the Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health
• Supporting the development and peer review of science-based indicators, methodologies, and metrics related to biodiversity-health integration
• Collaborating with UNEP, the CBD Secretariat, and Quadripartite partners on technical policy initiatives
• Strengthening national, regional, and global capacity-building efforts
• Facilitating workshops and expert dialogues focused on biodiversity-health interconnections
• Supporting dissemination of knowledge products and good practices
• Contributing to materials development and stakeholder engagement initiatives

The consultant will also support efforts to strengthen policy coherence across environment, health, agriculture, and biodiversity sectors.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must possess an advanced university degree, preferably at Master’s or PhD level, in one of the following fields:

• One Health
• Conservation Biology
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Governance
• Environment and Health
• Related disciplines connected to environmental dimensions of health

Professional Experience Requirements

UNEP requires candidates to demonstrate:

• At least seven years of experience working on integrated or multidisciplinary approaches at the intersection of biodiversity, environment, and health
• Experience developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks
• Experience facilitating workshops, webinars, and stakeholder consultations
• Strong background in stakeholder engagement and cross-sector collaboration
• Experience in project management and oversight of multi-agency programmes

Desirable Experience

Additional experience considered advantageous includes:

• Familiarity with National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs)
• Experience supporting technical and scientific cooperation
• Knowledge of capacity-building approaches
• Experience facilitating dialogue between environment, health, and agriculture sectors
• Familiarity with UN system operations, mandates, and procedures
• Experience working in developing country contexts
• Understanding of multi-sectoral approaches to complex environmental and health challenges

Language Requirements

Fluency in English is required for the consultancy.

Knowledge of another official United Nations language, particularly French, is considered an added advantage.

Why This Role Matters

The consultancy comes at a critical time as governments and international institutions increasingly recognise the close relationship between ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, and human health risks.

One Health approaches have become central to global efforts aimed at preventing future environmental and public health crises by promoting integrated collaboration between environmental, human, and animal health sectors.

Through this role, the selected consultant will contribute directly to strengthening international biodiversity governance and supporting countries in implementing sustainable and science-based environmental policies.

Contract Details

• Position: Biodiversity and Health Expert
• Organisation: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
• Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
• Contract Type: Consultant
• Duration: 12 Months
• Job Opening ID: 276389
• Application Deadline: 14 May 2026

Important Application Notice

The United Nations has reiterated that it does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including applications, interviews, processing, or training.

Applicants are advised to apply only through official United Nations recruitment platforms.

Career Impact and Global Relevance

This consultancy offers environmental and health professionals an opportunity to contribute to high-level international policy work while supporting countries in implementing integrated biodiversity and health frameworks.

The role is particularly suitable for experts interested in global environmental governance, One Health systems, biodiversity policy, and international sustainable development initiatives under the United Nations framework.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.