Nature for Health Systems Approach Facilitator and Project Development Specialist
About Us
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority setting the international environmental agenda. UNEP promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the UN system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.
Our Ecosystems Division works with global partners to scale up ecosystem-based solutions. This critical consultancy sits within the Biodiversity and Land Branch, leading the scoping phase of the Nature for Health (N4H) Multi-Partner Trust Fund in Kenya. N4H is a groundbreaking global initiative that aims to reduce zoonotic disease spillover risks, build preventative "One Health" structures, and enhance planetary health by focusing on the environmental determinants of health.
Learn more about our team and mission on the NGO Jobspot homepage.
Key Responsibilities
As the Systems Approach Facilitator and Project Development Specialist, you will lead the systemic inquiry of the N4H scoping phase to co-create a sustainable, locally relevant Implementation Project Document (IPD) for Kenya. Your primary objectives will include:
1. Systemic Stakeholder Engagement & Alignment
- Facilitate bilateral and focus group consultations with One Health stakeholders in Kenya to build consensus and shared ownership of N4H’s upstream prevention objectives.
- Incorporate systemic thinking methodologies to map the complex interrelationships between human, animal, and ecological health sectors.
- Support local partners in strengthening their systemic practices and integrating environmental dimensions into existing One Health frameworks.
2. Co-Design and Workshop Facilitation
- Design, organize, and facilitate at least three interactive co-creation workshops using specialized systems thinking tools (e.g., rich picturing, influence diagrams).
- Create safe, collaborative spaces that navigate diverse organizational dynamics, power structures, and sector boundaries.
- Draft comprehensive workshop reports and synthesize stakeholder feedback to drive project formulation.
3. Project Development & Technical Writing
- Draft and refine the comprehensive N4H Implementation Project Document (IPD) containing detailed action plans, operational budgets, and logical frameworks.
- Incorporate systems thinking principles across the implementation plan, establishing clear terms of reference (ToRs) for partners.
- Ensure alignment with the four pillars of the N4H Theory of Change: Assess, Build, Enable, and Sustain.
Requirements & Qualifications
To succeed in this role, applicants must meet the following educational and professional criteria:
Education
- An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or higher) in social, ecological, behavioral, or management sciences is required.
- A first-level university degree (Bachelor's) combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
- Professional qualifications in coaching, system dynamics, systems thinking, or professional workshop facilitation are highly desirable.
Experience & Skills
- A minimum of seven (7) years of post-graduate, progressive professional experience in knowledge management, organizational learning, and partnership facilitation in diverse multi-stakeholder environments.
- Proven track record of utilizing systems thinking tools (such as rich picturing and influence diagrams) in multi-stakeholder settings.
- Demonstrated expertise in project design, programmatic management, and writing successful sustainable development project documents (IPDs).
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and diplomatic skills.
- Prior professional experience facilitating high-level workshops in Africa is highly desirable.
Languages
- Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Working knowledge of another official UN language is considered an advantage.
Salary & Benefits
- Contract Type: Individual Consultancy (Part-time, 9-month duration).
- Remuneration: Competitive, commensurate with experience and academic qualifications, aligned with UN standard rates.
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya.
- UN Recruitment Integrity: Please note that the United Nations does *not* charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing, or training).
How to Apply
Qualified candidates are invited to submit their application, including a updated CV and cover letter outlining their experience in systems thinking and workshop facilitation, through the official UN Careers portal or via the application link below.
Ensure your application clearly demonstrates how your professional background matches the core requirements of systems-led stakeholder facilitation.
Quick Job FAQ
What is the role of a Systems Approach Facilitator at UNEP?
The facilitator leads the scoping phase of the Nature for Health initiative in Kenya, using systems thinking to align stakeholders and co-design a sustainable, multi-sectoral One Health implementation project. (31 words)
What qualifications are needed for the N4H Specialist vacancy in Nairobi?
Applicants need an advanced degree in social, ecological, or management sciences, plus at least seven years of experience in stakeholder facilitation, knowledge management, and systems thinking tools. (29 words)
What is the contract duration for this UNEP consultancy?
This is a part-time consultancy contract spanning nine months, focused on completing the initial scoping stage and delivering the final Implementation Project Document. (24 words)
Does the United Nations charge any fees for applications?
No. The United Nations never charges any application, processing, or training fees at any stage of the recruitment and hiring process. (21 words)