Policy Specialist, Air Pollution and Health (Home-Based)
The Policy Specialist, Air Pollution and Health role at UNDP is a specialized position focused on integrating air quality and super pollutants (like black carbon and methane) into national climate action plans, particularly Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. The job is home-based but linked to UNDP Headquarters in New York, under the HIV and Health Group (HHG) in the Bureau for Policy and Program Support (BPPS).
Key Aspects of the Role:https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/23616
- Technical Leadership & Capacity-Building
- Provide technical expertise to at least eight target countries to help integrate air quality and health considerations into climate action plans.
- Offer guidance on reducing super pollutants that impact both climate change and public health.
- Lead peer-to-peer learning for UNDP country offices and regional teams to strengthen their skills in this area.
- Engagement with National Stakeholders
- Work with government agencies (health, environment, energy, finance, etc.), civil society, and academia to develop policies that align air quality improvements with climate action.
- Ensure air pollution and super pollutants are included in national climate strategies, laws, and reforms.
- Track country-specific timelines for NDC submissions and related climate policies.
- Knowledge Management & Communications
- Prepare an analytical report summarizing lessons learned, political challenges, and best practices in integrating air pollution into climate strategies.
- Develop public communication materials and host webinars for government officials, NGOs, and researchers on the health impacts of air pollution and super pollutants.
- Share best practices for integrating air pollution policies into NDCs.
- Coordination & Collaboration
- Act as the health focal point for UNDP’s Climate Hub, Energy Hub, and Chemicals Hub, ensuring that health issues are included in broader climate action efforts.
- Maintain strong relationships with international organizations like the WHO, Global Methane Hub, Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), and NDC Partnership to coordinate support for countries.
- Requirements:@vacancyspaces.com
- Education:
- Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Public Health, Sustainable Development, or related fields (or a Bachelor’s with additional experience).
- Experience:
- 7+ years (with a Master’s) or 9+ years (with a Bachelor’s) in air pollution and health at the global or regional level.
- Strong technical knowledge on air pollution and experience in engaging with governments, the UN, and civil society groups.
- Experience with super pollutants, Paris Agreement implementation, and regional/global health policies is highly desirable.
- Skills:
- Expertise in policy development, partnership management, and capacity-building in the context of air pollution and health.
- Strong ability to communicate with government officials, researchers, and international organizations.
Why This Job Matters:
- Air pollution is a major health issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where vulnerable populations (women, children, elderly, etc.) suffer the most.
- This role helps bridge the gap between climate change and public health policies by ensuring that air quality management is integrated into national climate commitments (NDCs).
- The job contributes to global climate and health policy, influencing UNDP’s broader work in tackling climate change, environmental justice, and sustainable development.
Certainly! Below is a detailed and comprehensive explanation of the Policy Specialist, Air Pollution and Health position at UNDP. This breakdown will cover all aspects of the job, including responsibilities, impact, required qualifications, key skills, global relevance, and the broader context in which this role fits.
Policy Specialist, Air Pollution and Health – A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to UNDP and the Role’s Importance
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is one of the leading international organizations dedicated to sustainable development, focusing on poverty reduction, governance, environmental protection, and economic growth. Within this framework, the Policy Specialist, Air Pollution and Health plays a crucial role in bridging public health and environmental governance by addressing air pollution through climate action strategies.
Air pollution is a major environmental and public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where it contributes significantly to premature mortality, disease, and disability. Pollutants such as black carbon, methane, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and tropospheric ozone are not only harmful to human health but also contribute to climate change. Despite their importance, air quality management and climate policies are often siloed, leaving critical pollutants unregulated or inadequately addressed.
This position is part of a new UNDP initiative funded by the Clean Air Fund, aiming to integrate air quality and super pollutants into the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of at least eight target countries by 2025. This effort aligns with the broader UNDP Climate Promise, which supports over 140 countries in meeting the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
By ensuring that air quality considerations and super pollutants are embedded in climate policies, this role contributes to:
- Healthier populations through reduced exposure to harmful air pollutants.
- Stronger climate commitments by integrating air quality into NDCs.
- More resilient healthcare systems capable of addressing climate-related health impacts.
Core Responsibilities of the Role
1. Technical Expertise & Capacity-Building
A major part of this role is to provide technical guidance and training to UNDP teams and national stakeholders. Specific tasks include:
- Offering technical support to at least eight countries, helping them integrate air quality and super pollutant considerations into their NDCs.
- Leading capacity-building efforts for UNDP’s country offices, regional teams, and government counterparts, ensuring they understand how to integrate air quality into climate policies.
- Coordinating partnerships with organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), Global Methane Hub, and NDC Partnership to provide additional resources and technical assistance to governments.
- Developing and disseminating best practices and technical guidance for governments on air pollution governance and policy implementation.
2. National Stakeholder Engagement & Policy Development
To successfully integrate air quality and health into NDCs, collaboration with national ministries, civil society organizations, academia, and technical experts is essential. Responsibilities include:
- Engaging with government stakeholders across multiple sectors (health, environment, energy, finance, transport, and urban planning) to align air quality improvements with climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
- Supporting national governments in identifying policy and regulatory gaps that prevent effective air pollution control and working to integrate air quality into legal frameworks.
- Identifying key non-government stakeholders (civil society organizations, research institutions, and advocacy groups) that can support the inclusion of air pollution measures in national climate strategies.
- Tracking key national climate policies and deadlines, such as:
- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submission timelines.
- National adaptation plans.
- Long-term low-emission development strategies.
- Biennial transparency reports.
3. Knowledge Management & Communications
Effective communication and knowledge-sharing are critical for scaling successful air quality integration across countries. Tasks include:
- Producing analytical reports that document:
- Lessons learned from air quality and NDC integration efforts in target countries.
- Political challenges and barriers to air pollution regulation.
- Knowledge gaps and opportunities for improving air quality governance.
- Leading public-facing communication efforts, including:
- Webinars and workshops for government officials, civil society, and technical experts on the health and climate impacts of super pollutants.
- Development of policy briefs, reports, and presentations for policymakers and the public.
- Designing communications strategies tailored for non-health policymakers, ensuring they understand the importance of air quality in climate policy.
4. Coordination with UNDP Teams & Global Partners
Since UNDP’s climate programs operate across multiple regional and global teams, strong coordination is required to ensure air pollution and health are properly prioritized. Responsibilities include:
- Representing air pollution and health concerns in UNDP’s Climate Hub, Energy Hub, and Chemicals Hub, ensuring cross-sector collaboration.
- Keeping UNDP’s global HIV and Health team updated on air pollution-related initiatives and identifying opportunities for further engagement.
- Strengthening partnerships with international organizations, research institutions, and regional bodies to advance the integration of air quality into climate strategies.
Qualifications & Experience Required
1. Educational Background
- A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Public Health, Sustainable Development, or related fields is required.
- A Bachelor’s degree in these fields, combined with at least 9 years of relevant experience, will also be considered.
2. Work Experience
- Minimum of 7 years (with a Master’s) or 9 years (with a Bachelor’s) of experience in air pollution, public health, environmental governance, or a related field.
- Demonstrated ability to work with government agencies, UN bodies, civil society groups, and technical experts in addressing air pollution and health policies.
- Experience working with super pollutants (black carbon, methane, HFCs, etc.) is a strong asset.
- Prior involvement in supporting governments with NDC development and Paris Agreement implementation is highly desirable.
- Experience working in multiple world regions is a plus.
3. Language Skills
- Fluency in English is required.
- Knowledge of other UN languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, etc.) is an advantage.
Why This Role is Critical for Global Climate & Health Policies
This position is pivotal in addressing the intersection of air pollution, climate change, and public health. The role supports low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in recognizing that addressing air pollution not only improves health outcomes but also contributes to climate change mitigation and adaptation goals.
The broader significance of this role includes:
- Reducing health burdens caused by air pollution, which is responsible for 7 million premature deaths annually.
- Accelerating climate action by helping countries regulate black carbon, methane, and other super pollutants that have short-lived but intense warming effects.
- Strengthening environmental governance by ensuring air pollution control is embedded within national and international climate policies.
- Fostering cross-sector collaboration, breaking down policy silos between health, environment, energy, and finance ministries.
Conclusion
The Policy Specialist, Air Pollution and Health position at UNDP is an exciting opportunity for professionals passionate about environmental governance, climate action, and public health. By supporting governments in integrating air pollution into climate policies, the role directly contributes to both healthier populations and a more sustainable planet.
Certainly! Below is a detailed, in-depth exploration of the Policy Specialist, Air Pollution and Health role at UNDP. This version expands further on the global context, responsibilities, qualifications, and long-term impact of the position.
Policy Specialist, Air Pollution and Health – A Comprehensive Exploration
Introduction to UNDP and Its Global Mission
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is one of the most influential international organizations working on sustainable development, climate action, environmental protection, and poverty eradication. With operations in over 170 countries and territories, UNDP helps governments develop policies, strengthen institutions, and build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Role of Air Pollution in Global Health and Climate Change
Air pollution is one of the most pressing environmental and public health issues of our time. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution causes over 7 million premature deaths per year and is a leading cause of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular illnesses, and even neurological conditions.
Additionally, air pollution contributes to climate change by releasing short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), including:
- Black carbon – A major component of soot, which accelerates global warming and negatively impacts respiratory health.
- Methane (CH₄) – A greenhouse gas that is 86 times more potent than CO₂ over a 20-year period and is a precursor to ground-level ozone, which damages human health and crops.
- Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – Used in refrigeration and air conditioning, these potent climate pollutants trap thousands of times more heat than carbon dioxide.
- Tropospheric ozone – A pollutant that not only worsens asthma and lung diseases but also harms agricultural productivity.
Despite these alarming effects, air pollution and climate change policies are often treated separately, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. Many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) struggle with integrating air pollution into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
The Policy Specialist, Air Pollution and Health plays a vital role in bridging this gap, ensuring that air quality considerations and super pollutants are effectively incorporated into national climate action plans.
Key Responsibilities of the Role
1. Providing Technical Expertise and Capacity Building
One of the primary responsibilities of this role is to equip national and regional teams with the knowledge and technical skills necessary to integrate air quality and health considerations into climate policies. This includes:
- Providing technical support to at least eight target countries, helping them design policies that address both air pollution and climate change.
- Leading training sessions and workshops for UNDP country offices, government stakeholders, and civil society organizations.
- Developing policy guidelines and toolkits to help governments assess the health and economic benefits of reducing air pollution.
- Advising on best practices for monitoring air quality and reducing emissions from key sectors such as transportation, industry, agriculture, and energy production.
2. Policy Development and Stakeholder Engagement
Collaboration with government agencies and stakeholders is crucial to implementing effective air quality strategies. Key tasks include:
- Working with national governments to integrate air quality targets into NDCs, national adaptation plans (NAPs), and long-term climate strategies.
- Identifying regulatory and policy gaps that hinder air pollution control efforts and recommending institutional reforms.
- Engaging with multiple sectors (e.g., health, energy, transport, and finance ministries) to ensure an integrated approach to air pollution and climate governance.
- Coordinating with non-government stakeholders, including:
- Civil society organizations advocating for clean air policies.
- Academia and research institutions providing scientific insights on air pollution’s health impacts.
- Technical experts who can assist governments with air quality monitoring and modeling.
3. Knowledge Management and Research
To support evidence-based policymaking, the Policy Specialist must develop and disseminate knowledge on the intersection of air pollution and climate change. Responsibilities include:
- Conducting research studies on the economic, social, and environmental benefits of reducing air pollution.
- Producing analytical reports that document successful case studies from different countries.
- Developing policy briefs and technical papers to inform UNDP leadership and government partners.
- Organizing global forums, roundtable discussions, and expert panels on air quality governance.
4. Communications and Advocacy
A key aspect of this role is ensuring that air pollution and health considerations receive the necessary attention in climate debates. This includes:
- Developing public outreach materials, including reports, fact sheets, and social media content.
- Designing communication strategies tailored for policymakers, journalists, and the general public.
- Speaking at international conferences, high-level summits, and expert meetings to advocate for stronger air quality governance.
- Engaging with media outlets to highlight the importance of integrating air pollution control into national climate strategies.
5. Collaboration with Global Partners and UN Agencies
Given the complexity of air pollution governance, multi-sectoral collaboration is necessary. The Policy Specialist will:
- Work closely with WHO, Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), Global Methane Hub, and NDC Partnership.
- Coordinate with other UNDP teams (e.g., Energy Hub, Climate Hub, and Chemicals Hub) to ensure alignment of air quality policies.
- Strengthen North-South and South-South cooperation, ensuring that developing countries have access to best practices, financial resources, and technological solutions.
Required Qualifications and Competencies
Education:
- Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Public Health, Climate Policy, Sustainable Development, or related fields.
- A Bachelor’s degree in these fields with at least 9 years of experience may be considered.
Work Experience:
- Minimum of 7 years (with a Master’s) or 9 years (with a Bachelor’s) of relevant experience in air pollution, public health, environmental governance, or climate policy.
- Experience working with government agencies, UN bodies, or civil society organizations on environmental policy.
- Familiarity with super pollutants (black carbon, methane, HFCs, etc.) and their role in climate change.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement capacity-building programs for policymakers.
- Prior experience supporting countries with NDC development and Paris Agreement implementation is highly desirable.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong policy analysis and technical writing skills.
- Ability to engage with high-level policymakers and government officials.
- Excellent communication and advocacy abilities.
- Proven ability to work across multiple sectors and disciplines.
- Fluency in English is required; proficiency in French, Spanish, or Arabic is an advantage.
The Broader Impact of This Role
This position contributes directly to:
✅ Healthier Populations – By reducing exposure to air pollutants, preventing millions of premature deaths and illnesses.
✅ Stronger Climate Commitments – Supporting countries in meeting their NDC targets and strengthening their climate governance.
✅ More Sustainable Cities – Encouraging cleaner transport systems, industrial practices, and urban development.
✅ Resilient Healthcare Systems – Ensuring that health ministries integrate air pollution risks into national health plans.
✅ Improved International Cooperation – Fostering global partnerships to accelerate air quality improvements worldwide.
Conclusion
The Policy Specialist, Air Pollution and Health role at UNDP is an exciting, impactful, and globally significant opportunity for professionals passionate about environmental policy, climate change, and public health. By integrating air pollution into national and international climate strategies, this position plays a crucial role in shaping a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable world.
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