Purpose of the Consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to enhance the impact of the WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health in the Western Pacific Region (ACE) by providing expert guidance and support to ACE and the senior management of the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO), focusing on the new ACE Strategic Plan and Road Map. The consultancy work will contribute to the implementation of the WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work of WHO (GPW14), Regional New Vision priorities and the Sustainable Development Agenda health and environment related targets.

Background

Accelerating action on environment, climate change, and health is an area of major focus area within the Regional Vision: Weaving Health for Families, Communities and Societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025−2029) endorsed at the 75th session of the Regional Committee Meeting of the WHO Western Pacific.

 ACE is well positioned to provide key contributions in operationalising the Vision, in particular accelerating actions in achieving universal health care, building climate resilient and environmentally sustainable health systems and facilities, strengthening surveillance on climate and health, promoting resilient communities and scaling up healthy settings.

 Established in 2019 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between WHO and the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea (MOE) and the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG), ACE aims to strengthen the scientific evidence for policymaking, assist Member States in policy development and implementation, and support technical capacities and programs with partners. The mid-Term Evaluation of ACE reviewed ACE's progress, lessons learned and challenges, and provided strategic recommendations. Following this, ACE convened the Strategic Planning Meeting (13-14 August 2024) which laid the foundation for its future strategic directions, strategic focus areas and an expanded mandate on global and regional mechanisms related to climate, environment and health (CEH).

This short-term consultancy will support the implementation of the strategy intended to enhance ACE's operational efficiency and impact, resource mobilization, and transformative leadership in addressing climate, environment and health (CEH) challenges across the Western Pacific Region.

Deliverables

The objectives and tasks of the consultancy work are the following:

Output 1: Support the implementation of the Strategy

Deliverable 1.1: Support ACE Director and technical officer in the implementation of the ACE 5-year strategy including priority actions and resourcing needs.
Deliverable 1.2: Provide technical and political guidance to ACE management and staff in technical consultations and workshops with internal and external partners and experts as well as member states.
Deliverable 1.3: Explore options for engaging senior advisors to be available to ACE
Monthly calls with ACE technical officer (Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov 2025) 
Participation in 3 technical consultations or workshops (Sep, Oct, Nov 2025) 
Option paper for engagement of senior advisors (Nov 2025)

Output 2: Develop a framework for co-benefits

Deliverable 2.1: Lead on the work of identifying best ways of assessing, quantifying and visualizing health & climate co-benefits
Deliverable 2.2: Arrange two technical on-line workshops during Q3 or Q4 2025
Deliverable 2.3: Prepare for Bellagio type meeting 2026

A concept note and plan for work on co-benefits (Aug 2025)
Proposal for a Bellagio workshop submitted (Sep 2025)
2 online technical workshops (Sep and Nov) 

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Education Qualification:

Essential: Advanced degree (master’s level or equivalent) in medicine, international health, health systems development, public health, or a related field.

Experience:

Essential: Over 15 years of experience in national and international health policy development and coordination of implementation at global, regional and national level
Desirable: Experience of working for WHO at international level and recognized expertise in developing and shaping Organization’s policies and programs.

Skills/Knowledge: 

Tailors organizational targets to meet changing demands in the global health environment. Introduces new ideas and strategic directions to improve Organizational results. General knowledge of principles and practices in health diplomacy and environment and climate change and health. Proven ability to develop and advocate for health policies, programmes and Organization’s strategies. Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.

Language:

Essential: Expert knowledge of English (reading, writing, and speaking).

Location 

On site:  Seoul, the Republic of Korea  

Travel

The Consultant is expected to conduct the assigned tasks online remotely. When necessary, travel to and stay in Seoul, Republic of Korea, in order to work in the ACE, will be requested by supervisors to meet with the ACE senior management and staff and attend at the consultation meetings.

Remuneration

Remuneration: USD 18,000 (part-time, paid equivalent to 25 days within the contract period)
Expected duration of contract: August to November 2025

Additional information: 

•    This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
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