Objective of consultancy
The ultimate goal of the consultancy is to produce a report and a policy brief that highlights the
interconnections between land degradation, drought, and health, and provides evidence-based
recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to address these issues effectively. The policy
brief should serve as a valuable resource for informing decision-making processes at local, national,
and international levels.

Duties and responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Global Policy, Advocacy and Regional Cooperation
(GPARC) Unit and in close cooperation with GPARC and UNCCD Secretariat colleagues, the
consultant will be responsible for conducting comprehensive research and analysis on the nexus
between land, drought, and health. Specific duties include:
‒ Reviewing existing literature, reports, and policy documents related to DLDD and human
health impacts.
‒ Analyzing the relationships and mechanisms linking DLDD conditions, and human health
outcomes.
‒ Identifying key stakeholders, policies, and interventions aimed at addressing these challenges.
‒ Assessing case studies on the nexus between DLDD and health and outline best practices from
diverse geographical regions on how nexus-related challenges were identified and addressed.
‒ Identifying evidence gaps and research needs related to DLDD-related human health effects to
support a stronger, and needs-based, evidence-base for policy and programming.
Providing recommendations for policy interventions and strategies to mitigate the effects of DLDD
on human health.

Deliverables
The following are the expected outputs/work assignment:
• Develop an inception report in consultation with relevant officers of the UNCCD, including
(a) a conceptual framework and methodological approach for development of the study (b) a
work programme, and (c) a tentative schedule;
• Undertake a scientific and grey literature review of most recent scientific literature, key papers,
reports and other documents, related to the impacts of DLDD on human health to inform the
consultancy.
• Compile innovative case studies, in annotated form, of a broad range of recent evidence-based
case studies and good practice examples, from high, medium and low-income countries,
documenting how DLDD related health impacts can be identified and addressed. These cases
should include on-the-ground and good practice examples from a wide variety of sources and
countries.
• Based on the above, develop guidance that can be used by countries in their policy-making
processes.
• Produce a zero draft of detailed report and policy brief (around 10 pages) on the design of policy
options to address DLDD-related health concerns.
Organize and conduct an online stakeholder consultation workshop focused on the zero draft
of the report and policy brief to consider the portfolio of options and emerging
recommendations.
• Produce a first order draft of the report and policy brief and ensure their independent scientific
review.
• Produce the final draft of the report and policy brief including a succinct executive summary,
glossary of key terms, key messages, and any recommendations that could lead to more
effective integration of the policy options in national policy making processes.

Requirements
• An advanced degree in environmental science or public health and previous experience on
topics related to climate change and health are desired.
• A minimum of 10 years working experience related to environmental science and public health.
• Knowledge of the UNCCD or related Conventions. Experience in working with UNCCD
stakeholders in the country an asset.
• Knowledge about health systems’ operations.
• Knowledge about DLDD and its impacts on health.
• Experience in data collection and analysis.
• Strong professional and academic writing skills.
• Strong research, problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Excellent writing skills and fluency in English is required.