General
Description of assignment title
Environmental and Health Risk Communication Specialist
Assignment country
Solomon Islands
Duty stations
Honiara
Work location
On UN premises
Expected start date
01/10/2026
Duration
18 monthsLong-term benefits and allowances
Sustainable Development Goal
3. Good health and well-being
Host entity
UNDP
Modality
Onsite
Type
International
Volunteer category
Specialist UCoS from Apr2026
Work schedule
Full-time
Number of Assignments
1
Details
Mission and objectives
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Solomon Islands, on the ground since 1999, has earned a reputation as a trustworthy development partner in the collective effort of supporting Solomon Islands in achieving the objectives of the National Development Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDP works with people and their governments to address the country’s various development challenges. We support Solomon Islands in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sustaining its growth trajectory by modernising institutions, reducing inequalities, digitally transforming communities, combating climate change and sustainably managing natural resources. As part of the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, which covers 10 countries in the Pacific region and guided by the Sub-regional Programme Document for the Pacific Island Countries and Territories 2018-2022, UNDP in Solomon Islands has a growing portfolio of country focused interventions in the areas of: Effective Governance Inclusive Growth Resilience and Sustainable Development UNDP also partners with the Solomon Islands Government in undertaking policy level initiatives, including the impact of COVID-19 on the economy, digital transformation, and others
Context
The Environmental and Health Risk Communication Specialist will support national capacities in managing information, reducing uncertainty and fostering trust between authorities, experts and the public regard Environmental Hazards and Health Risks. This Role operates at the intersection of science, policy and public perception to encourage protective behaviors, manage outbreaks and facilitate informed decision-making.
Task description
Under the direct supervision of Programme Specialist, the Environmental and Health Risk Communication Specialist will undertake the following tasks: Technical Translation & Communication: Facilitate the translation of complex scientific data into clear, actionable “layman’s terms” for diverse audiences. Risk Assessment & Management: Facilitate environmental health risk assessment, including hazard identification, exposure assessment, and communication. Crisis & Emergency Response Communication: Support implementation of Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) principles, such as being first, right, and credible during rapid-onset incidents like spills or disease outbreaks. Media Relations & Content Strategy: Drafting press releases, developing media strategies, and managing proactive community outreach through social media, websites, and public forums. Stakeholder Engagement & Outreach: Support engagement with community members, public officials, non-profits, and industry stakeholders, often facilitating public forums and workshops.
Eligibility criteria
Age
18 – 80
Required experience
3 years
Donor priorities
–
Nationality
Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.
Additional eligibility criteria
This assignment is funded by JICA, therefore only former Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JICA-JOCV) recommended by the JICA-JOCV Secretariat are eligible to apply. Please consult the JICA website (https://www.jica.go.jp/volunteer/obog/career_support/unv/index.html) for further information on the eligibility criteria. Deployment is scheduled between 1 October and 30 November (no later than 31 December 2026).
Assignment requirements
Relevant experience
3 years
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Public Health, Social Sciences or Communication.
Competencies and values
☒ Accountability ☒ Communication ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Empowering Others ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Judgement and Decision-making ☒ Knowledge Sharing
Skills and experience
The incumbent must be a dynamic, multi-functional individual who supports the host entity with professionalism, dedication, and strong client orientation. The following skills and experience are required: Advanced computer skills and proficiency including full proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.), as well as other IT applications and office technology equipment. Strong analytical and writing skills, with the ability to analyze, interpret, and present data in a clear and concise manner. Knowledge of the region will be considered a strong asset. Demonstrated ability to perform duties effectively under stress and in isolated environments. Experience in data collection in the Pacific region; experience in the Solomon Islands will be considered an advantage. Proven ability to work effectively in a multicultural and dynamic environment. Affinity with, or interest in, development work and volunteerism as a mechanism for sustainable development, as well as interest in the United Nations system. Sound security awareness.
Area(s) of expertise
Communication, Energy and environment
Driving license
–
Other information
Volunteerism is understood as a wide range of activities undertaken of free will, for the general public good, for which monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.
Living conditions and remarks
Honiara is located on the island of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, a country in the Pacific Ocean. It is the largest city and serves as the political, economic, and administrative capital of the country. Honiara hosts a significant proportion of the national population and functions as the primary hub for business, government, and international organizations. Climate: Honiara has a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by consistently high humidity and warm temperatures throughout the year. The wet season runs from November to April, while the dry season occurs from May to October. Average temperatures range from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F), with the heaviest rainfall typically occurring between December and March. Visas: Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter the Solomon Islands. Visa fees generally range between USD 50 and USD 100, depending on nationality and visa type. Visas can be obtained from Solomon Islands diplomatic missions prior to arrival. Nationals from some Pacific Island countries, such as Vanuatu, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea, may be exempt for short visits
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy
Scam warning
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