Climate and Environmental Health Specialist

JOB CONTEXT:

In the various contexts where Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) operates and responds, climatic and environmental factors exacerbate health problems, including outbreaks, nutritional crises, environmental disasters, conflicts, and shifts in epidemiological patterns. Humanitarian actors have the responsibility to assess their operations through a climate and environmental lens. As a result, Climate and Environmental Health (CEH) has become an integral part of MSF’s reflections, analyses, interventions, and operations. Since the environment directly impacts the vulnerability of affected communities and the quality of humanitarian action, we must continuously evaluate the connections between the environment and health in every context where we intervene.

WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE A CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST AT MSF-BRAZIL:

The Climate and Environmental Health Specialist will play a critical role in ensuring that MSF’s health interventions are adapted to and mitigate the effects of the climate emergency. This includes providing expert guidance on vector control strategies through a climate crisis perspective and addressing the intersections between environmental changes and the transmission of climate-sensitive diseases.

You will contribute to MSF’s reflections and actions on climate and environmental health and support operations accordingly. The goal is to connect project realities, challenges, and response models with innovative perspectives and observations that enhance field responses. Additionally, you will work closely with various relevant stakeholders working on this topic within MSF, focusing on the Latin America region.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO HAVE?

• A degree related to health topics or related fields
• Solid experience in health and environmental interventions (climate adaptation, environment and/or climate change, public health, humanitarian action, or emergency response)
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written)
• Proficiency in Portuguese or Spanish (spoken)
• Strong relationship-building skills and ability to work in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams
• Knowledge of diversity and sensitivity to traditional peoples
• Knowledge and experience in vector control
• Proven experience in climate-related research and engagement with multiple stakeholders

WHAT INCREASES YOUR CHANCES?

• Background in public health and specialization in medical entomology are advantages
• Master’s degree or higher academic levels in related topics
• Previous experience with MSF