Duties and Responsibilities:


The specific tasks to be done by the consultant include the following: Project Identification and Development:
Identify relevant and eligible project concepts in consultation with internal and external partners.
Coordinate the development of the concepts by project proponents and discuss and clear such concepts with the Head/OiC of Unit.
Work with UNEP's Divisions and Regional Offices as necessary, with the Regional Office for Asia Pacific.
Advise project proponents on how to revise concepts to respond to any issues raised on the project documents.
Address Global Environment Facility Secretariat and Scientific and Technical Advisory, Panel reviews and ensures that Project Review Committee recommendations are considered in further project development.
Coordinate with the Fund Management Officer to internalize the Project Preparation Grants.
Expedite Project Preparation Grant execution per UNEP and GEF policies and procedures, monitoring project milestones to avoid delays and potential project cancellation.
Verify that the project proposals meet Global Environment Facility quality-at-entry standards before submission to the Head of Unit and the Project Review Committee.
Guide the executing partners in mobilizing co-financing for the project.
Coordinate with the Fund Management Officer and other project colleagues to internalize the project upon approval by the GEF Chief Executive Officer.


Qualifications/special skills


Advanced university degree in biodiversity sciences, environmental sciences, natural resource management, natural resource policy, environmental policy, environmental economics, or a closely related field is required.
A first university degree with a combination of two years of professional and academic qualifications may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
Recognized qualification or certification in the negotiation of environmental issues in line with sustainable development is desired.
A minimum of 7 years of technical experience working on biodiversity and related issues in developing countries/countries in transition is required.
Experience with conceptualizing and developing projects and programmes in the ecosystems and biodiversity field is an asset.
Experience in International Organization especially with UNEP and GEF is highly desirable.
Experience working in the Asia and the Pacific region is an asset.