Biodiversity-land Degradation Consultant, GEF Projects (Asia Region) at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

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.