Project Development Expert Lesotho amd Malawi
Organizational Context
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority, setting the environmental agenda and promoting sustainable development. Its Ecosystems Division collaborates with partners to provide technical assistance and build capacity for environmental policy implementation, particularly in developing countries. This consultancy supports the GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation Unit.
Job Purpose
This consultancy assignment aims to support the GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation Unit within UNEP's Ecosystems Division. The primary goal is to prepare a comprehensive UNEP/GEF project document and a GEF CEO Endorsement Request for two biodiversity-related initiatives in Lesotho and Malawi. These projects, funded by a Project Preparation Grant (PPG), focus on strengthening park management, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and enhancing community livelihoods. The consultant will lead the PPG phase, ensuring all required annexes, risk assessments, and stakeholder consultations are completed to secure approval from UNEP and the GEF Secretariat.
Responsibilities
The consultant will act as the PPG project design expert team leader, developing a detailed methodology and work plan in consultation with national focal points. Responsibilities include providing orientation on GEF project planning and monitoring, guiding technical assessments and stakeholder consultations, and controlling the quality of all consultant inputs and outputs. Key tasks involve mainstreaming problem and barrier analysis, defining project scope, and ensuring the project document and CEO endorsement request meet all UNEP and GEF requirements, including baseline studies, risk assessments, institutional arrangements, monitoring and evaluation plans, financial planning, and co-financing strategies. The consultant will also facilitate stakeholder engagement and validation workshops.
Work Experience
A minimum of 10 years of experience in development projects and/or programmes is required, with a preference for experience in GEF project design and consultancies. A demonstrated track record in preparing project documents, proposals, and evaluation reports is necessary. Experience with GEF project design and development in at least two projects is required. Experience working with international organizations like UNEP and the GEF is desirable.
Skills
Excellent written communication skills, analytical capacity, ability to synthesize data, project document preparation, GEF project design and development, stakeholder consultation and engagement, understanding of environmental management, biodiversity, land use, and ecosystem services. Fluency in English.