Consultant for GFC Concept Notes

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. The UN operates in various sectors, including humanitarian aid, development, and human rights, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The organization is committed to fostering international collaboration and providing technical assistance to member states, particularly in areas related to sustainable development and environmental governance.

Job Overview:
The consultant will provide essential technical support to selected ASEAN countries, focusing on the submission of high-quality GFC (Global Fund for Chemicals) concept notes. The role involves ensuring that at least two concept notes are prepared and submitted by December 2025, adhering to the revised submission format. The consultant will work remotely, primarily engaging with national focal points and relevant ministries to enhance the quality of the submissions. This position requires a deep understanding of the GFC Fund process, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders to ensure that national priorities are reflected in the concept notes. The consultant will also be responsible for reviewing existing drafts, providing capacity support, and ensuring that the final submissions meet the necessary quality standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Familiarize with the new GFC Fund process and develop a workplan by reviewing the latest guidance, templates, and eligibility criteria for country concept note submissions. Participate in briefing calls with UNEP to clarify procedures and priorities, and prepare a detailed workplan for the activities to be carried out.
• Review existing country drafts by assessing the draft concept notes prepared by Laos and Cambodia, identifying content that can be adapted to the new template, and pinpointing areas that require further development.
• Support countries in revising and transposing draft concept notes by collaborating with national focal points and relevant ministries to adapt existing drafts, ensuring that the technical content aligns with national priorities and GFC objectives.
• Provide targeted capacity support to countries through virtual working sessions or bilateral calls, ensuring effective communication and understanding of country needs.
• Finalize and quality-assure draft concept notes by reviewing near-final drafts for completeness and coherence, providing editorial comments, and ensuring that feedback from national counterparts is incorporated into the final submissions.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Biology, Chemistry, Health, Environment, Policy, or Natural Sciences is required, along with proven professional experience in these fields. A doctorate in Sustainable Development, Environment, or Health is considered an asset. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in chemicals and waste management, policy development, or related environmental programs. A strong understanding of chemicals and waste issues in the ASEAN region and relevant institutional frameworks is essential. Excellent analytical, writing, and editorial skills are required, along with proven experience in preparing or supporting international funding proposals. Demonstrated ability to coordinate with government counterparts and international partners is also an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Biology, Chemistry, Health, Environment, Policy, or Natural Sciences. A doctorate in Sustainable Development, Environment, or Health is advantageous and may enhance the candidate's profile for this consultancy role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in areas such as chemicals and waste management, policy development, or related environmental programs. Candidates should have a strong background in chemicals and waste issues, particularly within the ASEAN region, and experience in coordinating with government counterparts and international partners is highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this consultancy role, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Additionally, oral and written fluency in an ASEAN language is considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to communicate effectively with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based and allows for remote work, specifically targeting the Asia-Pacific region. The expected duration of the consultancy is one month, and there are no fees associated with the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage of recruitment.