GEF Project Design Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized technical agency of the United Nations established to combat hunger and promote security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security globally. The FAO's mission is to work towards eradicating hunger and ensuring food security for all, as outlined in the 2030 Agenda. The organization aims to transform agri-food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. Since its partnership with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) began in 2006, FAO has secured over $1.9 billion in GEF grants and attracted an additional $13.4 billion in co-financing pledges to support over 130 countries in addressing local priorities while delivering global environmental benefits. The GEF is a partnership of 18 entities, including various UN agencies and international organizations, working with 183 countries to tackle pressing environmental challenges related to biodiversity, climate change, and land degradation. The FAO Sub-regional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) in Samoa assists member countries in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, agri-food systems, nutrition, and rural development, while also facilitating access to GEF financing to meet national priorities. As of January 2026, FAO's GEF portfolio in the Pacific stands at USD 69.05 million, with USD 41.35 million operational and USD 27.7 million in the pipeline.

Job Overview:
The GEF Project Design Expert (PDE) will play a crucial role in designing and formulating project documents that align with national priorities and GEF programming directions. This position involves conducting comprehensive desk reviews, feasibility analyses, and engaging in multi-stakeholder meetings to gather necessary information for project formulation. The PDE will work closely with the FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands and the SAP Better Environment Module Leader, collaborating with national experts and international GEF Programme Specialists. The expert will be responsible for producing a variety of technical documents as part of the project documentation process, ensuring that all submissions meet the required standards and deadlines set by FAO and GEF. The role requires a proactive approach to project design, incorporating feedback from various stakeholders and ensuring that the final project documents are technically sound and aligned with both FAO and GEF requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform the following tasks: Conduct desktop reviews, feasibility analyses, and project designs for GEF initiatives; Provide overall technical guidance to the PPG team in preparation for the FAO-GEF ProDoc, building on approved Project Identification Form (PIF)/Concept note; Travel to project countries to lead consultations, project inception, and validation workshops, collecting necessary information; Coordinate with PPG team members, compile their deliverables, and finalize them by providing necessary inputs; Develop a technically sound GEF project document/PIF with necessary annexes well before the GEF deadline; Incorporate FAO internal as well as external stakeholder feedback into the project documents, including that obtained through workshops and consultations; Ensure the final PIF/Prodoc package for submission meets all FAO, GEF, and Government requirements; Incorporate all comments from the GEF Secretariat, Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP), and GEF Council; Perform other project-related tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, Climate Change, Social Science, or related fields. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in GEF-funded project design and formulation in the Asia-Pacific region is required. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate a working knowledge of English at a C1 level.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, Climate Change, or Social Science from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. For those with a bachelor's degree, an additional two years of relevant professional experience is necessary to meet the qualifications for this role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience specifically in GEF-funded project design and formulation, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of the complexities involved in project development and implementation in the context of environmental management and sustainability.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, with a proficiency level of C1 required. While not explicitly stated, proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Asia-Pacific region may be considered advantageous.

Additional Notes:
The job is likely to involve travel to various project countries for consultations and workshops. The position may be full-time, and candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that requires collaboration with multiple stakeholders. Specific details regarding contract duration, seniority level, and compensation may be provided during the application process.