Consultant for Project Proposal Development

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization's mission is to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO supports countries in the design, formulation, and implementation of initiatives and projects financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), addressing global environmental challenges related to biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, chemicals, and international waters.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for developing a project proposal in the Project Identification Form (PIF) format for the project titled 'Green Cities that Nourish: Nature-based Solutions and Urban Food Systems for Biodiversity, Climate and Social Inclusion in Brazil.' This project aims to align with the GEF Sustainable Cities Integrated Program and contribute to promoting nature-positive urban development. The consultant will work closely with government counterparts, the FAO Representation in Brazil, and FAO-GEF teams at both regional and headquarters levels. The role requires a deep understanding of integrated urban planning and management approaches, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders, including local, regional, and national governments, to adopt effective strategies for urban development that address environmental, climate, and socioeconomic challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include providing technical expertise and guidance for project formulation, ensuring compliance with GEF and FAO policies, and alignment with national priorities. The consultant will gather and consolidate necessary information for project justification and design, including components, outcomes, outputs, budget, co-financing, Core Indicators, and institutional arrangements. The consultant will prepare the PIF, ensuring the quality of the document and compliance with GEF eligibility criteria and GEF-9 programmatic guidelines. Participation in technical meetings related to PIF preparation may also be required, along with performing any other related tasks as needed under these Terms of Reference.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in architecture and urban planning, Geography, Environmental Engineering, Biology, Agronomy, Forestry Engineering, Environmental Management, Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Sciences, or related fields. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of ten years of relevant professional experience in environmental and sustainable development projects, including at least three years of proven experience in designing technical cooperation projects for international organizations, donors, or Brazilian public institutions. Proven experience in formulating, coordinating, or implementing projects related to sustainable development, environmental management, biodiversity conservation, climate change, ecosystem restoration, and natural resource management is essential. Strong knowledge of Results-Based Management (RBM) frameworks and methodologies is also required, along with experience in preparing proposals for international financing mechanisms, preferably the Global Environment Facility (GEF) or similar funds.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as architecture and urban planning, Geography, Environmental Engineering, Biology, Agronomy, Forestry Engineering, Environmental Management, Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Sciences, or related disciplines. An advanced university degree (MSc or higher) in Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Natural Resource Management, Architecture and Urbanism, Environmental Engineering, Agronomy, Forestry, Public Policy, Sustainable Development, or related fields is preferred and may enhance the candidate's qualifications.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of ten years of relevant professional experience in environmental and sustainable development projects. This experience should include at least three years of proven experience in designing technical cooperation projects for international organizations, donors, or Brazilian public institutions. The candidate should also have demonstrated experience in the formulation, coordination, or implementation of projects related to sustainable development, environmental management, biodiversity conservation, climate change, ecosystem restoration, and natural resource management.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge (Level C) of English and Portuguese. Knowledge of Spanish is desirable but not mandatory. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders and partners involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The position is open to Brazilian nationals or residents of Brazil with a valid work permit. The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Assistant to the Representative - Programme. The role may involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including government ministries and local authorities, and requires a commitment to promoting integrated solutions that address environmental, climate, and socioeconomic challenges in Brazilian cities. The consultant's work will be critical in supporting and strengthening federal policies related to urban development and sustainable food systems.