UNEP planetGOLD Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established to serve as an authoritative advocate for the global environment, UNEP works to encourage decision-makers in government, local authorities, and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies, and practices that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various environmental issues and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The UNEP planetGOLD Consultant will play a crucial role in the development of the Programme Framework Document (PFD) for the planetGOLD Programme Phase

• This position requires a comprehensive understanding of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) project preparation process and the specific requirements set forth by UNEP. The consultant will be tasked with coordinating inputs from various stakeholders, including government focal points and executing partners, to ensure the PFD is complete, quality-assured, and ready for submission to the GEF Secretariat by the specified deadline. The consultant will also need to address any review comments from UNEP and GEF, ensuring that the document meets all necessary standards and requirements. This role is essential for supporting countries in reducing and eliminating mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), promoting sustainable practices, and contributing to the implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UNEP planetGOLD Consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Drafting the planetGOLD Programme Phase 4 Programme Framework Document (PFD).
• Coordinating, receiving, and analyzing reports, information, and data from key partners, including government focal points, national institutions, and ASGM stakeholders.
• Developing the programme baseline scenario and identifying key barriers to mercury reduction in ASGM.
• Designing the programme, including objectives, components, outcomes, outputs, and the Theory of Change (ToC).
• Assisting the UNEP Task Manager in discussing project issues such as budgeting and implementation arrangements.
• Drafting the PFD and its annexes according to UNEP and GEF requirements.
• Addressing internal review comments and GEF reviews.
• Supporting the development of the Project Preparation Grant (PPG) request and related materials, including stakeholder engagement and country consultations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Sciences, international relations, law, political or social science, or environmental engineering. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Additionally, at least 7 years of working experience in project or programme management at the international level is required, along with a working knowledge of donor-funded projects and programmes. Experience in preparing GEF and/or UNEP project documents is desirable, as is experience in environmental, chemicals, or ASGM-related programmes.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Environmental Sciences or a related field is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have two additional years of relevant experience. The educational background should ideally include studies in international relations, law, political or social science, environmental studies, or engineering disciplines related to environmental or industrial chemistry.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of relevant working experience in project or programme management, particularly at the international level. Candidates should have a strong background in project preparation and management, with a focus on donor-funded initiatives. Familiarity with GEF and UNEP project-cycle requirements is essential, as is experience in environmental issues related to mercury reduction and ASGM.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with strong drafting and writing skills. A working knowledge of French is considered desirable, which would enhance communication with a broader range of stakeholders and partners involved in the programme.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of 6 months. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Head of the GEF Chemicals and Green Chemistry Unit and will report directly to the GEF Task Manager responsible for the planetGOLD portfolio. The assignment is temporary and output-based, and it does not justify the recruitment of permanent staff. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.