This project will require a whole-of-UNEP approach, engaging all Divisions, Regional Offices, and Multilateral Environmental Agreement (MEA) secretariats hosted by UNEP. The consultant will ensure the project design is strategically aligned with the upcoming MTS, built on principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and structured for collaborative delivery across UNEP.
Responsibilities:
Analyze the draft MTS 2026-2029 to identify concrete entry points for mainstreaming.
Conduct a gap analysis to identify institutional and programmatic barriers and opportunities, incorporating feedback from the UNEA-7 consultation.
This must adhere to UNEP's standard format, reflect the global scope of the project, and include, at a minimum.
Project rationale and justification: clearly linking to the MTS, UNEP's mandate, and global commitments (e.g., UNDRIP, Kunming-Montreal GBF, Paris Agreement, Land Degradation Neutrality Targets as well as Chemicals and Pollution Action).
Theory of Change and logical Framework: with clear, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives, outcomes, outputs, indicators, and means of verification.
Description of project components/work Packages.
Implementation and management arrangements: defining roles for a proposed Project Management Unit, a global steering committee (with balanced Indigenous Peoples, local communities' representation from the seven regions), and focal points across divisions and regional offices.
Monitoring and Evaluation Framework: Risk Analysis and Mitigation Strategies, including robust mitigation measures to prevent potential adverse impacts and ensure ethical and culturally sensitive engagement.
Sustainability and Exit Strategy.
Detailed Budget: a five-year budget broken down by components and aligned with UNEP financial rules.
Donor Mapping and Analysis: identify and analyze potential donors (governmental, philanthropic, multilateral) whose strategic priorities align with the project's global objectives.
Develop a Fundraising Strategy document: outline key approaches, messaging, and a timeline for engagement with prioritized donors.
Develop Fundraising materials: create a compelling project concept note, pitch deck, and executive summary tailored for donor audiences, which can highlight the inclusive consultation process at UNEA-7 as a key strength.
Initial Donor Outreach: support UNEP in initiating contact with a shortlist of 3-5 high-priority donors, based on the strategy.
Requirements:
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental science, anthropology, development studies, international relations, law, social sciences, or a related field.
A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience with project development, implementation, management and monitoring and evaluation of sustainable development projects, in particular in the areas of biodiversity, land degradation, and Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) is required.
Demonstrable experience in the development and design of large complex and integrated GEF projects and/or programmes is required.
Good knowledge of and experience with the Congo Basin context is necessary, including knowledge of and experience with engaging and facilitating multiple stakeholder processes is desirable.
Technical and intellectual skills in biodiversity management, landscape management, wildlife management and enforcement, protected area management, sustainable fisheries management and gender equality is desirable.
Experience in integrated policy development processes associated with environment and sustainable development issues is desirable.
Demonstrable expertise in managing relationships and developing and maintaining strategic partnerships including across government and non-government actors is desirable.
A Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the field of biodiversity conservation, protected area management and natural resource management is required.
Fluency in oral and written English is required.
Knowledge of another UN official language (especially Spanish or French) and/or an Indigenous language is a distinct asset.
