Result of Service

The ultimate result of the services is timely development and submission of assigned GEF-9 concepts and project packages; effective supervision, reporting and closure support for assigned projects; and responsive technical assistance to the GCGCU’s mercury portfolio including the planetGOLD programme and Minamata Convention Enabling Activities.

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Setting: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The overall objective of the UNEP's Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision-makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. The GEF Chemicals and Green Chemistry Unit of the Chemicals and Health Branch is responsible for the development and management of all GEF projects implemented by UNEP in the Chemicals and Wastes focal area. The team is responsible for the identification, development and implementation of projects funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by UNEP. The GEF Chemicals and Green Chemistry Unit oversees a portfolio of ongoing projects, develops new projects for submission to the GEF, and supports the closure of completed projects. The volume and time-sensitive nature of proposal development and project supervision require additional specialist support with experience in drafting and managing GEF proposals, task management, and coordination with executing agencies. The purpose of this Terms of Reference is to recruit a consultant to support GEF-9 project and concept development, supervise and task-manage projects across the Chemicals and Waste portfolio, and provide technical and operational support to the planetGOLD programme and Minamata Convention Enabling Activities. The assignment requires specialist knowledge of GEF project development and supervision, mercury-related programming, and sustained coordination with countries, executing agencies, technical experts and stakeholders. The additional capacity is required to meet proposal deadlines and maintain timely implementation and oversight across the portfolio. Reporting lines: Under the overall supervision of the Portfolio Manager, GEF Chemicals and Green Chemistry Unit, the consultant shall report directly to the GEF Task Managers responsible for the planetGOLD and mercury portfolio. Final deliverables shall also be approved by the Portfolio Manager, GEF Chemicals and Green Chemistry Unit. Specific duties and responsibilities: The Consultant will be responsible for supporting project development, portfolio supervision and technical delivery across the GEF Chemicals and Waste portfolio. The scope of the assignment includes GEF-9 concepts and projects on mercury in products, non-ferrous metals production, artisanal and small-scale gold mining and enabling activities, together with task management of full-size projects, medium-size projects and enabling activities.

Develop GEF-9 projects and concepts with relevant experts, stakeholders and countries.
Support task management, reporting and technical inputs for the GCGCU portfolio.
Hold weekly calls with Task Managers and monthly calls with executing agencies, or fortnightly for projects at risk.
Review and clear quarterly progress and financial reports, annual workplans, budget forecasts, procurement plans and communication plans.
Facilitate Project Steering Committee meetings, PIR processes, legal agreement extensions and project closure.
Support oversight of planetGOLD, develop PIF and PPG packages, and prepare Minamata Convention MIA and NAP projects as requested.
Conduct terminal evaluations of Minamata Convention enabling activities and support integration across Chemicals and Waste and other GEF focal areas.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree in a field related to social or environmental sciences, including chemistry, chemical engineering, social science, environmental studies or environmental engineering, or equivalent experience, is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. At least 2 years of working experience in project management, including international experience, is required. Working knowledge of GEF project development and supervision is required. Experience in implementing mercury-related projects is required.

Languages

Fluency in English, including good drafting and writing skills, is required. Working knowledge of French is desired.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

UNEP Mercury Consultant - planetGOLD and Enabling Activities