Project Design Consultant

Result of Service Work assignments and outputs of the consultancy will contribute to the strategic engagement of UNEP in Asia and the Pacific region on biodiversity issues, particularly through support to PICs and partners in developing a follow-up regional project on invasive alien species to be funded by GEF. In close coordination with SPREP, the consultant will support the delivery of the following assignments and outputs: 1) Conducting an initial research and identification of remaining gaps and needs to be addressed through a proposed second phase of the project, through: consultations with SPREP and other partners, as well as participating countries and relevant staff of UNEP; and a review of existing efforts and priorities of individual countries in the Pacific. 2) Development of a concept note (PIF), which will be reviewed by participating countries, potential partners, and stakeholders, and used as a basis for in-country consultations towards the improvement and completion of the concept note.

Outputs 1: Identification of remaining needs and potential focus of the follow-up project on invasive alien species management in the Pacific region

Deliverable: a. A detailed work plan outlining process, steps, approaches and timelines for each deliverable under the consultancy b. A consultation with SPREP invasive alien species team and UNEP team on the overall progress and achievements under the first phase of the project and ideas to be incorporated in the proposal. c. A review of existing efforts and priorities of individual countries in the Pacific and identification of areas of alignment with the proposed project phase II. d. Key partners and stakeholders to be engaged for the second phase of the project identified with appropriate and reasonable justification. e. Online and in-person consultations with participating countries, potential partners, stakeholders and relevant UNEP staff held to receive their feedback to be included in a concept note (PIF).

Outputs 2: Preparation of a project concept note (PIF)

Deliverable: a. The first draft concept note (PIF) prepared and shared with UNEP, SPREP, participating countries, potential partners and stakeholders for their review and inputs.

Work Location Home-based

Expected duration 15/12/2023-31/3/2024

Duties and Responsibilities 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. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action.

UNEP, under its Programme of Work, particularly under the Nature Action Subprogramme, is supporting countries in the Pacific region in the field of biodiversity conservation and invasive alien species management. As an implementing agency of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), UNEP supports countries in the Pacific in designing and implementing biodiversity-related projects. In this context, UNEP, in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), have supported the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) in implementing the ongoing GEF-funded project entitled, “Strengthening national and regional capacities to reduce the impact of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) on globally significant biodiversity in the Pacific”.

Building on the outcomes of the current project and based on the request from some of the PICs, UNEP, in close partnership with SPREP, are supporting PICs in the preparation of a project concept for a potential second phase of the project. The proposed second phase of the project on invasive alien species will contribute to advancing and scaling up the outcomes of the ongoing project to further improve biodiversity and invasive alien species management in the Pacific through regional and national planning and strategies.

In this regard, the Project Identification Form (PIF) will be prepared, with support of the consultant, for submission to the GEF Secretariat in 2024. In this context, UNEP Asia and the Pacific Office is seeking to engage an experienced consultant, who has a strong background in the development of GEF-funded projects in the field of biodiversity conservation with strong focus on invasive alien species management. The consultant will also contribute towards strengthening UNEP’s engagement with relevant regional partners in the Pacific region in the field of biodiversity conservation and invasive alien species management.

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Subprogramme Coordinator for Nature Action in UNEP Asia and the Pacific Office, and in close collaboration with a task manager of the GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation of UNEP Ecosystems Division, the consultant (home-based) will support the development of a Project Identification Form (PIF) for a proposed second phase of the ongoing regional project on invasive alien species management in the Pacific region. The development of the PIF will be made in close coordination with SPREP and other partners, as well as PICs that are interested in the second phase of the project.

Qualifications/special skills Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in the fields of biology, animal or public health, life sciences or the environmental management sector is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. - A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in projects or programme development and management is required in at least two of the following fields, with experience in the rest being desirable: Ecosystem health; biodiversity conservation; invasive alien species; environmental management; sustainable development. - Understanding of ecosystem health, biodiversity, invasive alien species, and other relevant issues in the region. - Experience in the Pacific Region, and Regional and Sub-regional bodies is desirable. - Working experience in a multicultural environment including United Nations desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, proficiency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

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.