Project Development Lead, Fiji Project (GBFF 12162)

Result of ServiceCEO Endorsement Request Packages including UNEP’s annexes for the projects “Restoring Ecosystems: Tackling Invasive Alien Species to Preserve Biodiversity in Fiji” Work LocationHome-based Expected duration50 days over a 6.5-month period. Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe 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. UNEP’s Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical guidance and capacity development for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacities of developing countries and countries with transitional economies. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Biodiversity and Land Degradation Unit plays a key role in the implementation of GEF projects. Through this unit, the organization provides support to countries and partners in the development and implementation of GEF projects in focal areas of biodiversity and land degradation. The unit has staff located across multiple regions, with coordination handled from its headquarters in Nairobi, working closely with regional and sub-regional offices. It currently manages a portfolio of over 200 projects spanning Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and West Asia and Asia and the Pacific. The unit would like to recruit a consultant to lead the planning and execution of the Project Preparation Grant (PPG) process for the GEF funded projects (GBFF) “Restoring Ecosystems: Tackling Invasive Alien Species to Preserve Biodiversity in Fiji” (GBFF 12162). UNEP, acting as an implementing agency of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is providing assistance to the executing agency for the project, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) of Fiji, in the preparation of the GBFF project “Restoring Ecosystems: Tackling Invasive Alien Species to Preserve Biodiversity in Fiji.” As part of the GEF Project Preparation Grant (PPG), UNEP is hiring a consultant to develop, in full compliance with GEF rules, policies, and standards, a GEF CEO Endorsement package for submission to the GEF Secretariat. In accordance with GEF procedures, the complete set of project documentation must be submitted to the GEF Secretariat by the stipulated deadline. Through the present announcement, UNEP seeks to engage an experienced consultant with a strong background in GEF project design, implementation, and monitoring, and with demonstrated expertise in biodiversity conservation, invasive alien species management, ecosystem restoration, sustainable land management, and community-based natural resource management. The objective of the assignment is to prepare the GEF CEO Endorsement Request, including all required annexes, for the project “Restoring Ecosystems: Tackling Invasive Alien Species to Preserve Biodiversity in Fiji.” The consultancy will be home-based, with travel to Fiji as required. The specific tasks to be performed by the consultant are as follows: