Overview
The GEF Technical Specialist will support the development and implementation of GEF funded projects in the Europe and Central Asia region, working to mobilize additional resources and oversee project implementation.
Tasks Summary
- Provision of technical expertise and inputs for project development, approval and delivery.
- Providing strategic thematic advice and guidance on GEF programming priorities.
- Leading the coordination of identification, design, formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of FAO-GEF projects.
- Providing technical expertise and project design guidance to project proponents.
- Contributing to the strategic programming of FAO's GEF work.
- Participating in multidisciplinary teams to assist governments in project formulation.
- Ensuring quality control at all stages of the GEF project cycle.
- Coordinating the preparation and approval of project proposals.
- Assisting in the management of the FAO-GEF portfolio.
- Keeping abreast of new developments in GEF-managed funds.
- Contributing to the preparation of annual Project Implementation Reviews (PIR) and reporting to the GEF Secretariat.
- Participating in the design and delivery of capacity development activities.
- Performing other related duties as required.
- Serving as a regional FAO-GEF Technical Officer (GTO) for select projects.
- Leading the formulation and implementation of complex GEF programmes and projects.
- Collaborating with OCB-GEF Unit colleagues to ensure efficient project preparation and management.
- Providing critical technical inputs to regional portfolio management.
- Providing high quality products, inputs and support for Project Implementation Reviews, Midterm Reviews and Terminal Evaluations.
- Identifying and materializing opportunities for synergies with other vertical funds projects.
- Pursuing co-financing opportunities and coordination with relevant work supported by other donors and development partners.
Experience Requirements
- Three years of relevant experience designing and implementing innovative programming at the nexus between agrifood systems and the environment, including providing policy advice and analysis, applying innovative tools and approaches in environmental, and monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes.
- Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
- Extent and relevance of experience and success in mobilizing resources and building a portfolio of GEF projects and/or programmes.
- Experience with blended finance and engagement with private sector in agri-food systems to generate co-financing for the scaling up of the projects would be an advantage.
- Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to apply decision support and knowledge management tools and methods for integrated sustainable food systems transformation related projects and programmes.
- Extent and relevance of experience in communicating with a wide range of stakeholders and in providing clear technical and policy advice to project proponents.
- Extent and relevance of experience with and knowledge of the procedures of GEF or other environmental funds.
- Extent and relevance of experience in preparation of innovative environmental investments in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and other sectors.
- Demonstrated experience in and knowledge of developing multi-focal area and/or multi-trust fund projects and programs for GEF funding or other funding.
- Extent and relevance of experience supporting countries in accessing vertical financing in the Europe and Central Asia region.
- Extent and relevance of experience in one or more of the GEF focal thematic areas (biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, chemicals and waste) and/or Integrated Programme, relevant to FAO's priorities and comparative advantages.
Qualification Requirements
• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in natural resources management, biological sciences, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, social sciences, international policy or related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
