Project Development and Food Systems Specialist at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Responsibilities

In consultation with the Branch Coordinator, Head of the Nature Transformation & Mainstreaming Unit, and under direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer responsible for food systems, the consultant will undertake the following assignments

• Develop a project framework document. To this end, the consultant will:
• Facilitate consultations with the Biodiversity and Land Branch, other branches and divisions in UNEP, and external stakeholders as appropriate for the development of a theory of change and results framework to form the basis of the logical framework for UNEP's sustainable food system strategy moving forward.
• Based on the above elements, prepare a project concept note for review by UNEP’s Project Review Committee (PRC).
• Taking feedback from the PRC into account and develop a full project document according to the specifications in the UNEP Programme Manual.
• Develop a Project document and financing proposal, based on the theory of change developed in the aforementioned project

Framework Document. To This End, The Consultant Will

• Hold consultations with the Biodiversity and Land Branch, other branches and divisions in UNEP, Secretariats of Multilateral Environmental Agreements and external stakeholders (as appropriate) for the adaptation of the theory of change and identification of appropriate intervention points and develop results and logical frameworks to form the basis of a global sustainable food systems project.
• Based on the above elements, prepare a project concept note for review by UNEP’s Project Review Committee (PRC).
• Taking feedback from the PRC into account, develop a full project document in collaboration with the responsible Programme Manager, according to the specifications in the UNEP Programme Manual.
• Review, fact check and finalise the project document to ensure that all UN Environment project development guidelines are met and that the proposed project addresses priority needs and is both cost effective and implementable.
• Lead the identification of and liaison with suitable donors and funding opportunities for the project and prepare a financing proposal in the format specified by the identified donor(s).

Qualifications/special Skills

• An advanced university degree in environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, ecology, project management, natural resource management or economics, or a related subject is required.
• A first degree together with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in the development of project proposals, management, and sustainable use of biodiversity or related areas of work is required.
• Skills in results-based management using the Theory of Change approach is desirable.
• Knowledge of International Organisation Programme and project frameworks is desirable.
• Excellent resource mobilization and background in writing skills is desirable.
• Good knowledge of different international donor processes and mechanisms is desirable.
• Excellent networking and communication skills, and experience engaging with multiple parties and stakeholders using participatory techniques is desirable.
• Project document and proposal writing experience is desirable.

Languages

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Working knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.