The overall objective of the role is to provide technical support and oversight to programme/projects implemented via the financial support of the GEF. S/he works in close collaboration with the different programme and Operations Teams, Programme staff in other UN agencies, UNDP HQs staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society institutions to ensure the successful integration of GEF supported programmes/projects into the CPD, effective resource mobilization, and optimal harmonization and alignment.
Responsibilities
Identify areas for support and interventions within GEF focus areas;
Lead the preparation of project ideas/concept note as part of country programme in collaboration with GEF focal point;
Facilitate the formation of Project Identification Form (PIF) and development of full flagged programme, approval, LOA, co-financing and commencement of programme in collaboration with relevant stakeholders;
Champion the GEF initiatives and strengthen integration to the CO programmes/projects to access resources, share good practice and promote innovation for best results;
Support to Head Cluster in coordinating and monitoring implementation of UNSDCF (2026 – 2030) outcomes on environment and sustainable development in partnership with other UN agencies.
Strengthen partnership with UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, bi-lateral and multilateral donors, private sector, civil society organization in the priority thematic areas based on strategic goals of UNDP, country needs and GEF priorities;
Secure funding to support activities, events and programmes that promote and support GEF focus areas;
Develop close working relationship with GEF and other partner and ensure close engagement in initiatives that enhance the global impacts of GEF programmes and contributes towards common goals;
Organize meetings, seminars, training and public events to support information exchange across different sectors and among partners;
Analysis information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible area of cooperation identification of opportunities for initiation of new projects;
Actively contribute to the overall office effort in resource mobilization.
Provide high level technical support and advise to implementing partners (Government) and other partners of the successful implementation of programmes/projects;
Identification of sources of information related to policy-driven issues. Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt directly linked to country policy goals;
Spearhead the provision of policy advisory services on GEF programme management;
Advocate and support for the design policies and institutions that will address the country problems and needs in collaboration with the Governmental and other strategic partners;
Coordinate internal and external reviews of policies and strategies and support the implementation of recommendations.
Education:
Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in development studies, economics, natural resources management, disaster risk management, or other social sciences or related fields of study is required.
A first-level university degree in relevant fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience:
Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressive experience in implementation and management of multi-donor and multi-sector Environment, climate change, biodiversity, natural resources management, and/or other related areas is required.
Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English and Amharic is a requirement.
