GEF Project Technical Specialist

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP), operating under the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP), leads and supports the development and implementation of strategies, programmes and projects that promote sustainable food systems, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, natural resources management and rural development across the Pacific region.
FAO-SAP manages a diverse portfolio of projects across Pacific Island Countries, including projects financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), bilateral and multilateral partners, Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) resources and other donor-funded mechanisms. These projects support countries in addressing environmental degradation, climate change, biodiversity loss, sustainable land and forest management, food systems transformation and resilient rural livelihoods.
Under this assignment, the GEF Project Technical Specialist will provide technical, coordination, monitoring and reporting support to assigned GEF portfolio projects in the Pacific. The Specialist will support the effective and timely implementation of assigned projects, ensuring alignment with approved project documents, work plans, budgets, FAO procedures, GEF requirements and agreed delivery and quality standards.

The Specialist will also contribute to future GEF programming, resource mobilization and portfolio development, including support to GEF-8 implementation and preparation for GEF-9 programming, as required.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific and the direct supervision of the SAP Programme Officer, Head of Programme and Operations, the GEF Project Technical Specialist will perform the tasks outlined below.
The Specialist will work under the overall technical guidance of the Better Environment Module Leader / Forestry Officer for technical inputs and quality assurance, and in close coordination with relevant Budget Holders, Lead Technical Officers, SAP Programme and Operations teams, RAP-GEF Regional Lead Coordinator, OCB GEF Coordination Unit, country offices, operational partners, national project teams and government counterparts.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support the coordination, implementation, monitoring and reporting of assigned GEF portfolio projects in the Pacific, ensuring alignment with approved project documents, work plans, budgets, FAO procedures and GEF requirements.
• Support the preparation, updating and follow-up of project work plans, procurement plans, budget forecasts, delivery targets, risk logs and implementation schedules, in close coordination with LTOs, Budget Holders, project teams and the SAP Operations team.
• Monitor technical and financial delivery of assigned GEF portfolio projects and identify implementation bottlenecks, risks and required follow-up actions for the attention of the SAP Programme Officer, relevant Budget Holders and LTOs.
• Coordinate with project teams, operational partners and national counterparts to ensure timely submission of technical, financial and progress reports, and support follow-up on pending deliverables, clearances and implementation actions.
• Provide technical and coordination support to LTOs, Budget Holders and project teams on project cycle management, implementation planning, reporting, monitoring and compliance with FAO and GEF requirements.
• Support the review of operational and technical requests submitted by project teams and provide preliminary analysis and recommendations to facilitate timely decision-making by the SAP Programme Officer, Budget Holders and LTOs.
• Contribute to the preparation and quality review of Project Implementation Reports, Project Progress Reports, implementation updates, briefing notes, presentations, meeting minutes, mission reports and other technical documents related to the assigned GEF portfolio.
• Support the organization and follow-up of Project Task Force meetings, operational review meetings, technical coordination meetings and consultations with government counterparts, operational partners and relevant stakeholders.
• Conduct field missions, where required, to monitor project implementation progress, support coordination with partners and counterparts, and identify technical, operational or delivery-related issues requiring follow-up.
• Support monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning activities, including mid-term reviews, terminal evaluations, project supervision missions, knowledge management and documentation of lessons learned.
• Support the HQ Evaluation team, LTOs and project teams in the preparation and follow-up of mid-term and terminal evaluations of GEF projects, as required.
• Contribute to the development of technical inputs, evidence-based human impact stories, good practices, communication materials and knowledge products related to the assigned GEF portfolio, in coordination with communication colleagues and in line with FAO clearance procedures.
• Provide orientation and guidance to affiliate personnel supporting the GEF portfolio, including planning, reporting requirements, operational follow-up, risks and key portfolio priorities.
• Where required, provide technical coordination and portfolio-related supervision of country-based affiliate personnel, in close consultation with the SAP Programme Officer, relevant Budget Holders and LTOs.
• Support LTOs, as needed, in the provision of technical support to assigned GEF portfolio projects, including review of technical inputs, follow-up with project teams and counterparts, preparation of technical briefs and recommendations, and coordination of actions required to ensure quality and timely implementation.
• Support coordination with the SAP Programme and Operations teams on project-related procurement, Letters of Agreement, Operational Partner agreements, HR, finance, travel and other operational matters, ensuring timely follow-up and escalation of issues where needed.
• Convene and support regular coordination meetings with national GEF Operational Focal Points and relevant sector agency officials, as required.
• Support the completion, submission, review and follow-up of GEF project design documents, including CEO endorsement packages, concept notes, Expressions of Interest, Project Identification Forms and Project Preparation Grant documentation.
• Support the preparation of concept notes, presentations and other materials for GEF-9 resource mobilization and strategic programming discussions.
• Contribute to other bilateral, multilateral and trust fund project development initiatives for FAO-SAP Member Countries, as required.
• Support resource mobilization and future GEF programming by contributing lessons learned, technical evidence, implementation experience and portfolio analysis to concept notes, project ideas and strategic discussions.
• Prepare monthly progress reports summarizing actions undertaken, delivery status, bottlenecks, follow-up actions and support provided to the assigned GEF portfolio.
• Prepare an end-of-assignment report summarizing key results, lessons learned, risks, pending actions and recommendations.
• Perform any other related duties as required to support effective implementation, oversight and delivery of the assigned GEF portfolio projects.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
• Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in environmental management, natural resources management, forestry, agriculture, climate change, biodiversity, sustainable development, project management, international development or another relevant field; Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least seven years of relevant professional experience in project coordination, implementation, monitoring, reporting and/or technical support for environment, climate change, natural resources management, biodiversity, forestry, land management, agriculture or sustainable development projects.
• Working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong understanding of GEF project cycle requirements, including project implementation, monitoring, reporting, risk management and evaluation processes.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex multi-country or multi-stakeholder projects involving government counterparts, technical teams, operational partners and development partners.
• Strong project management, planning, budgeting, monitoring and reporting skills.
• Ability to identify bottlenecks, implementation risks and corrective actions to improve project delivery.
• Excellent analytical, drafting and communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, briefing notes, presentations, progress updates and technical inputs.
• Experience supporting Project Implementation Reports, Project Progress Reports, mid-term reviews, terminal evaluations and donor reporting would be an asset.
• Experience contributing to project design, concept notes, resource mobilization and GEF programming would be an asset.
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary and multicultural teams at national, regional and international levels.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, tact, diplomacy and ability to maintain effective working relationships with partners and counterparts.
• Knowledge of FAO procedures, systems and project implementation arrangements would be an asset.
• Experience in the Pacific region and with Small Island Developing States and familiarity with environmental, climate change, biodiversity, forestry, agriculture or natural resources management priorities in Pacific Island Countries would be an asset.
• Demonstrated experience with GEF-funded projects, including project implementation, monitoring, reporting and/or project development would be an asset.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For more information, visit the FAO employment website
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.

• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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