This position will be based within the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Chemicals and Waste Team, Industry and Economy Division, UNEP office based in Brasilia, Brazil. This position will be supervised under the Programme Management Officer within the GEF team. The GEF helps developing countries and those with economies in transition to meet the agreed incremental costs of measures designed to achieve global environmental benefits in six focal areas: biological diversity, climate change, international waters, ozone layer depletion, land degradation and chemicals and waste. As part of its duties, the GEF Chemicals and Waste Unit is in charge of supervising a portfolio of ongoing projects, developing new projects to be submitted to the GEF and assist countries to close finished projects.

Requirements

Required experience
3 years of experience in programme and project management at an international level, or other relevant programmes.

• Experience with GEF-related projects is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization.
• Experience evaluating needs, conditions and problems in countries, and in technical cooperation projects in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Experience/knowledge of development agencies, donors, private sector, government and relevant financing institutions.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

Area(s) of expertise
Business management, Development programmes, Energy and environment

Driving license
–

Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Spanish, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level
Master degree or equivalent in International Business Management, International Relations, Political Science, Science, or similar studies.
A first-level university degree or equivalent in combination with relevant training and/or professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Mercury Thematic Lead, the International UN Volunteer Specialist will:

1. Conduct Task Management Support duties including project development, implementation and closure, including terminal reviews, of mercury-related projects in Latin America and the Caribbean:
• Hold weekly calls with The Global Opportunity for Long-term Development (GOLD) programme Lead Programme Management Officer.
• Hold monthly calls with the project executing agencies (fortnightly for projects at risk);
• Obtain, review and clear quarterly project progress and financial reports;
• Facilitate the organization of Project Coordination Group meetings of Mid-Sized Projects and Steering Committee meetings of Full-Sized Projects;
• Review and approve yearly work plan, budget forecast, procurement plan, and communications plan;
• Process extensions of Project Cooperation Agreements and other legal agreements with partners as required;
• Facilitate Project Implementation Report (PIR) process for Mid-Sized and Full-Sized Projects;
• Assist planet GOLD Programme Lead in the oversight of the programme as requested;
• Develop and submit Project Identification Form (PIF) package and coordinate subsequent Project Preparation Phase( PPG) for Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects.
• Develop and submit Minamata Initial Assessment and National Action Plans on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) as requested;
• Conduct Terminal Review of Enabling Activities;
• Support closure of Enabling Activities;
• Support development of multi-focal area initiatives and new concepts.

Reporting to the Officer in Charge of the Brazil Country Office, in collaboration with the UNEP Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC), the International UN Volunteer Specialist will:

2. Provide relevant information and data from GEF Chemicals and Waste projects in the region:
• Contribute to reports and briefs with GEF chemicals and waste project information, ensuring the dissemination of accurate and up-to-date information.
• Facilitate communication and information sharing between the regional and country office and relevant stakeholders.
• Assist the development and maintenance of knowledge management products, ensuring that relevant information and best practices are documented and shared within the organization.

3. Provide necessary support to the Brazil Country Office and ROLAC within duties as requested:
• Undertake duties as assigned by the Officer in Charge of the UNEP Brazil Office for the effective functioning of the office.
• Support the Brazil Country Office and ROLAC in missions, meetings, conferences, and other relevant forums related to chemicals and waste through participation, network and knowledge sharing, relaying information and/or other relevant requests.
• Foster collaboration and engagement with key stakeholders, including governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, youth and other partners, to enhance the impact and sustainability of UNEP chemicals and waste initiatives in the sub-region.
• Assist with capacity assessments of local partners and institutions, providing recommendations for strengthening their ability to contribute to chemicals and waste.

REQUIRED EDUCATION: Postgraduate Degree