UNEP is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP, Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition.

1. Under the overall supervision of the Chief, International Waters Unit and Portfolio Manager and direct technical guidance and day to day supervision of the Task Managers, the Associate Task Manager will perform the following tasks;

Project Design and Submission (35%)

– Under the guidance and day to day supervision of the Task Managers, identify and formulate new project concepts and proposals in close coordination with project partners on the ground and other project beneficiaries as well as possibly with other focal areas.

• Work with stakeholders to design project concepts and ensure that they address GEF objectives and requirements, national and regional priorities, and align with UNEP’s programme of work.
• Coordinate the preparation of complete PIF and CEO Endorsement Request packages for new project concepts, provide technical assistance, and ensure quality control prior to submission to UNEP’s internal review process (CAG, QEC and PRC) and to the donor for approval.
• Develop road maps for project preparation phase (PPG), assist relevant consultants/project partners in preparing and editing required project documentation and ensure successful submission for approval prior to kick-start the implementation phase.

Project cycle management for projects under implementation (50%)

– Provide project oversight and management for an existing cohort of projects under direct supervision of the Task Managers. The Associate Task Manager will specifically be responsible for internalization and inception supporting the preparation of legal agreements, preparing project execution trackers to monitor and track project delivery, output and outcomes; hold regular backstopping meetings with project execution teams, and review and clear quarterly and annual reports and plans; and work closely with the GEF IW team to coordinate and ensure timely communication with project teams, the Unit, Branch and Division to address any relevant issues and requests including from the GEF and the UNEP GEF Coordination Office (e.g. Audits, etc).

Knowledge Management (5%)

– Assist in preparing and editing project-based communication products that promote the portfolio at global and regional events and facilitate enhancing portfolio visibility through preparation of project updates for the UNEP website. Coordinate with the relevant UNEP GEF communications contact points to disseminate project related KM products, ensuring improved visibility both for the portfolio and for the projects. Ensure regular project updates to the IW:LEARN website for the UNEP GEF International Waters cohort of projects.

Logistical and Operational Support (5%)

– Work closely with the financial officers and team assistant in preparing draft legal agreements (including PCAs, ICAs, and SSFAs) to operationalize project execution and mobilize resources at all stages of the project cycle (concept, preparation and implementation stage), and prepare TORs for various project and portfolio support consultants.

Any other tasks as required by the IW Unit Chief (5%)

– including support to the entire UNEP GEF IW teams, strategic document formulation etc.

An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) related to international development, environmental economics or a related field is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in managing GEF projects relevant to International Waters or Chemicals and Waste; Required

• Familiarity with the UN System, as well as a good understanding of freshwater and marine and pollution related issues. Desirable

• Understanding of the GEF policies and project requirements; Required

• Demonstrated project management and research skills; Required

• Ability to work in teams and establish good working relationships with different governmental and nongovernmental partners. Desirable

• Ability to take initiative when needed and to work without tight supervision. Desirable

• Demonstrated computer literacy. Required

Good interpersonal and communication skills. Desirable

• Establish legal agreements (Project Cooperation Agreements and/or Internal Agreements) with partners for project execution.
• Hold quarterly (monthly for projects at risk) management meetings with the executing agencies.
• Develop templates for, compile and review quarterly reports from executing agencies.
• Coordinate with reporting officer for quarterly update.
• Supervise Executing Agency for the Annual Project Implementation Report.
• Supervise Executing Agency for development and approval of annual workplan, budget forecasts and procurement plans.
• Provide Evaluation of the Executing Agency for internal records
• Work with stakeholders to design project concepts and ensure that they address GEF objectives and requirements, national and regional priorities, and align with UNEP’s programme of work.
• Coordinate the preparation of complete PIF and CEO Endorsement Request packages for new project concepts, provide technical assistance, and ensure quality control prior to submission to UNEP’s internal review process (CAG, QEC and PRC) and to the donor for approval.
• Develop road maps for project preparation phase (PPG), assist relevant consultants/project partners in preparing and editing required project documentation and ensure successful submission for approval prior to kick-start the implementation phase.
• Provide project oversight and management for an existing cohort of projects under direct supervision of the Task Managers.
• Internalization and inception supporting the preparation of legal agreements, preparing project execution trackers to monitor and track project delivery, output and outcomes; hold regular backstopping meetings with project execution teams, and review and clear quarterly and annual reports and plans; and work closely with the GEF IW team to coordinate and ensure timely communication with project teams, the Unit, Branch and Division to address any relevant issues and requests including from the GEF and the UNEP GEF Coordination Office (e.g. Audits, etc).
• Assist in preparing and editing project-based communication products that promote the portfolio at global and regional events and facilitate enhancing portfolio visibility through preparation of project updates for the UNEP website.
• Coordinate with the relevant UNEP GEF communications contact points to disseminate project related KM products, ensuring improved visibility both for the portfolio and for the projects.
• Ensure regular project updates to the IW:LEARN website for the UNEP GEF International Waters cohort of projects.
• Work closely with the financial officers and team assistant in preparing draft legal agreements (including PCAs, ICAs, and SSFAs) to operationalize project execution and mobilize resources at all stages of the project cycle (concept, preparation and implementation stage), and prepare TORs for various project and portfolio support consultants.
• Support to the entire UNEP GEF IW teams, strategic document formulation etc.

• Demonstrated project management and research skills
• Ability to work in teams and establish good working relationships with different governmental and nongovernmental partners
• Ability to take initiative when needed and to work without tight supervision
• Demonstrated computer literacy
• Good interpersonal and communication skills

• An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) related to international development, environmental economics or a related field is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in managing GEF projects relevant to International Waters or Chemicals and Waste; Required
• Familiarity with the UN System, as well as a good understanding of freshwater and marine and pollution related issues. Desirable
• Understanding of the GEF policies and project requirements; Required
• Demonstrated project management and research skills; Required
• Ability to work in teams and establish good working relationships with different governmental and nongovernmental partners. Desirable
• Ability to take initiative when needed and to work without tight supervision. Desirable
• Demonstrated computer literacy. Required
• Good interpersonal and communication skills. Desirable