Location: Home-based
Department: UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Climate Change Division
Duration: 12 months
Application Deadline: 13 August 2025
Job ID: 261016
Category: Consultancy
Position Summary
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is seeking a highly qualified GEF Project Specialist II to provide strategic and operational support to a portfolio of climate change mitigation projects across Southeast Asia. Based within the Mitigation Branch of UNEP’s Climate Change Division, the consultant will oversee projects funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), working directly with executing agencies and national governments, primarily in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Maldives.
These projects cover a range of critical themes, including long-term decarbonization, electric mobility, energy efficiency, climate transparency, and sustainable urban development. The position is remote and reports to the Task Manager for Asia and the Pacific, GEF Mitigation Unit.
Key Responsibilities
Project Management
- Oversee the execution of GEF climate mitigation projects by tracking progress, identifying risks, and proposing mitigation strategies.
- Support the internalization of new GEF projects, including those in Thailand and Indonesia.
- Review financial and narrative reports submitted by executing agencies and offer detailed feedback for improvement.
- Coordinate timely submission of semi-annual and annual project implementation reports, including providing templates, guidance, and review.
- Facilitate project revisions, extensions, and closure processes by preparing supervision plans, risk logs, expenditure reviews, and revision documents.
Technical and Strategic Support
- Conduct technical reviews to ensure that project activities align with UNEP’s climate objectives and GEF guidelines.
- Assess project implementation capacity and link executing partners with technical collaborators where relevant.
- Collaborate with UNEP’s finance team to verify expenditure reports and cash advance requests from project partners.
Project Development and Pipeline Management
- Conduct research and stakeholder mapping for future GEF-9 climate change mitigation proposals.
- Identify and propose at least five innovative project ideas in areas such as energy efficiency, electric mobility, urban cooling, and climate transparency.
- Draft legal agreements and documentation for internal project clearance processes.
Portfolio Management and Reporting
- Prepare databases for the Integrated Planning, Management, and Reporting (IPMR) system and ensure timely uploading of project data.
- Maintain regular communication with executing agencies to ensure timely reporting and compliance with technical and financial requirements.
Deliverables & Performance Indicators
- All project reports, risk assessments, and revision documentation completed and approved by the Task Manager.
- Timely review and feedback on partner submissions.
- New project concepts prepared and submitted for internal discussion.
- Accurate data management and documentation within UNEP systems.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in environmental management, engineering, public policy, climate, development studies, energy, law, urban planning, or a related discipline.
- A first-level degree plus two additional years of experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
- Minimum 5 years of experience managing or supporting climate change, environmental, or development projects.
- Demonstrated experience working with national governments in the Asia region is essential.
- Familiarity with GEF, GCF, or UNEP project processes is highly desirable.
- Experience with Southeast Asian national contexts is considered a strong asset.
Languages
- Fluency in English is required.
- Knowledge of additional UN or regional languages is considered an advantage.
About UNEP and the GEF Unit
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority within the UN system. Its Climate Change Division implements climate mitigation projects across the globe, focusing on transformative impact and alignment with multilateral environmental agreements. The GEF Mitigation Unit provides technical and financial oversight to ensure that funded projects meet environmental goals while adhering to rigorous standards of transparency and accountability.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply online through the UN Careers portal.
Ensure that your profile is complete and includes all relevant academic and professional qualifications. Only complete applications submitted via the official portal will be considered. No fee is required to apply.
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