Project Closure Coordination

Result of ServiceProgress towards closure of aged projects. Work LocationOffice based at Corporate Services Division (CSD), Nairobi Kenya Expected duration4 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Environment Programme (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. The Corporate Services Division (CSD) is the guardian of UNEP's corporate interest, mitigating the organization's exposure to risk and supporting it with up-to-date management tools, guidelines and capacity building. CSD oversees UNEP's efficient and effective management as well as adherence to the core values of the UN in line with relevant accountability requirements, rules and regulations. The organization has established a Task Force on Project Closures to expedite closure of projects. The Corporate Services Division (CSD) seeks to engage a consultant to assist the Task Force in expediting the closure process of GEF projects. Under the direct supervision of the PPD Finance and Budget Officer and overall reporting to Chief FMS. The consultant’s main objectives will be to achieve the following: ● Facilitate the expedited closure of projects and/or grants that are aged more than two years. ● Address audit recommendations by implementing corrective measures related to delayed project closures. ● Provide strategic guidance and technical expertise to resolve challenges associated with project and grant closures. ● Lead the implementation of streamlined approval processes to ensure project closure targets are achieved. ● Develop training materials and deliver structured capacity-building sessions. ● Recommend necessary revisions to the UNEP Programme Manual to enhance project closure procedures. ● Ensure comprehensive documentation and adherence to donor compliance requirements throughout the closure process. Duties and Responsibilities ● Assessment and Review of Projects: Conduct a comprehensive review of all projects aged over two years, evaluating their current status and identifying systemic bottlenecks in the closure process. This includes reviewing documentation, assessing outstanding deliverables, and determining the required actions for closure. ● Development of Action Plans: Lead the formulation of detailed action plans for closing aging projects, including the creation of timelines and establishment of clear, measurable milestones. ● Due Diligence and Compliance: Provide technical oversight to ensure all closure requirements are fulfilled, including audits, reconciliations, and financial reporting. Ensure full compliance with donor requirements and contractual obligations. ● Streamlining Processes: Collaborate with the Task Force to optimize and simplify internal approval workflows related to project closures. Provide strategic recommendations, including the adoption of mass closure mechanisms where applicable. ● Engagement with Technical Divisions: Coordinate proactively with technical divisions to identify and resolve operational and procedural barriers to timely project closure. ● Monitoring and Reporting: Establish a robust monitoring framework to track the progress of project closures, including the development of templates and tools for reporting. Provide regular updates to the Task Force, highlighting key risks and mitigation strategies. ● Training and Capacity Building: Design and deliver training materials and capacity-building sessions to institutionalize best practices and ensure sustained improvements in project closure processes. Qualifications/special skills1- A masters in Economics, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field is required. A Bachelor's degree with additional two years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of the Master's degree 2. Experience working on project closures within the United Nations or similar international organization is desirable. 3. Previous experience in project closures of GEF and/or other Global Funds is required. 4. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience within the United Nations or similar international organization in administration and project support is required. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the consultancy post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Working knowledge of another UN Language is desirable. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.