Project Design Expert

Result of Service1. Final Project Document ready to submit to the Project Review ommittee. 2. Donor Mapping and Fundraising Strategy Document 3. Final Consultancy Report Work LocationHome Based Expected duration3 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 upcoming Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) for 2026-2029, to be adopted at the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), will provide the strategic direction for UNEP's work. Indigenous Peoples, local communities, who are custodians of an estimated 80% of the world’s remaining biodiversity, hold unique knowledge, perspectives, and rights that are critical to achieving global environmental goals, including those related to climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. To ensure the effective and respectful integration of these perspectives, UNEP is initiating a global project to systematically mainstream Indigenous Peoples, local communities' knowledge, rights, and participation into the implementation of the MTS 2026-2029 and its subsequent Programmes of Work. This project will require a whole-of-UNEP approach, engaging all Divisions, Regional Offices, and Multilateral Environmental Agreement (MEA) secretariats hosted by UNEP. A critical first step is the development of a full, bankable UNEP Project Document and the initiation of a robust fundraising process, grounded in meaningful consultation with Indigenous Peoples, local communities from the outset. Under the overall supervision of Mr. Fabrice Inkonkoy, and in close collaboration with all the UNEP divisions as well as Regional and Country offices, the consultant’s primary objective is to develop a comprehensive UNEP Project Document and initiate a targeted fundraising process for a global project aimed at \"Mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples, local communities' Perspectives into the Implementation of the UNEP MTS 2026-2029 and its Programmes of Work.\" The consultant will ensure the project design is strategically aligned with the upcoming MTS, built on principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and structured for collaborative delivery across UNEP. Scope of Work and Key Responsibilities: The consultant will perform the following tasks: A. Project Document Development: 1. Inception Report: Prepare an inception report detailing the methodology, work plan, stakeholder engagement plan, and outline for the Project Document. 2. Stakeholder Mapping & Consultation: • Identify and map key internal UNEP stakeholders (all Divisions, Regional Offices, MEA Secretariats) and external partners (e.g., UNPFII, IUCN, relevant Indigenous Peoples, local communities’ organizations and networks). • Conduct virtual and/or written consultations with these stakeholders to gather inputs, assess needs, identify synergies, and ensure buy-in. • As a central component of the project development process, the consultant will plan and conduct a formal in-person consultation session with representatives of Indigenous Peoples, local communities from the seven socio-cultural regions (Africa; Asia; Central and South America and the Caribbean; the Arctic; Central and Eastern Europe, Russian Federation, Central Asia and Transcaucasia; North America; and the Pacific) on the sidelines of UNEA-7. The purpose of this session is to initiate the Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPI) process, present the initial project concept, and seek their critical inputs, guidance, and FPIC to shape the initiative's design and objectives. 3. Situational and Gap Analysis: • Review existing UNEP policies, strategies, and projects related to Indigenous Peoples, local communities. • Analyze the draft MTS 2026-2029 to identify concrete entry points for mainstreaming. • Conduct a gap analysis to identify institutional and programmatic barriers and opportunities, incorporating feedback from the UNEA-7 consultation. 4. Develop the Full UNEP Project Document: This must adhere to UNEP's standard format, reflect the global scope of the project, and include, at a minimum: • Project rationale and justification: clearly linking to the MTS, UNEP's mandate, and global commitments (e.g., UNDRIP, Kunming-Montreal GBF, Paris Agreement, Land Degradation Neutrality Targets as well as Chemicals and Pollution Action). • Theory of Change and logical Framework: with clear, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives, outcomes, outputs, indicators, and means of verification. • Description of project components/work Packages. • Implementation and management arrangements: defining roles for a proposed Project Management Unit, a global steering committee (with balanced Indigenous Peoples, local communities' representation from the seven regions), and focal points across divisions and regional offices. • Monitoring and Evaluation Framework: Risk Analysis and Mitigation Strategies, including robust mitigation measures to prevent potential adverse impacts and ensure ethical and culturally sensitive engagement. • Sustainability and Exit Strategy. • Detailed Budget: a five-year budget broken down by components and aligned with UNEP financial rules. B. Fundraising Strategy Initiation: 1. Donor Mapping and Analysis: identify and analyze potential donors (governmental, philanthropic, multilateral) whose strategic priorities align with the project's global objectives. 2. Develop a Fundraising Strategy document: outline key approaches, messaging, and a timeline for engagement with prioritized donors. 3. Develop Fundraising materials: create a compelling project concept note, pitch deck, and executive summary tailored for donor audiences, which can highlight the inclusive consultation process at UNEA-7 as a key strength. 4. Initial Donor Outreach: support UNEP in initiating contact with a shortlist of 3-5 high-priority donors, based on the strategy. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental science, anthropology, development studies, international relations, law, social sciences, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree Experience with project development, implementation, management and monitoring and evaluation of sustainable development projects, in particular in the areas of biodiversity, land degradation, and Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) is required. Demonstrable experience in the development and design of large complex and integrated GEF projects and/or programmes is required. Good knowledge of and experience with the Congo Basin context is necessary, including knowledge of and experience with engaging and facilitating multiple stakeholder processes is desirable. Technical and intellectual skills in biodiversity management, landscape management, wildlife management and enforcement, protected area management, sustainable fisheries management and gender equality is desirable. Experience in integrated policy development processes associated with environment and sustainable development issues is desirable. Demonstrable expertise in managing relationships and developing and maintaining strategic partnerships including across government and non-government actors is desirable A Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the field of biodiversity conservation, protected area management and natural resource management is required. LanguagesFluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language (especially Spanish or French) and/or an Indigenous language is a distinct asset. 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.