Result of ServiceThe expert is expected to edit 9–10 project proposals, prepare a financing opportunity mapping report, and support Forum reporting with deliverables submitted progressively throughout the consultancy. 1. Edited project proposals: 9 to 10 edited proposals of 10–15 pages each based on a common template that includes clear problem statement, expected impact, evidence-based justification, log frame and results-based budgets. 2. Mapping Financing Opportunities Report: A comprehensive report (10-12 pages) identifying potential funding sources, recommending suitable financiers for each project proposal, with associated contact information. Work LocationRemotely Expected duration2 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) launched the Multi-stakeholder Platform for Protecting Biodiversity in 2023 as part of the Climate Resilience through Regional Cooperation for Inclusive Sustainable Development project, supported by the Government of Sweden. The platform aims to foster regional collaboration in project development to mobilize biodiversity finance, strengthening climate resilience efforts in the Arab region. The Platform focuses on three thematic areas crucial for the Arab region: (a) Nature-based solutions for climate resilience; (b) Land degradation in arid agricultural ecosystems; and (c) Renewable energy and biodiversity. Each thematic area is led by a dedicated working group, coordinated by a convenor institution, and composed of member organizations responsible for developing joint project concept notes and proposals. These groups have met through in-person and virtual sessions to identify priority project ideas and shape them into fundable proposals. ESCWA will convene a Regional Forum on Biodiversity Finance, where working groups will present their proposals and engage with potential funders. To ensure high-quality, coherent, and compelling project proposals, linking biodiversity restoration to action for climate resilience, ESCWA seeks an Expert in Biodiversity Project Proposal Design and Resource Mobilization to refine and standardize the proposals, enhance their fundability, map suitable funding sources, and support the preparations for the Forum. Objective and Methodology The expert will support the review and finalization of biodiversity-related project proposals in light of potential funding opportunities, and ensure the proposals are aligned with the common template for dissemination. The expert will also conduct a mapping exercise to identify relevant financing opportunities and recommend potential funding sources for each project. Additionally, the expert will support the organization of the regional biodiversity finance forum, including, facilitation of sessions and preparation of forum outputs. Tasks - Duties and Responsibilities The expert will be responsible for the following overall duties, namely: a) Project Proposals Enhancement • Support strengthening the quality and financing potential of biodiversity-related project proposals by refining their structure, coherence by refining their structure, coherence, and alignment with funder priorities/requirements and produce harmonized project proposal documents. • Meet with the three Working Group convenors and members to discuss improvements to the project proposals. • Review and edit 9 to 10 project proposals to improve their structure, coherence and alignment with minimum requirements and priorities of potential donors. • Ensure the problem statement is clearly articulated in each proposal and is supported by the evidence base and innovative response measures. • Enhance the fundability aspects by highlighting anticipated impact, financial viability, and scalability. • Ensure alignment between project objectives, log frame and proposed activities to maintain logical consistency, and cross-check linkage to national biodiversity for climate resilience. • Review and finalization of results-based project budget for each project proposal, based on a standardized template. • Standardize proposals (10–15 pages each) and their structure to be developed into visually coherent project proposal suitable for submission to funding entities. b) Financing Opportunities Mapping & Recommendations • Propose a list of potential funders and identify them as potential speakers and participants to invite to the regional forum, based on their alignment with the project proposals and funding priorities. Qualifications/special skillsA master’s degree in environmental management, sustainable development, biodiversity, climate change, economics, finance, or sustainable development policy field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with five years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. At least 7 years of work experience in environment management, sustainable development, biodiversity, climate change, economics, finance, or related field is required. At least two years of experience preparing project proposals in the fields of environment, biodiversity, climate change and/or sustainable development is required. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French and Arabic is desirable. Note: \"Fluency\" equals a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and \"Knowledge of\" equals a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas. 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.