Result of ServiceThe objective of the consultancy is to offer support in the project conceptualization and design of proposals for GEF8, provide technical support in project cycle management for projects under implementation, and assist in knowledge management. Work LocationHome-based Expected duration12 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe UN Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system’s designated entity to addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP’s Ecosystems Division is responsible for ecosystem management for human well-being, which covers biodiversity and ecosystem services: freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems: marine and coastal ecosystems: addressing the environmental causes and consequences of disasters and conflicts: adapting to climate change and: a poverty and environment initiative. UNEP has a sizeable Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded portfolio of International Waters (IW) projects in Africa, Asia and the Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean. This portfolio has grown exponentially in GEF-8 including with new flagship responsibilities (1) on plastics with the Circular Solutions to Plastic Pollution Integrated Programme co-led by UNEP, (2) on land-based sources of pollution with the Clean and Healthy Ocean Integrated Programme as well as (3) on BBNJ in addition to portfolio growth in each of the regions. Approved projects are in various phases of preparation, appraisal and supervision. Newly identified projects and concepts require research, data collection and analysis and, support to the quality control process, consultation with relevant countries and partners and, outreach. The competition for GEF resources has increased due to the involvement of more eligible agencies and with it the development of new projects has also been rising. Therefore, it is key to remain cutting edge when expanding the portfolio. Likewise, projects in execution also require support to the supervision process including technical inputs and quality assurance of the deliverables. The objective of the consultancy is to offer support in the project conceptualization and design of proposals for GEF8, provide technical support in project cycle management for projects under implementation, and assist in knowledge management. Under the overall supervision of the Chief, International Waters Unit and Portfolio Manager and direct technical guidance and day-to-day supervision of the UNEP Task Manager for Latin America & the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific, and global projects and Integrated Programmes, the Research Analyst will perform the following tasks under the International Waters portfolio: • Project Conceptualization and Design (50%)– Support the Task Manager in identifying and formulating project concepts and proposals for GEF8 in close coordination with project partners on the ground and other project beneficiaries. Assist with research, data collection and analysis and relevant technical support in the design of project concepts and ensure that they address GEF objectives and requirements, national and regional priorities, and align with the UN Environment programme priorities. Provide technical assistance in preparing the full package (Project Identification Forms (PIFs), endorsement & co-financing letters, and other relevant annexures) required for new project concepts and CEO endorsement documents and ensure quality control prior to submission to UN Environment Programme internal review process and to the donor for approval. Provide support in developing road maps to support 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 (30%) – Provide relevant technical support in project oversight; Assist in evaluating yearly (Project Implementation reports (PIRs)) and quarterly progress; and work closely with the Task Manager to coordinate and ensure timely communication with project teams to get updates on project implementation progress. • Knowledge Management (15%) – Assist in preparing result notes; experience notes and story maps documenting project technical achievements. • Any other tasks as required by the GEF IW Unit Chief (5%) including support to the entire UNEP GEF IW team, strategic document formulation etc. The consultancy will be home-based. Qualifications/special skills-M Sc related to natural resource management (NRM) and relevant to International Waters is required; -At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in water resource management is required -Familiarity with the UN System, as well as a good understanding of freshwater and marine issues is required; -Understanding of the GEF policies and project requirements is desirable -Demonstrated research skills and computer literacy – experience with Excel is required -Ability to write and communicate clearly and effectively in English is required; -Demonstrated computer literacy – experience with Excel is desirable. -Good interpersonal and communication skills is desirable. -Ability to work in team and establish good working relationships with different governmental and nongovernmental partners is desirable -Ability to take initiative when needed and to work without tight supervision is desirable LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Working knowledge of other UN languages is an 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.