The main responsibility of the assignment is to conduct the detailed project design and execution arrangements and develop the UNEP Project Document, GEF CEO Endorsement Request, including all applicable annexes, for the project. The consultancy will be home-based. The consultant will report to the Johan Robinson, Head of GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation Unit, Ecosystem Division of UNEP, based in Nairobi, Kenya, and work closely with MAFE and other national and provincial counterparts in Palau.

Objectives, expected outputs and performance indicators

• The PPG process will support a suite of activities to further identify and cost the actions to be included in the MSP, including:
• Analysis of policy and institutional capacity to support the environment for mainstreaming biodiversity considerations into aquaculture enterprise development and management – involving socio-economic analysis, gap analysis of current policy and regulations, national plans and policies, GIS survey, criteria to be developed, aquaculture permitting and training for aquaculture facilitators (detailed design of Outputs 1.1 to 1.7).
• Assessment of conditions and opportunities for implementing of sustainable aquaculture practices – involving aquaculture education and training program, monitoring program, infrastructure to be established, aquaculture farms to be developed and its strategy (detailed design of Outputs 2.1 to 2.5).
• Strategy for knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation, awareness raising and training – involving in developing a plan for knowledge products, data information system, communication system and M&E system (detailed design of Output 3.1 to 3.4) and
• Overall guidance and final documentation. The PPG process will also respond to requests made during the GEF Council meeting held in June 2020 and reproduced in the annex to the CEO ER document.
• The detailed activities and deliverables of the PPG phase are listed below under Outputs.

Main tasks of the PPG TL:

• To support the implementation of the PPG and write the full project document, in consultation with MAFE of Government of Palau, and local and international partner organizations. The consultant will be responsible; in close consultation with the UNEP Task Manager and in close collaboration with the national consultant as well as the range of other national and international programs, projects and partners listed in the Project Identification Form (PIF) concept. A full and detailed Terms of Reference for the PPG will be made available to the consultant, with the summary of tasks for the PPG TL listed below.

Specifically, the consultant will be required to complete the following tasks:

• PPG Team Planning Meeting: organize a Skype call with the UNEP Task Manager (TM), MAFE and National Consultant to review plans for the PPG, and arrangements for inception workshop (start August 2022);
• Prepare a detailed work plan at the outset of the Project Preparatory Grant (PPG) formulation process, in collaboration with MAFE and the national consultant, and provide an overall orientation to the national consultant in relation to GEF and UNEP requirements, including the set Project Document and GEF CEO ER templates (by August 2022);
• Prepare and reach agreement with the National Consultant on detailed workplan and deliverables, contents of reporting and communications (e.g. through Skype, email, etc) and monitor and supervise the deliverables.
• Develop detailed schedule, deliverables and agreement with UNEP TM and MAFE of the Government of Palau;
• Ensure that sufficient and relevant information is acquired, and all requisite consultations and studies are completed for timely preparation of PPG reports and delivery of the UNEP Project Document and GEF CEO Endorsement Request document;
• Initiate remote and on-site meetings in Palau with MAFE and key government departments of concern to the baseline assessment, project design and MSP project execution arrangements, including at national and provincial level and the National Consultant;
• Conduct the situation analyses, as well as the identification and documentation of relevant baseline conditions based on the data collection and analysis by the National Consultant;
• Develop and/or finetune a feasible and measurable Project Results Frameworks having an integrated set of SMART indicators and midterm and end-of-project targets that monitor outcomes, including the costing of the Project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan;
• Ensure, including through coordinating the related work by the National Consultant, that all relevant national and provincial stakeholders are widely consulted throughout the PPG process and that work under development is shared on a regular basis to ensure that the project is responsive to stakeholders needs, feasible to implement, has broad ownership and that stakeholders agree on the implementation and execution arrangements;
• Review all former and ongoing GEF and other donor/NGO financed (baseline) projects related to the project objectives and describe in detail how the current project will build on these initiatives, using their knowledge, experience and lessons learnt to build a solid foundation;
• Ensure that the design of the project complements national development plans, sectoral plans and policies.
• Apply the UNEP Social and Economic Review (ESERN checklist), based on information provided by the National Consultant
• Ensure that any review points from the GEF Secretariat or GEF Council, including those made during the project identification stage, as well as the formal review by the UNEP Project Review Committee are met and responded to in the Project Document and CEO Endorsement Request;
• Prepare a detailed multi-year budget using the standard templates provided by UNEP and ensure that the budget reflects the mandatory requirements of the GEF Monitoring and Evaluation Policy as well as the set Project Management Costs ceiling;
• Pay particular attention to gender mainstreaming and social inclusiveness, including socioeconomic and gender disaggregated indicators in the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan;
• Develop and finalize the project's Monitoring and Evaluation work plan, with responsibilities and accountabilities clearly defined, as well as an appropriate budget – based on the relevant UNEP template;
• Write the full project documents (both the UNEP template as well as the GEF CEO Endorsement Request, including annexes); present drafts to national stakeholders for review and incorporate the ensuing comments;
• Perform final reviews of the project documentation, as required;
• Compile response to review comments by UNEP, MAFE, GEF Secretariat, and make necessary revisions to the documents
• The consultancy will be home-based.

Qualifications/special skills

• Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental planning and management, and/or natural resource research, development and conservation is required.
• Experience: Minimum 10 years professional experience in the field of management and protection of biodiversity, environmental planning and conservation, and ecosystem services is required.
• Additional significant knowledge of GEF policies and programming, as well as senior experience in GEF project formulation and writing of GEF Project Document and CEO Endorsement is highly desirable.
• Work experience in coastal and marine environment sector, particularly in planning and management, working with a broad range of stakeholders and international donor agencies are desired.
• Language: English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the consultancy post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required.

The Activities Comprise

• Identifying who the potential off-takers for the three cash crops in question (cashew nuts, shea nuts and néré seeds) could be and discuss with potential off-takers, and detailing minimum requirements to extend purchase agreements to the project cooperatives.
• Mapping the location, size of cooperatives, gender composition and production amount of the cooperatives for the three cash crops in question (cashew nuts, shea nuts and néré seeds) in the seven identified municipalities, as well as the production potential.
• Assessing barriers to establishing purchase agreements with the project cooperatives considering minimum requirements established in discussions with potential off-takers (point 1 above). The consultant should identify and consult with key stakeholders (financial institutions including micro finance institutions, processing plants, aggregators, government ministries, end buyers including associations that can connect to end buyers such as the Global Shea Association) for each product value chain. The consultant should screen business strategies used by existing cooperatives, the gaps and opportunities for each.
• Assess whether there is a rationale to create new cooperatives based on (point 2 above) and (point 3 above) to strengthen the interest of off-takers in the project areas.
• Broadly evaluate the economic value of potential trade agreements for each of the three products.
• Identify policies, sector plans and business strategies that could increase scale and productivity across the value chain and promote sustainable land-use approaches, e.g. affordable insurance products to mitigate climate risk, government based subsidies and extension services. This should inform the development of the workplan for Output 3 on the mainstreaming approach.
• Develop the strategic approach and workplan
• Based on the outcomes of (A), develop the Output 2.2 strategic approach and workplan inclusive of timeline, outputs, milestones, key results, and budget. The strategic approach should also include a recommendation for management of this workstream within the PMU. The workplan should include recommendations for developing targeted policy analytical pieces, economic analysis and/or developing blending finance concepts.
• Develop a monitoring framework to track capacity strengthening of cooperatives with the aim of signing of new trade agreements by 2024.

Qualifications/special Skills

• Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environment, economics and/or related field is required.
• Experience: At least fifteen (15) years of work experience in agriculture value chains and smallholder farmers, particularly to put in place climate resilient agricultural practices is required
• Understanding of financing models and underlying business cases for smallholder famers to access finance, particularly linking value chains to offtake agreements is required.
• Experience in scoping of partnerships and drafting of offtake agreements market buyers (and potentially interested investors) in the agriculture sector is required.
• Understanding of risk mitigation instruments including guarantee and insurance products for the agriculture sector, particularly the role for promoting offtake agreements is desirable.
• Knowledge of the fiscal policy framework for the agriculture sector in Benin, including potential public funds for the sector is desirable.

This position is located in the Public Sector Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Unit , Corporate Services Division, at the Nairobi duty station. Under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Management Officer, the incumbent will perform the following functions;

Responsibilities

• Management of Unit's correspondence, records and archives and correspondence campaigns
• Manages incoming and outgoing correspondence of Unit including assigning items to team members, responds and drafts responses that require background and file searches and oversees timely and accurate finalization and submission of responses. Prepares, processes and classifies confidential information.
• Maintains and updates correspondence logs in coordination with Director's and Executive Office.
• Leads the management and maintenance of the Unit's archives and records.
• Manages the schedule for fundraising correspondence, coordinates execution of correspondence campaigns in collaboration with the regional offices and the Executive Office.
• Human Resources Management
• Coordinates and provides advice on various actions related to the administration of Unit’s human resource activities, e.g. recruitment, placement, promotion, relocation, performance appraisal, job classification reviews, separation of staff members, training. Ensures consistency in application of UN rules and procedures. Liaises with central administration/executive services as required.
• Oversees maintenance of vacancy announcement files and keeps track of status of vacancy announcements.
• Reviews and processes personnel actions in UMOJA.
• Advises staff on visa matters.
• Provides advice and answers general queries on classification procedures and processes.
• Provides information and advice to staff/consultants with respect to conditions of service, privileges and entitlements under the Staff Rules and Regulations.
• Monitors staffing tables for a variety of human resource activities, e.g., appointments, retirement, expiration of appointments, reassignments, transfer and movement of staff.
• Monitors staff training activities and ensures compliance with UN Mandatory Training.
• Budget and Finance
• Provides expert assistance in preparation and development of the unit's work programme and budget.
• Assists in monitoring budget/work programme with respect to various budgets and funds on a regular basis, suggests and implements reallocations of resources as necessary.
• Collects data from relevant databases and prepares customized financial reports.
• Reviews, analyses and assists in finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, in terms of staff and non-staff requirements, including programmatic aspects; ensures compliance with medium-term plan and other legislative mandates.
• Assists managers in the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions.
• Reviews requisitions for goods and services to ensure correct objects of expenditure have been charged and availability of funds.
• Monitors extra-budgetary resources, including review of agreements and cost plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and rules and established policies and procedures.
• Assists in the preparation of budget performance submissions.
• Assists in finalization of budget performance reports, analysing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
• General Administration
• Provides guidance and training to other staff in the area of responsibility.
• Identifies and resolves diverse issues/problems as they arise and determines appropriate actions.
• Coordinates extensively with other service units and liaises frequently with internal team members.
• Establishes/improves administrative procedures and systems including overseeing preparation and updating of Standard Operating Procedures.
• Assists in monitoring the implementation of Unit’s workplans including compliance with requirements and timelines.
• Organizes and coordinates preparation of major meetings, seminars and events including annual consultations and outreach events with funding partners.
• Coordinates regular staff meetings schedules, keeps records and takes follow up action.
• Performs other related administrative duties as required e.g. operational travel programme - makes travel arrangements for staff including flight bookings, visa and hotel bookings; procurement: prepares procurement plans for the Unit, creates purchase orders for office supplies in UMOJA, audits supplier invoices against goods and services provided, processes and monitors payments; physical space planning, property management, identification of office technology needs and maintenance of equipment, software and system.
• Performs any other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to perform a broad range of administrative functions, e.g., budget/work programme, human resources, database management. Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work
• PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
• TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent is required. Supplementary training in administration, finance, budget, accounting or related field is required.
• Passing the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration in the General Services and related categories in the United Nations Secretariat. Successful passing of the Administrative Support Assessment Test (ASAT) in English at the United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ), Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) or International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) may be accepted in lieu of the GGST.
• The GGST is administered to applicants when required before the administration of a written assessment and/or interview.

Work Experience

• Ten (10) years of experience in administrative services, accounting, audit, human resources or related area is required.
• Experience in budget and financial management is desirable.
• Experience in organizing meetings and events is desirable.
• Experience in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is desirable