• Under the supervision of the Task Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean for GEF mitigation projects, the Project Specialist is required to manage part of UNEP’s portfolio of GEF mitigation projects in Latin American and the Caribbean. Thematic areas of these projects include those related to sustainable cities, low-carbon mobility, energy efficiency and climate transparency. Specific tasks and responsibilities Project identification and development for GEF-9
• Engage with national counterparts to identify and design GEF-9 project opportunities, particularly in countries such as (but not limited to) Brazil, and Caribbean nations.
• Lead and support consultations with country stakeholders to map and screen project concepts based on country needs, technical feasibility, transformative potential, co-financing opportunities, and alignment with GEF programming and UNEP priorities.
• Prepare and submit concept notes and PIFs for UNEP’s internal review and quality assurance processes, as well as for submission to national governments and the GEF.
• Support the hiring process and supervision of consultants involved in the development of CEO endorsement packages during GEF PPG phase.
• Support the preparation of CEO Endorsement documents and relevant annexes, by providing technical inputs, revising implementation plans, and monitoring timelines to ensure project development occurs on time and in compliance with UNEP and GEF processes. More specifically, this involves:
• Provide inputs to stakeholder consultation processes.
• Revision of first and final drafts, for UNEP internal review and GEF Secretariat submission. (CEO endorsement and annexes to be included in the first draft will be discussed and agreed upon with the Task Manager) o Coordinate and draft responses to comments from UNEP internal review bodies (e.g., PRC) and the GEF Secretariat. o Support the preparation and upload of project endorsement document packages to the GEF portal.
• Provide technical inputs and guidance on issues related to urban development, sustainable mobility, energy-efficient buildings, and other thematic areas aligned with the candidate’s expertise. Project management of projects under execution
• Serve as the primary UNEP focal point for the projects, maintaining regular communication with the executing agencies and key partners.
• Monitor project progress against approved timelines, budgets, and indicators, identifying risks and implementation bottlenecks.
• Support adaptive management, including project revisions, reprogramming of resources, and responses to emerging challenges or opportunities.
• Discuss project progress, risks, and mitigation strategies with the Task Manager and team members to support informed decision-making and timely interventions.
• Other unit support
•  Articulate with other UNEP areas and institutions working on similar topics in the region and globally.
• Engage with UNEP Regional Offices, Sub-Regional offices and country focal points -and Resident Coordinator offices when required- to guarantee political and programmatic alignment.

Qualifications/special skills

• Advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: management, engineering, law, business administration, environmental management, policy, economics, development, climate or development finance, architecture, urbanism, or a related discipline;
• A first level degree with additional two years of qualifying experience maybe accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in managing projects related to climate change, environment, sustainable cities or development is required;
• Experience in reviewing project documents, progress reports, workplans, and financial documents (budgets and expenditure reports) is required;
• Experience in working with national governments of Latin America and the Caribbean is required;
• Experience working with GEF, GCF, CDM or UNEP projects is a desirable;