UNEP planetGOLD Consultant

The ultimate result of the services will be a complete, internally reviewed and submission-ready Programme Framework Document package for “planetGOLD Programme Phase 4”, including required annexes and supporting materials, for submission to the GEF Secretariat by 23 October 2026 and subsequent response to review comments as needed.

Home-based

6 months

Organizational Setting: The 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 overall objective of the UNEP's Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision-makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. The GEF Chemicals and Green Chemistry Unit of the Chemicals and Health Branch is responsible for the development and management of all GEF projects implemented by UNEP in the Chemicals and Wastes focal area. The team is responsible for the identification, development and implementation of projects funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by UNEP. As part of its duties, the GEF Chemicals and Green Chemistry Unit supervises a portfolio of ongoing projects, develops new projects for submission to the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and supports countries in closing completed projects. The Unit is developing the Programme Framework Document (PFD) package for planetGOLD Programme Phase 4, with a target submission deadline to the GEF Secretariat of 23 October 2026. The assignment is time sensitive and requires dedicated technical and coordination support to prepare a complete, quality-assured PFD submission package in line with current GEF and UNEP requirements. The purpose of this Terms of Reference is to recruit an international consultant to support the development of the Programme Framework Document (PFD) and associated annexes for planetGOLD Programme Phase 4. The programme will support participating countries in reducing and eliminating mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) through a holistic approach that strengthens formalization, improves access to finance, promotes mercury-free technologies and responsible practices, advances responsible and traceable gold supply chains, integrates gender and safeguards considerations, and contributes to the implementation of Parties’ obligations under the Minamata Convention on Mercury. This work requires specialized experience in GEF programme preparation, familiarity with UNEP and GEF project-cycle requirements, strong technical knowledge of mercury reduction in ASGM, and dedicated availability to coordinate inputs from countries, executing partners and technical stakeholders. The temporary and output-based nature of the assignment does not justify the recruitment of permanent staff, and the services to be performed do not duplicate work already undertaken or planned by other individuals, departments or offices. Reporting lines: Under the overall supervision of the Head GEF Chemicals and Green Chemistry Unit, the consultant shall report directly to the GEF Task Manager responsible for the planetGOLD portfolio. Final deliverables shall also be approved by the Portfolio Manager, GEF Chemicals and Green Chemistry Unit. Specific duties and responsibilities: The UNEP planetGOLD Consultant will be responsible for drafting planetGOLD Programme Phase 4 Programme Framework Document (PFD) - Coordinate, receive and analyse reports, information and data on the subject matter from main partners, including government focal points, national and federal institutions, executing partners, regional teams, ASGM stakeholders and other relevant partners. - Develop the programme baseline scenario and key barriers preventing mercury reduction and elimination in ASGM, including barriers related to formalization, finance, mercury-free technologies, market access, gender equality, safeguards and enabling policy frameworks. - Develop the programme design, including programme objective, components, outcomes, outputs, indicative child projects, activities and the related Theory of Change (ToC). - Assist UNEP Task Manager in discussing and deciding on key project issues, including budgeting, co-financing and implementation arrangements. - Draft the PFD and its associated annexes and appendices, including child project annexes where applicable, according to UNEP and GEF requirements. - Address UNEP internal review comments and GEF reviews - Support the Task Managers in developing the Project Preparation Grant (PPG) request and related materials, including inputs on PPG work planning, budget use, stakeholder engagement, country consultations and preparation activities for child projects, where applicable.

Advanced university degree in a field related to Environmental Sciences or relevant field (e.g. international relations, law, political or social science, environmental studies, environmental or industrial or chemical engineering) is required. A first-level university degree, combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. At least 7 years of working experience in project or programme management, including project or programme preparation at the international level, is required. Working knowledge of donor-funded projects and programmes, including development and supervision, is required. Experience preparing GEF and/or UNEP project or programme documents is desirable. Experience in environmental, chemicals, mercury or ASGM-related programmes, including work on formalization, access to finance, mercury-free technologies, responsible supply chains, safeguards or gender mainstreaming, is desirable.

Fluency in English, including good drafting/writing skills is essential. Working knowledge of French is desired.

Not available.

THE 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.