National Specialist for UNDP-GEF Project Development

The Project Identification Form (PIF) titled ‘Effectively Managing Networks of Marine Protected Areas in Large Marine Ecosystems in the ASEAN Region (ASEAN ENMAPS) was approved by the GEF Council during its meeting in December 2021. A Project Preparation Grant (PPG) was approved to develop the project document and other requirements for GEF CEO endorsement.

UNDP seeks to engage a qualified National Specialist in Thailand to support the PPG team leader (International Specialist) as well as coordinate the national PPG team in aspects of the project design relating to national and sub-national policy, legal and institutional environment and engagement, marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable fisheries management.  S/he will act as the national counterpart for the PPG team leader.

The PPG will support all the preparatory work required to draft and finalize all the documentation required by the GEF for CEO Endorsement Request (CEO ER). The PPG phase will be underpinned by a participatory approach, with regular consultation and working meetings with all key PPG stakeholders throughout the PPG phase.

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field, such as Natural Sciences, Environmental Management, Marine Biology, Social Sciences or Political Sciences, etc.
• Minimum 10 years of demonstrable experience in the technical area of natural resource management, biodiversity mainstreaming in development planning, land/seascape ecology/ land/seascape management/ land/seascape restoration; marine conservation;
• Demonstrated understanding of the GEF and LDCF rationale and procedures, and demonstrated experience in formulation of GEF-funded project proposals, using the logical framework and the results-based management approaches;
• Previous working experience with GEF project agencies, such as UNDP, and familiarity with GEF and UNDP policies, procedures and practices is an asset;
• Experience working with the government agencies as well as communities in Thailand is an advantage.
• Ability to conduct independent research and facilitate consultation and workshops.
• Ability to deliver results, while remaining flexible and adaptive in light of challenging circumstances due to the evolving COVID-19 situation;
• Experience working in Thailand and the Asia region on related initiatives highly desired;
• Good working knowledge of national policy and regulation related to land use and landscape.
• Excellent coordination and leadership skills, as well as relationship management skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English language and Thai.