Project Development Specialist

Result of ServiceThe CITES MIKES project document is developed to the satisfaction of the CITES Secretariat and the European Commission and is submitted in a timely manner. Project work plan, log frame, and budget are clear and implementable. Project partners are fully consulted and have full understanding of the overall aim of the project, as well as the deliverables related to them. Outputs/Work Assignment 1. Project Identification Document and associated supporting documents 2. HR needs assessment report outlining recommended MIKE Programme staff structure, roles and workflows 3. Action Document and associated supporting documents 4. Technical and Administrative Provisions and associated supporting documents Work LocationRemote Expected duration7 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) 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 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between states. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival ( The CITES Secretariat is administered by UN Environment and is located at the Geneva duty station. This assignment is part of the CITES Secretariat’s work under the Outreach and Projects Unit, Monitoring of the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) Programme. The MIKE programme incorporates the system established by the CITES Conference of the Parties to monitor levels of illegal killing of elephants at more than 80 conservation areas spread across 47 elephant range States in Africa and Asia, with the goal of providing reliable information and building capacity for the management of elephant populations. Under the overall supervision of Chief, Outreach and Projects Unit, and in close consultation with the Programme Management Officers of the MIKE Programme team, the consultant will develop a full project proposal for the third phase of the EU-funded project through the following tasks: 1. Develop a provisional results framework for the new project, based on the approved project concept and incorporating lessons learnt from previous phases of the project, comments/inputs provided by the donor, and other emerging key opportunities and priorities; 2. Hold internal and external consultations wit relevant partners and stakeholders concerning the aims, strategies and major features of the new project, including DG-INTPA, TRAFFIC Elephant Trade Information System (ETIS), IUCN/SSC African Elephant Specialist Group (AfESG), and, as appropriate and feasible, representatives of key African Elephant range States; 3. Prepare the full project documents according to the project preparation requirements of the European Commission, including an Identification Document, Action Document, Technical & Administrative Provisions (TAP), and other ancillary documents as required to fulfil the EC's internal review processes; 4. Carry out a human resource needs assessment for the implementation of the project, including reviewing the existing MIKE Programme capacity, and incorporate it into the project document; 5. In cooperation with the Fund Management Officer, develop the project budget for the project; 6. Revise and finalise the project documents in light of inputs provided internally and externally, ensuring that the project addresses priority needs and is cost-effective and implementable, both from programmatic and administrative viewpoints; 7. Explore other funding opportunities for areas where budget shortages may be expected; and 8. Perform other duties related to the above, as required. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree in management, natural resource management, conservation ecology or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. • At least ten years of relevant work experience in experience in the development of large capacity-building projects • Experience in Theory of Change design, logframe formulation, and HR/budget planning; • Prior experience with international organisations, in particular working with developing countries, particularly in Africa • At least five years’ experience in institutional change and programmatic planning is desirable • Experience in having worked on the implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) is desirable. • Knowledge of national and site-level wildlife and biodiversity conservation and law enforcement • Demonstrated track record of developing successful EU project proposals. LanguagesEnglish, French and Spanish are the working languages of the CITES Secretariat. For the post advertised, Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Working knowledge of French is desirable. Additional InformationAdditional Terms of Reference: Minimising the Illegal Killing of Elephants and Other Endangered Species (MIKES) is a project funded by the European Union and implemented under the MIKE programme. It provides support for generating data on the status and trends in African elephant populations, illegal killing and illegal trade in ivory, as well as for activities to strengthen the capacity of wildlife law enforcement agencies at the national level and in focal sites to reduce the impacts of poaching and illegal wildlife trade. The second phase of the project is currently undersay which commenced in 2020 and is concluding in 2025. Following the successful implementation of the previous MIKES projects and taking into account the new strategic framework of the current programmatic cycle of the European Commission, the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG-INTPA) agreed for the CITES Secretariat to develop a third phase of the project for financing by the European Development Fund. This consultancy is intended to support the Secretariat in the development of a detailed financing proposal for the new project, in line with the European Commission's and the CITES Secretarit’s internal project preparation guidelines. Reporting Lines: The consultant will report to Chief of the CITES Outreach and Projects Unit. The consultancy is home-based. Regular communication and reporting will be made through virtual means (email, MS Teams, and other VoIP). Travel Details Depending on where the consultant is based, the consultant may require travel to Geneva/Brussels and Nairobi. Competencies: Professionalism: Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. Demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to CITES Secretariat; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to CITES Secretariat procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; 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.