Key Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for:

• Data Analysis & Portfolio Review
• Assess existing databases and portfolio records to ensure the accuracy and completeness of scorecard data.
• Collaborate with project task managers to extract relevant data, categorize projects by thematic focus, and identify key lessons learned.
• Recommend process improvements to streamline reporting and establish clear timelines for report submissions.
• Action Plan Development
• Develop a comprehensive action plan outlining necessary steps for each project, including timelines, responsible stakeholders, and corrective actions.
• Define specific tasks for key stakeholders, such as task managers and other counterparts.
• Country-Level Project Assessment o Conduct an in-depth evaluation of Enabling Activities projects (including umbrella projects) to assess progress and identify gaps.
• Operational Completion Reports (OCRs)
• Draft detailed technical completion memoranda for completed projects, summarizing implementation, stakeholder engagement, key outputs, resource utilization, and lessons learned.
• Ensure timely submission of reports with all required documentation.
• Finalization & Submission of Reports o Conduct a final verification of reports before Portfolio Manager approval and upload them to the GEF portal. o Update the tracking system accordingly.
• Progress Monitoring & Reporting o Prepare monthly reports for the Portfolio Manager and team, summarizing progress, challenges, and recommendations.
• Develop brief presentations to update the portfolio team and seek guidance as needed.
• Process Optimization & Future Strategy Development o Identify and implement strategies to resolve outstanding issues in project reporting and closure.
• Upon completion, propose a structured process for future OCRs.
• Terms of Reference Development o Draft Terms of Reference for Mid-Term Reviews and Terminal Reviews based on project documents and technical materials.
• Consult with the Senior Programme Assistant to ensure alignment with UNEP evaluation requirements, facilitating consultant recruitment and review completion.
• Review Process Oversight & Reporting
• Provide regular updates on the drafting process, identify challenges, and collaborate with the team to implement solutions.
• Conduct and initial review of the Mid-Term Review and Terminal Review reports to ensure alignment with TOR requirements before vigorous review by the Senior Programme Assistant
• Upload finalized Mid-Term Reviews, Terminal Reviews, and Terminal Evaluation reports to the GEF portal.
• Collaborate closely with the Knowledge Management team to ensure the database is consistently updated with the latest project review status.
• Final Review Process Report o Upon assignment completion, produce a report summarizing the review process and recommend a structured approach for streamlining future reviews.
• Reporting & Work Arrangement: The consultant will collaborate closely with Task Managers and Programme Assistants under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Assistant and the overall guidance of the Portfolio Manager of the GEF Biodiversity and Land Degradation Unit in Nairobi. This is an office-based consultancy in Nairobi.

Qualifications/special skills

• A minimum master’s degree in environmental science, Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Project Management, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree combined with two additional years of professional and academic experience may be accepted in place of the advanced degree.
• Minimum three years of experience in technical report drafting, with expertise in project management, analysis, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of environmental programs is required.
• Experience with GEF, UNEP, or other multilateral environmental project reporting is an asset.
• Strong skills in technical writing, drafting, data interpretation, and reporting are highly desirable.