GEF STAP Strategic Advisor

Functional Responsibilities:

The Strategic Advisor will perform the following functions:

Lead, under the guidance of the STAP Chair, and in coordination with the STAP Secretary, STAP engagement with the GEF Secretariat to develop and operationalize the GEF Risk Appetite Framework.

Specifically:

• Support the refining of guidance for project and program-level risk identification and monitoring, ensuring that STAP strategic advice on innovation and risks is well reflected, including preparing a STAP paper on how to reflect innovation and related risk identification in design.
• Contribute to developing portfolio-level monitoring and reporting on risk-reward linking with STAP’s work on metrics and indicators of transformational change.
• Contribute to dialogue with the GEF IEO on how to evaluate the implementation of the risk appetite framework, linking innovation, risk, and results.
• Support the development of mechanisms for learning within and across program areas to better identify and manage risks and to learn where and how innovative approaches are yielding results (and where they are hitting barriers) and how to leverage this learning in strategic decision-making to improve the overall investment portfolio and accelerate progress towards GEBs.

Lead, under the guidance of the STAP Chair, and in coordination with the STAP Secretary, the development of STAP advice to the GEF on its Ninth Replenishment (GEF-9).

Specifically:

• Lead initial discussions with STAP Panel Members and Secretariat on the focus of STAP strategic advice to the GEF on GEF-9.
• Design, in collaboration with the Panel and moderate STAP convening of external experts and scientific societies, as well as the GEF Family, on the focus of STAP strategic advice to the GEF on GEF-9.
• Co-lead the drafting of STAP strategic advice to the GEF pre-GEF-9 replenishment.

Provide strategic advice on other related topics as requested by the STAP Chair.

Education/Experience/Language requirements:

Education

• An advanced university degree (e.g., Masters) in a relevant field, e.g., environmental science, environmental policy, economics, systems analysis, environmental law, political science, institutional analysis, or sustainability studies is required.
• A first-level university degree (e.g., Bachelor) in combination with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

Professionalism

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in research on sustainability issues, including in developing countries, is required.
• A peer-reviewed publication record on issues of relevance to the GEF is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work in an integrated, interdisciplinary manner across the GEF’s focal areas, with solid experience in systems thinking is required.
• The capacity to bridge scientific, technological, economic, social, and policy issues in the public and private sectors is required.
• Active engagement with scientific networks and partnerships on environmentally sustainable development in developed and developing countries is required.
• Exceptional analytical, research, writing, and communication skills are required.
• Familiarity with and understanding of multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating learning and knowledge management is desirable.

Leadership

• Demonstrated expertise and leadership in global environmental issues and sustainable development, supported by a peer-reviewed publication record is required.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate and manage scientific research with multiple stakeholders in different geographical settings is required.
• Knowledge of the scientific processes required for the implementation of MEAs in developing countries is desirable.

Desirable competencies

• Enthusiasm and commitment to dealing with global environmental issues, sustainable development, and transformational change.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and remotely in a multicultural team and share responsibilities.
• Ability and willingness to travel globally.
• A good sense of humor.

Languages

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.
• Knowledge of French and/or another UN language is desirable.

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Remarks: Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.