The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is inviting applications for an international planetGOLD Consultant to support the preparation of the Programme Framework Document (PFD) for planetGOLD Programme Phase 4. The consultancy provides an opportunity for an experienced environmental or international development professional to contribute to a major global programme addressing mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM).
The consultant will support UNEP in developing a complete, internally reviewed, and submission-ready programme framework package for presentation to the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The assignment is particularly suited to professionals with substantial experience in international project or programme preparation, donor-funded initiatives, environmental programmes, and GEF or UNEP project development.
The application deadline is 1 September 2026.
Position Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) |
| Position | planetGOLD Consultant |
| Job Opening ID | 283198 |
| Job Family | Environmental Affairs |
| Recruitment Type | Consultant |
| Duty Station | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Work Location | Home-based |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Posted | 24 August 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 1 September 2026 |
Although the listed duty station is Nairobi, the assignment is designated as home-based, allowing the successful consultant to perform the work remotely.
About the planetGOLD Programme
The planetGOLD programme supports efforts to reduce and eliminate mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining. The programme takes a comprehensive approach that goes beyond technology by addressing the financial, regulatory, market, gender, and institutional barriers that can prevent mining communities from adopting safer and more responsible practices.
The fourth phase will seek to strengthen formalization, improve access to finance, promote mercury-free technologies, advance responsible gold supply chains, integrate gender considerations and safeguards, and support implementation of countries’ obligations under the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
Purpose of the Consultancy
The consultant will provide specialized technical and coordination support for the development of the planetGOLD Programme Phase 4 Programme Framework Document and its associated annexes and supporting materials.
The completed package is expected to be submitted to the GEF Secretariat by 23 October 2026. Because of this deadline, the consultancy requires a professional who can work efficiently, coordinate multiple stakeholders, and deliver high-quality technical documentation within a demanding timeframe.
The consultant will report under the overall supervision of the Head of the GEF Chemicals and Green Chemistry Unit and directly to the GEF Task Manager responsible for the planetGOLD portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
The successful consultant will be responsible for coordinating and contributing to the development of the Phase 4 programme framework.
Key duties will include:
• Gathering, reviewing, and analyzing information, reports, and data from government focal points, national institutions, executing partners, regional teams, ASGM stakeholders, and other relevant partners.
• Developing the programme baseline scenario and identifying key barriers to mercury reduction and elimination in ASGM.
• Assessing challenges related to formalization, access to finance, mercury-free technologies, market access, gender equality, safeguards, and enabling policy frameworks.
• Developing the overall programme design, including objectives, components, outcomes, outputs, indicative child projects, and activities.
• Developing the programme’s Theory of Change (ToC).
• Supporting discussions concerning budgets, co-financing arrangements, implementation structures, and other major project issues.
• Drafting the Programme Framework Document and associated annexes and appendices in accordance with current UNEP and GEF requirements.
• Responding to internal UNEP review comments and subsequent GEF review feedback.
• Supporting preparation of the Project Preparation Grant (PPG) request and related documentation.
• Providing inputs into PPG work planning, budget utilization, stakeholder engagement, country consultations, and preparation of child projects where applicable.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants are expected to possess an advanced university degree in Environmental Sciences or a relevant discipline.
Relevant fields may include:
• International Relations
• Law
• Political Science
• Social Sciences
• Environmental Studies
• Environmental Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Other relevant disciplines
A first-level university degree may be accepted instead of an advanced degree where it is combined with two additional years of qualifying professional experience.
Candidates must also have at least seven years of professional experience in project or programme management, including international-level project or programme preparation.
Preferred Professional Experience
The ideal candidate should have experience with donor-funded projects and programmes, including their development and supervision.
Experience in the following areas will be particularly valuable:
• Preparing GEF and/or UNEP project or programme documents.
• Environmental and chemicals-related programmes.
• Mercury reduction initiatives.
• Artisanal and small-scale gold mining programmes.
• ASGM formalization.
• Access to finance for mining communities.
• Mercury-free technologies.
• Responsible and traceable gold supply chains.
• Environmental and social safeguards.
• Gender mainstreaming.
Professionals with a strong combination of programme development, environmental policy, donor coordination, and technical knowledge of ASGM are likely to be particularly well suited to the assignment.
Language Requirements
Fluency in English is essential, including strong drafting and writing abilities.
Working knowledge of French is desirable.
Strong written communication skills will be especially important because the consultancy involves preparing substantial programme documentation for internal and external review.
Key Deliverable
The principal outcome of the consultancy will be a complete, quality-assured, internally reviewed, and submission-ready Programme Framework Document package for planetGOLD Programme Phase 4.
The package will include the required annexes and supporting materials and will be prepared for submission to the GEF Secretariat by 23 October 2026.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official United Nations Careers/Inspira recruitment platform before the 1 September 2026 deadline.
Applicants should carefully review the vacancy requirements and ensure that their professional experience demonstrates relevant expertise in international programme management, environmental initiatives, donor-funded projects, and project preparation.
The United Nations does not charge application, interview, processing, or training fees at any stage of recruitment. Applicants should therefore be cautious of anyone requesting payment in connection with this vacancy.
