Project Support Manager, CI-GEF Project Agency
Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.
POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Bogota-Colombia or Mexico City-Mexico
As part of the CI-GEF team, the Project Support Manager will provide general programmatic support to the CI-GEF portfolio at the different GEF project cycle stages. This position will support management and technical oversight functions working closely with Executing Agencies and delivery partners. For this project support role, close collaboration is required with the grants, safeguards, and portfolio management teams to ensure GEF compliance and achieve both institutional and agency portfolio targets.
The successful applicant will show: competencies for project management while working closely with a diverse team; excellent communication skills with grantees/clients, colleagues, and donors; and flexibility, adaptability, and ability to manage competing priorities. This position requires an understanding of environmental sustainability-related topics to provide technical support to the project portfolio.
This position reports to the Senior Director, Project Design and Oversight, CI-GEF.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Development

• Review and provide technical feedback to concept notes of potential projects in line with CI and GEF guidelines.
• Provide guidance to Executing Agencies to make sure Project Identification Forms (PIFs) are prepared according to the established requirements and timelines.
• Provide guidance and oversight to the Executing Agencies during the Project Preparation Grant (PPG) phase to make sure PPG documents are prepared with high technical quality according to the established requirements and timelines.
• Coordinate with CI-GEF’s safeguard specialist to ensure that PIFs and Project Documents for CEO Endorsement comply with CI-GEF safeguard requirements, including Environmental and Social Safeguard screening documents, and others as needed.
• Conduct capacity-building activities for executing agencies and key partners as needed.
• Prepare summary documents, presentations, and other project support documents to share with Executing Agencies.
• Provide technical review of project documents in line with GEF guidelines helping to strengthen project proposals as needed.
• Coordinate with multiple stakeholders involved in the project development phase, including internal reviews and processes to have CIGEF clearance prior to submission to GEF.
• Actively use the Project Management System for GEF-funded projects to manage the donor cycle and requirements.
• Provide other project development support as needed.

Project Implementation

• Provide guidance and technical oversight to Executing Agencies to ensure compliance with CI-GEF programmatic requirements.
• Review project progress reports and annual workplans to verify if projects are on track to deliver the expected results.
• Coordinate with CI-GEF’s safeguard specialist to ensure that projects comply with CI-GEF safeguard requirements.
• Coordinate with the CI-GEF´s communication and M&E specialists to ensure project progress and results are communicated timely.
• Conduct capacity-building activities for executing agencies and key partners as needed.
• Coordinate and participate in project supervision visits and prepare mission reports.
• Participate in external evaluations to projects providing feedback to reports.
• Actively participate in project meetings, providing technical feedback aligned with GEF policies and requirements.
• Provide other project implementation support as needed.

Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
WORKING CONDITIONS

• The position requires travel up to 30%.
• Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, social science, or related field.
• 4 to 6 years of related work experience with project/program design or project implementation support, in the areas of environment and/or development.
• At least 4 years of work experience in environmental sustainability topics with a focus on climate change, land use, nature-based solutions for terrestrial and marine ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, and management.
• Strong technical expertise demonstrated by understanding technical concepts and translating them into clear and concise documentation.
• Strong ability to work independently and/or remotely, while maintaining productivity.
• Demonstrated ability to work in team environments and cultivate productive collaboration across a diversity of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality products subject to strict deadlines.
• Excellent English and Spanish oral and written communication skills; including public speaking.
• Excellent adaptive management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and capacity to manage multiple and competing priorities with tight timelines.
• Excellent computer skills, including but not limited to MS Office (Word, Excel, and Power Point).

Preferred

• Master’s degree in environmental science or related field.
• Experience with GEF projects or public funding donors.
• Experience with conservation finance and private sector engagement.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.
See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE
Conservation International is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility-committed employer. We are proud to have a diverse, global workforce where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, position requirements, business needs, market conditions, merit, and other legitimate nondiscriminatory factors.