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Introduction
description of the Assignment:
The GEF Council has recently approved the Project Identification Form (PIF) for the project titled Integrated Management of Small Island Landscapes and Seascapes in the Philippines (ISLAS) (PIMS#9837) implemented through the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). UNDP is now commencing a detailed project preparation phase expected to last 18 months. The PIF was approved by the GEF Secretariat on May 4, 2026. At the end of the preparation phase, UNDP will finalize a full submission package for approval/endorsement by the GEF CEO, followed by a UNDP Project Document (Pro-Doc).
The objective of the GEF PPG is to develop the project concept into a full project. As described in the Project Identification Form (PIF), the Project aims to expand the biodiversity conservation estate and implement integrated, area-based management in three high-value small islands: Camiguin, Marinduque, and Panaon. These sites were selected for their ecological importance, vulnerability, and institutional readiness to serve as scalable models.
The project applies integrated approaches, pairing Natural Capital Accounting (NCA), Nature-based Solutions (NbS), and innovative finance mechanisms such as payment for ecosystem services (PES) and local budget integration. Inclusive governance models will engage Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), women and youth, in both stewardship and benefit-sharing.
This project will address the following problems:
• Untested enabling frameworks for OECMs and Integrated Environmental Management (IEM);
• Weak enforcement of environmental laws;
• Financing shortfalls and low private sector engagement; and
• Inadequate integration of biodiversity into local decision-making.
The project employs a combined approach using Protected Areas (PAs), Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), and ridge-to-reef integrated management strategies to enhance biodiversity outcomes and strengthen climate resilience. These interventions will sustain critical ecosystem services such as food security, disaster risk reduction, and nature-based livelihoods that underpin local adaptation capacity and economic resilience.
These interventions will directly contribute to Core Indicator targets for improved management of terrestrial and marine PAs (CI 1 and 2), restoration of degraded ecosystems (CI 3), Application of improved land- and seascape practices (CI 4 and 5), and broader community benefits (CI 11). In parallel, the project will pilot innovative biodiversity financing mechanisms such as ecotourism reinvestment, reef insurance, and local budget alignment. These financing mechanisms will strengthen financial sustainability and enable durable conservation impacts beyond GEF’s lifespan. Partnerships with private sector actors, including banks, insurers, and ESG investors, will be explored during the PPG and scale-up phases to co-develop and deploy these mechanisms.
To operationalize this strategy, the project will be delivered through three interlinked components focused on enabling governance, site-based implementation, and knowledge systems for scaling and sustainability. These components are anchored in increased financing, community-driven solutions, and science-based decision making to ensure impact and replicability.
The following information is to be consulted as background for the GEF PPG phase:
• PIF cleared for WP inclusion or GEF Council approved PIF (PFD and child project concept note for projects that are part of a program);
• SES pre-screening (of PIF);
• Comments from GEF Secretariat, Council, STAP;
• Annotated UNDP-GEF Project Document Template and associated guidance included therein;
• UNDP policies and procedures;
• UNDP-GEF guidance notes on GEF project development (which will be provided by the RTA); and
• GEF polices on: Project Cancellation; Fee Policy for GEF Partner Agencies; Project and Program Cycle; and Minimum Fiduciary Standards for GEF Partner Agency (in particular sections dealing with the required separation of oversight and execution support services). All GEF policies are available here.
The final outputs of the GEF PPG are:
1. UNDP-GEF Project Document (ProDoc);
2. Mandatory annexes to the ProDoc;
3. GEF CEO Endorsement Request and all mandatory annexes; and
4. Validation Workshop report (This is mandatory for moderate, substantial and high-risk projects).
Qualifications
- Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field, sustainable development, community development, sustainable financing, ENR management, among others.
- Minimum 7 years of demonstrable experience in the technical area of community development, and social and environmental safeguards risk assessment and mitigation
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Prior experience in the safeguards assessments and processes of international organizations and donors, such as World Bank, UNDP, etc.
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Demonstrated experience working on policy and programmatic issues with national and local governments and civil society organizations including community organizations.
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Demonstrated experience in carrying out consultations with Indigenous Peoples, FPIC, protection of cultural heritage, and/or community engagement is highly desired.
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Demonstrated understanding of the links between sustainable development, social issues.
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Experience with project development and results-based management methodologies is highly desired.
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Excellent analytical, writing, advocacy, presentation, and communications skills are required
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Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and fluency in Filipino.
Period of assignment/services (if applicable): 18 months
Proposal should be submitted directly in the portal no later than indicated deadline.
Any request for clarification must be sent in writing via messaging functionality in the portal. UNDP will respond in writing including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry.
http://supplier.quantum.partneragencies.org using the profile you may have in the portal. In case you have never registered before, you can register a profile using the registration link shared via the procurement notice and following the instructions in guides available in UNDP website:
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of Nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply.
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Women, individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
