The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme is hiring a National Coordinator to oversee the implementation of its Eighth Operational Phase (OP8) in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The coordinator will manage grants, support local environmental initiatives, and engage with civil society organizations. A grants portfolio of approximately US$750,000 will be allocated for community-based environmental projects.

About the Program

The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) provides financial, technical, and institutional support to civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community-based organizations (CBOs) to implement local initiatives with a global environmental impact. In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the program will focus on projects that align with the Country Programme Strategy and contribute to the sustainable management of ecosystems, agriculture, fisheries, waste management, and urban solutions.

National Coordinator Responsibilities

The National Coordinator will be responsible for the management and oversight of the SGP in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, ensuring that grants are allocated effectively and in alignment with the country’s strategic priorities.

Key Duties:

• Grant Management:

  • Develop and manage a US$750,000 grants portfolio, with individual grants capped at US$75,000

  • Ensure grants are aligned with the Country Programme Strategy

  • Support civil society actors, particularly those led by women, youth, Indigenous peoples, and other marginalized groups

• Fundraising and Outreach:

  • Raise awareness of funding opportunities within the country

  • Organize informational webinars and respond to inquiries

  • Contribute to the development of communication materials

• Capacity Building:

  • Provide mentorship to grant applicants in proposal development

  • Conduct proposal development workshops

  • Strengthen grantees’ institutional and financial management capabilities

• Monitoring and Evaluation:

  • Monitor project milestones and conduct field visits

  • Review completion and impact reports

  • Ensure compliance with environmental and social safeguards

  • Contribute to the program evaluations

Reporting and Coordination

• Primary Contact: Serve as the principal point of contact for the SGP in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

• Steering Committee Engagement: Convene the National Steering Committee to evaluate proposals and recommend awards to the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF)

• Collaboration: Work under the technical coordination of the CEPF Grant Director for the Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot and closely with the CEPF Grants Manager

• Regular Updates: Provide progress reports to the Director of the Sustainable Development Unit

Eligibility and Qualifications

The National Coordinator will be expected to:

• Have a strong background in project management

• Possess knowledge of environmental issues in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

• Demonstrate capacity-building experience

• Have experience working with NGOs or community-based organizations in environmental and social sectors

Remuneration and Duration

• Contract: Personal service contract with Conservation International

• Remuneration: Based on deliverables and milestones

• Level of Effort: Full-time engagement

• Contract Contingency: Final execution subject to a successful background check

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their proposals to Conservation International, highlighting their experience in grant management, capacity building, and environmental monitoring. Selected candidates will be expected to coordinate closely with CEPF, government entities, and local partners to ensure the success of the Small Grants Programme.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the role of the National Coordinator in this program?
The National Coordinator will oversee the implementation of the GEF Small Grants Programme in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, managing a grants portfolio, supporting local organizations, and ensuring the alignment of projects with the country’s environmental strategy.

2. What are the key responsibilities of the National Coordinator?
Key responsibilities include grant management, fundraising and outreach, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, and acting as the primary point of contact for the program. The coordinator will also convene the National Steering Committee for proposal evaluations.

3. How much funding will be available for grants?
The National Coordinator will manage a total grants portfolio of up to US$750,000, with individual grants capped at US$75,000.

4. Who can apply for grants under this program?
Civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community-based organizations (CBOs) in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines working on environmental and sustainability issues are eligible to apply for funding.

5. How can I apply for the National Coordinator position?
Interested candidates should submit proposals to Conservation International, detailing their experience in grant management, capacity building, and environmental issues. Applicants should ensure that their application aligns with the responsibilities of the National Coordinator role.

6. What qualifications are required for the National Coordinator position?
The position requires a strong background in project management, environmental knowledge, and capacity-building experience. Previous work with NGOs or CBOs in the environmental and social sectors is a plus.

7. What is the duration of the contract?
The National Coordinator will be engaged on a full-time personal service contract, with remuneration based on deliverables and milestones. The contract’s execution is contingent upon a successful background check by CEPF.

Conclusion

The National Coordinator for the GEF Small Grants Programme in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will play a vital role in promoting sustainable environmental practices by managing grants and supporting local communities and organizations. This opportunity offers a chance to significantly contribute to global environmental benefits while advancing community-driven solutions to pressing environmental challenges.