Call for Expressions of Interest National Steering Committee of the GEF Small Grants Programme in Guyana (Operational Phase 8)

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is pleased to announce a Call for Expressions of Interest for qualified and committed individuals of civil society to serve on the National Steering Committee (NSC) under the Eight Operational Phase (OP8) of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) in Guyana.

About the GEF Small Grants Programme

The GEF SGP, launched in 1992, supports community-led initiatives that address global environmental challenges while promoting sustainable development and improving local livelihoods. It provides financial and technical assistance to civil society and community-based organizations, with a focus on Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth. The programme empowers local actors to tackle issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change, land degradation, and pollution, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through grassroots innovation and inclusive participation.

Role of the NSC
The SGP NSC functions as the main decision-making body of the SGP country portfolio in each SGP country. The NSC provides strategic oversight to guide the design and implementation of the SGP Country Portfolio. The NSC is a multi-stakeholder body, consisting of a wide spectrum of NSC members, including a majority from civil society organizations (including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academic and scientific institutions, indigenous peoples, women's groups, and others). NSC members are invited to contribute to their responsibilities on a voluntary basis and in their personal capacity.

Responsibilities of the NSC

Provide strategic oversight to guide the SGP Country Portfolio under OP8, including guiding the development/updating and implementation of the SGP Country Programme Strategy (CPS) for each operational phase of the GEF SGP.
Review and approve SGP proposals following transparent and inclusive procedures in line with the CPS for OP8, FAO’s Grants Operational Manual for OP8 and the GEF Operational Guidelines and Implementation Arrangements for OP8.
Ensure technical oversight to successfully deliver the SGP Country Portfolio, including by monitoring and evaluating SGP interventions at the country level through regular field visits and other country-specific monitoring and evaluation tools as applicable.
Ensure that SGP operations are aligned with relevant national policies and legal procedures; global policies and strategies, GEF policies and strategies and, where applicable, ensure strategic alignment with other financial partners.
Support national efforts to mobilize additional resources through country-based or project-based partnerships with various stakeholders, including the private sector, academia, local governments and financing partners.
Support national efforts to generate and disseminate knowledge, foster cross-learning within the SGP community, mainstream best practices and lessons learned into national plans and policies and scale up SGP interventions.

Candidates will be assessed against the following requirements:

Minimum Requirements:

Representative from civil society and civil society groups, including NGOs, academic and scientific institutions, indigenous peoples, women groups, and others.
Demonstrated country-level experience working with civil society organization/s, including NGOs, academic and scientific institutions, indigenous peoples, women's groups, and others.
A university degree (Master's or higher is an asset) or a minimum of 3 years' professional experience working in a subject related to natural resources management, environmental economics, business management, public management, development studies, or a related field in the GEF focal areas (see technical focus).
Working knowledge (level C) of English.
National of Guyana or resident of the country with a valid work permit.

Technical Focus

Expertise for overseeing SGP interventions in line with the GEF’s 5 thematic priorities and 3 cross-cutting priorities under OP8, as well as country-specific priorities.
Expertise to serve as focal points and provide expertise on one or more SGP programming aspects related to Gender, Youth, Indigenous Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Innovation and Business-oriented approaches.
Knowledge in one or more of the following fields: grant making /management, financial management, governance, financial management, research, policy, and entrepreneurship development.

Core Competencies

High credibility and solid country-level experience working with civil society organizations, including NGOs, academic and scientific institutions, indigenous peoples, women's groups, and others.
Ability to represent the needs and interests of a wide spectrum of SGP stakeholders in committee discussions.
Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team and be able to achieve consensus on disputable issues.
Strong understanding of sustainable livelihoods, community engagement, communications, and capacity development.
Demonstrates respect for cultural, gender, religious, racial, national, and age diversity, fostering inclusivity and adaptability
Demonstrates sound judgment, fairness and strong results orientation.

Considerations

NSC members are volunteers who receive no monetary compensation.
Selected candidates will be invited to serve as voluntary members of the NSC for three years, renewable once.
NSC meetings are held twice a year, or as deemed necessary by the NSC.
NSC members and the organizations they represent cannot apply for or benefit from SGP grants.
Gender balance and inclusiveness will be considered.

How to apply?
Interested persons are invited to submit a curriculum vitae and a letter of expression of interest to become a member of the NSC before the 10 July 2025 to FAO-Guyana via FAOGY-SGP@fao.org.