Deadline: 25-Mar-2026

The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) has launched its eighth operational phase in Libya and is recruiting a National Coordinator and Deputy National Coordinator. The programme supports civil society-led environmental initiatives in ecosystem conservation, sustainable agriculture, and chemicals and waste management, with grants of up to US$75,000. The positions will oversee portfolio development, stakeholder engagement, compliance, and transparent programme delivery in partnership with Conservation International and the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund.

Overview

The Small Grants Programme (SGP) is a flagship initiative of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). It provides:

• Financial support

• Technical assistance

• Capacity-building support

to civil society organizations (CSOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) implementing local environmental and livelihood projects.

In Phase 8 (OP8), the programme adopts a diversified implementation approach to increase funding access and strengthen local environmental action in Libya.

Key Thematic Areas in Libya (OP8)

The following themes are pre-identified for funding and portfolio development:

1. Ecosystem Conservation and Management

Supports community-led biodiversity protection in:

• Forests

• Grasslands

• Wetlands

• Marine habitats

Focus: Restoration, conservation, and sustainable management of ecosystems.

2. Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security

Promotes climate-smart and sustainable practices such as:

• Smart irrigation systems

• Sustainable livestock management

• Fisheries productivity

• Agroecological practices

Goal: Strengthen local food systems while reducing environmental impact.

3. Chemicals and Waste Management

Encourages practical solutions for:

• Plastic waste

• Electronic waste (e-waste)

• Mercury management

• Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Objective: Reduce pollution and improve community-level waste handling systems.

Role of the National Coordinator

The National Coordinator will report to the CEPF Grant Director for the Mediterranean Basin.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a portfolio of small grants (up to US$75,000 each)

• Align grants with the Country Programme Strategy for Libya

• Launch and manage calls for proposals

• Support applicants throughout the selection process

• Monitor grantee implementation

• Ensure compliance and transparent financial management

• Report on programme impact

The Coordinator will work under the strategic guidance of the National Steering Committee.

Role of the Deputy National Coordinator

The Deputy National Coordinator will:

• Focus on administrative and budgetary oversight

• Support financial reporting and compliance

• Contribute to programme implementation

• Assist in monitoring and operational management

Both roles are long-term consulting contracts and require strong governance, reporting, and stakeholder coordination skills.

Institutional Partnerships

The programme is implemented in partnership with:

• Conservation International

• Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund

• Regional implementation team for the Mediterranean Basin led by BirdLife International

This collaboration strengthens regional integration and knowledge exchange across Mediterranean countries.

Who Is Eligible for Support Under SGP?

Although this announcement focuses on recruitment, the programme itself supports:

• Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

• Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

• Women-led and youth-led organizations

• Marginalized and vulnerable community groups

The National Coordinator must ensure inclusive access to funding opportunities.

Why This Programme Matters for Libya

This initiative is strategically important because it:

• Strengthens Libya’s environmental governance

• Builds capacity of civil society actors

• Supports biodiversity conservation

• Enhances food security and sustainable livelihoods

• Promotes pollution reduction and safer waste management

• Encourages regional collaboration within the Mediterranean Basin

The programme also contributes to global environmental benefits through locally driven action.

Key Competencies Required for the Roles

Applicants for Coordinator positions should demonstrate:

• Strong programme management experience

• Understanding of Libya’s governance and civil society landscape

• Risk management and compliance expertise

• Financial oversight and reporting skills

• Stakeholder engagement and facilitation capacity

• Knowledge of environmental and biodiversity issues

• Awareness of security and operational risks in Libya

How the Small Grants Portfolio Works

1. The National Steering Committee sets strategic direction.

2. Calls for proposals are launched.

3. CSOs and CBOs submit project proposals.

4. Proposals are reviewed and selected.

5. Grants of up to US$75,000 are awarded.

6. Implementation is monitored and reported.

7. Environmental and livelihood impacts are measured.

Common Implementation Risks to Manage

• Weak financial reporting by grantees

• Limited capacity among grassroots organizations

• Security and operational disruptions

• Governance and compliance challenges

• Environmental project sustainability risks

The Coordinator plays a central role in mitigating these risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP)?

It is a funding mechanism under the Global Environment Facility that supports local civil society organizations in delivering environmental and livelihood projects.

2. What is the maximum grant size in Libya under Phase 8?

Individual grants can be up to US$75,000.

3. What are the main thematic priorities?

Ecosystem conservation, sustainable agriculture and food security, and chemicals and waste management.

4. Who oversees the programme in Libya?

The National Coordinator, under the National Steering Committee and reporting to the CEPF Grant Director for the Mediterranean Basin.

5. What is the role of the Deputy National Coordinator?

Primarily administrative, financial, and operational support to ensure transparent programme delivery.

6. Who implements the programme regionally?

The Mediterranean Basin regional team led by BirdLife International.

7. Who benefits from SGP funding?

Local NGOs, CSOs, CBOs, and especially women-led, youth-led, and marginalized groups.

Conclusion

The launch of GEF-SGP Phase 8 in Libya marks a significant opportunity to strengthen environmental conservation and sustainable livelihoods through civil society leadership. The recruitment of a National Coordinator and Deputy National Coordinator is central to ensuring transparent, inclusive, and impactful programme implementation.

These roles offer a strategic platform to shape Libya’s environmental future while integrating local actors into broader Mediterranean conservation efforts.

For more information, visit CEPF.