Data Management Specialist

Grade: IS - 4

Deadline: 28 October 2019 (11:59 PM KST)

The mission of the Green Climate Fund is to assist developing countries to respond to climate change while bringing prosperity to their peoples.

Established in 2010, the GCF invests in transformational climate projects in the developing world. The Fund makes an ambitious contribution to global climate action and channels significant financial resources into developing countries to help build low-emission and climate-resilient societies.  It is country-driven and undertakes actions which reflect the circumstances of each country concerned and its national aspirations. The GCF is a key enabler of the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

Since its establishment, the GCF has approved 102 projects and has committed USD 5.0 billion in climate finance. In addition, it has built up an extensive program to support developing countries identify their needs, in particular those who are most vulnerable to climate change impacts.

The GCF’s diverse workforce is advancing its mission from its headquarters in South Korea. Our talented staff make unique contributions to the Fund, enriching the institution through their combined expertise and professional commitment.

Position description

The Specialist will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the GCF portfolio data, acting as a central point for portfolio-level data management and knowledge capture based on data analysis, both qualitative and quantitative. S/he will spearhead provision of information for proactive portfolio management actions to ensure the successful implementation of projects throughout the lifecycle, identification of early warning signals and formulation of interventions and corrective actions, based on portfolio-level analyses and lessons learned. S/he will also lead key functions, including but not limited to (1) developing and implementing strategies for impact results and knowledge capture on the GCF portfolio, (2) establishing portfolio performance management systems, and (3) leading the provision of  data and information including reports as applicable on the GCF portfolio, its performance and impact results to various levels of internal and external stakeholders.  

S/he will demonstrate a sound grasp of data analytics and management, including mix-methods, meta-data analyses, econometrics and modeling for extrapolation. This role also requires a high level of proficiency in data analytics and statistical software packages, such as Tableau, STATA, R, ArcGIS and database management systems, and extensive experience in applying such software in monitoring, evaluation (M&E), knowledge capture and learning context. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Purpose

• Lead data governance across the GCF portfolio for Funded Activities, PPF, and Readiness. 

• Operationalize portfolio and data management functions, by establishing required systems, manuals and operational procedures. 

• Design, implement, and optimize impact results and knowledge capture/management, in cooperation with relevant divisions.  

• Spearhead portfolio management actions and strategies to ensure the health of the portfolio and the successful implementation of projects throughout the lifecycle. 

• Identify early warning signals and formulate interventions and corrective actions based on portfolio-level quantitative and qualitative analyses, lessons learned and review of project progress reports such as annual performance reports, financial reports, and interim/final evaluation reports. 

• Lead the development of a Portfolio Performance Management System (PPMS) and other portfolio management platforms in cooperation with ICT and relevant divisions/offices. 

• Provide technical guidance to relevant divisions and accredited entities in defining M&E data requirements, functions, and best practices, considering project and entity specificities in the Funding Proposals, Funded Activity Agreements (FAA), and Accreditation Master Agreements (AMA) as per the GCF Board-approved M&E frameworks such as Monitoring and Accountability Framework (MAF), Result Management Framework (RMF), and Performance Measurement Frameworks (PMFs).  

• Implement M&E data input guidelines for GCF operations, in compliance with the MAF, RMF, and PMFs. 

Engagement

• Represent OPM and the GCF Secretariat in external conferences and meetings by directly engaging with national designated authorities and accredited entities, making presentations, and addressing issues/concerns raised. 

• Provide organizational and substantive support for GCF Board meetings, missions, conferences, and other events pertaining to the functioning of the OPM, e.g. preparing portfolio briefing and documents for the Head of OPM and/or other divisions. 

• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to address portfolio-related information requests, e.g. GCF Board, Conference of the Parties (COP), UN Agencies, OECD, GEF, and other key contributors. 

• Act as a central point for portfolio-level analytics across the Secretariat. 

Delivery

• Lead the preparation of GCF portfolio status reports on Funded Activities, PPF and Readiness, and other portfolio-related reports, including annual portfolio performance reports. 

• Contribute to development of GCF’s Integrated Results Framework, including robust measurement, verification and reporting systems for mitigation and M&E systems for adaptation. 

• Conduct gap analyses on portfolio status and impact results from a data management and learning perspective. 

• Provide support to various types of evaluation methodologies while ensuring lessons and knowledge throughout the project lifecycle are captured and disseminated using qualitative and quantitative measures.  

Required experience and qualifications*

• Master’s degree in information science, management, development studies, environmental sciences, statistics, or related fields. 

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience. 

• Experience in M&E, results management, portfolio performance monitoring, and knowledge management, especially in climate change programming.  

• Strong knowledge of GCF’s working modalities and financial instruments (grants, loans, guarantees and equity).  

• Experience in establishing strong working relationships with colleagues from different functions and cultures. 

• Experience in multilateral climate funds, project financing, and UNFCCC framework, or an international setting. 

• Experience in review and appraisal of operations and exposure to project finance, financial Institutions, and structured finance. 

• Proved track record in taking initiatives and working independently. 

• Proficiency in applying mix-methods, econometric models in complex climate change projects. 

• Strong competence and professional skills in standard software such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access.  

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. 

• Knowledge of another UN language would be an advantage. 

*The person assessed by the Selection Panel as most suitable for the position will be proposed for appointment. Selection among short-listed candidates will also take into account performance at interview, appropriate testing, and references. Applications from women and nationals of developing countries are strongly encouraged.