Grade: IS - 5

Deadline: 10 December 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 that 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 111 projects in 99 countries and has committed USD 5.0 billion in climate finance. In addition, it has built up an extensive program to support developing countries to 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 makes unique contributions to the Fund, enriching the institution through their combined expertise and professional commitment.

Position description 

The Sector Specialist, reporting to the Head of Risk Management and Compliance, is responsible for conducting an independent assessment of the investment proposals from the climate impact perspective and providing an expert opinion on the investment proposal to internal review committees in addition to developing investment policies and investment related knowledge building to shape an effective Human Security, Livelihoods and Well-being portfolio of the Fund.

Duties and responsibilities

Purpose

• Conduct independent appraisal of the funding proposals from Accredited Entities in the Human Security, Livelihoods and Well-being sector applying sectoral expertise and evaluating the strength of climate rationale, assumptions and project assessment from the origination and development teams
• Prepare independent written opinions on the funding proposals in the Human Security, Livelihoods and Well-being sector to internal review committees
• Lead the development of investment policies, refine sectoral guidance and strategy development in collaboration with other divisions, and create investment related knowledge products focused on the Human Security, Livelihoods and Well-being sector to shape an effective portfolio

Engagement

• Advocate for the independent appraisal outcomes; and for relevant risk and investment assessment tools in collaboration with other divisions
• Negotiate with the origination and development teams (if necessary) to enhance the quality and impact of the funding proposals, and provide technical advice on the Human Security, Livelihoods and Well-being sector related activities in line with the Fund’s mandate

Delivery

• Identify steps in a sectoral appraisal process and collaborate cross divisionally; and ensure alignment between investment opportunities and policies governing risk and investment
• Generate lessons learnt and good practices in the Human Security, Livelihoods and Well-being sector and organize knowledge management learning platforms and tools to strengthen the appraisal process

Required experience and qualifications*

• Master’s Degree or higher in engineering, environmental science, management/business or other related fields
• A minimum of eleven (11) years of relevant experience in climate finance operations, understanding of private and public sector interventions, and ability to provide thought leadership to the organization in the Human Security, Livelihoods and Well-being sector
• In-depth understanding of process management in a multilateral setting
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with a broad range of stakeholders, communicate at various levels, build good working relationships while being assertive and providing an independent assessment 
• Fluency in English is essential and working knowledge of another UN language is 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.