Deputy Executive Director

Grade: IS - 9

Deadline: 03 August 2021 (11:59 PM KST)

Location: Songdo, Incheon, South Korea

Salary: USD 233,700

Recruitment for this position will be managed by an External Recruitment Firm.

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

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 177 projects in 123 countries and has committed USD 8.9 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 Objective

The Deputy Executive Director (DED) reporting to the Executive Director (ED), is responsible for overseeing the GCF’s programming functions, including business development, investment decisions & deal-making, and portfolio implementation. The DED also substitutes for the ED on executive and external functions in her/his absence, including planning and strategy development, and board engagement.

Duties and responsibilities

Purpose

• Provides substantive leadership to develop a high quality project portfolio aligned with the GCF’s strategic plan and annual work programme targets.
• Articulates and oversees implementation of annual work programme targets for business units under her/his responsibility.
• Build a strong organizational culture and ensure high levels of staff engagement with the Fund, managing performance and encouraging continuous learning.

Engagement

• Chairs the Climate Investment Committee and actively participates in all Senior Management Committees.
• Represents the Fund and engages with Accredited Entities and other strategic partners as well as different stakeholders in the climate financing context, through her/his participation in events, conferences, etc.

Delivery

• Based on the GCF’s strategic plan and programming strategy, develops programming sub-strategies and new programming initiatives.
• Oversees accreditation & entity relations, GCF’s climate science network, as well as the project origination & development teams.
• Oversees the funding activity agreements process.
• Oversees portfolio management to minimize project risks and maximize accountability in terms of achievement of results.
• Ensures that lessons learned and knowledge from portfolio implementation are fed back into programme origination efforts.
• Ensures that policies related to the project cycle are implemented effectively and efficiency.
• Oversees operational partnerships to advance GCF as a partnership organization

Required experience and qualifications*

• Master’s or higher-level degree in climate science, environmental studies, climate finance or a related field;
• At least 15 years of relevant experience operational experience with multicultural public, private, and/or international organizations; at least 10 years of experience in senior leadership and management roles, preferably in role related to climate change, climate finance and/or climate fund management;
• Deep substantive knowledge related to addressing the global challenge of climate change and climate finance;
• A substantial record of achievements in a similarly complex and demanding senior roles;
• Demonstrated ability to lead and work across a wide range of strategic, operational, and administrative responsibilities with outstanding team and project management skills;
• Proven leadership, coaching, and stakeholder engagement experience
• Demonstrated ability to constructively adapt and contribute in various settings with a high degree of self-awareness and empathy;
• Proven operational experience with a range of financial instruments (such as grants, technical assistance, guarantees, concessional loans and equity) and complex financial structures;
• Strong analytical skills and the decisiveness and creativity to solve problems of varied types;
• Absolute integrity with an open and fair-minded management style;
• Strong communication and advocacy skills; able to engage and motivate a diverse range of stakeholders;
• Well-developed political judgement and understanding of the Fund’s multi-dimensional work challenges;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential for this position; knowledge of another UN language 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.