Climate Change Urban Sector Senior Specialist

Grade: IS - 5

Deadline: 31 July 2022 (11:59 PM KST)

Location: Songdo, Incheon, South Korea

Salary: USD 128,600 net (plus attractive benefits, that include the following allowances (as appliable): Relocation, dependency, education assistance and home country travel

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 190 projects in 123 countries and has committed USD 10 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 Climate Change Urban Sector Senior Specialist, reporting to the Climate Impact Area Lead of DMA, is responsible for the expansion and evolution of GCF’s Urban Development portfolio and pipeline, aligned with wider organization policies. Working closely with accredited entities, national designated authorities and other internal/external stakeholders, the Climate Change Urban Sector Senior Specialist leads in originating the pipeline, manage the review of the funding proposals, advises on the improvement of the projects under review, and provide technical and strategic oversight of the portfolio of investments in low emissions and climate resilient Urban Development. 

The successful candidate should have hands-on experience in (a) assessing and structuring public sector projects in developing countries, Small Island Developing States and other climate fragile countries in this sector; (b) origination of high impact and strategic projects and programs in the sector and (c) At least three of the following topics: sustainable cities, compact city design; integrating nature-based approaches in city design; low-emissions, resilience infrastructure, low-emission and resilient strategies and plans for cities, waste management from a climate perspective, sponge cities, circular economy, and others.

Duties and responsibilities

Purpose

• Lead the co-development of innovative investment models in Urban Development to address climate change mitigation and adaptation; 

• Lead the appraisal process of projects and programs in low emission and climate resilient urban development sector, by working closely with accredited entities and other external partners; 

• Lead the development of knowledge products, guidelines and tools, and contribute to the development of strategy and policies related to this sector. 

Engagement

• Advocate on Urban Development planning, implementation approaches, and relevant technologies, based on best practices and responding to country needs; 

• Advocate towards the development of transformative projects and programmes on the sector that respond to the identified needs and priorities of countries; and 

• Coordinate and negotiate with relevant external stakeholders as they access the Fund’s investment resources. 

Delivery

• Lead on and oversee the origination of climate change and urban development investments and provide technical guidance to the monitoring of project and programme implementation; 

• Lead the development of knowledge management activities; and 

• Contribute to corporate and team activities and managing consultants, interns, and other GCF staff as necessary. 

Required experience and qualifications*

• Master’s or higher-level degree in urban planning, resilient infrastructure or related fields; or a Bachelor’s degree and 2 additional years of professional experience. 

• 11 years or more experience in project origination, development, evaluation and management and/or financing with specific emphasis on low emission and climate resilient Urban Development. 

• Specialization in at least two of the following topics: sustainable cities, low-emissions, resilience infrastructure, low-emission and resilient strategies and plans for cities, waste management, sponge cities, circular economy, green compact cities. 

• Substantive experience in developing and implementing low emissions and climate resilient Urban Development investments in developing countries settings is required;  

• Relevant experience in climate finance operations and process management; familiarity with the UN and multilateral setting, and knowledge of the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement; 

• Expertise in economic and financial analysis and financial structuring;  

• Ability to work in a multicultural environment with diverse stakeholders at different technical and strategic levels– staff, Board, GCF’s independent bodies, and external stakeholders.  

• Unquestionable integrity and adherence to the highest ethical standards.  

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills required with ability to interact with multiple internal/external stakeholders and at different levels; and 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential for this position; 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.