Remote Based Opportunity: Green Climate Fund is Hiring for a Liaison Officer

Date: March 28, 2025
Location: Remote
Company: Green Climate Fund (GCF)

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I. Background

Established in 2010 by the 194 countries that are Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Green Climate Fund (GCF) is recognized as the world’s largest dedicated climate fund. It aims to finance transformative climate projects across developing countries, thereby empowering these nations to effectively respond to and combat climate change while promoting sustainable development within their communities.

The GCF mobilizes public and private sector investments through an array of diverse financing instruments and strengthens the capacity of developing nations to undertake meaningful climate action through its Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme (the Readiness Programme). This innovative initiative equips countries with the essential resources needed to build foundational skills and capacities, enabling them to secure and manage climate financing effectively.

In alignment with its mission to enhance national capacities, the GCF’s 2024-2027 strategy for the Readiness Programme introduces a placement scheme. This scheme, available upon request from countries through their National Designated Authorities (NDA) and focal points, aims to deploy local experts as GCF Liaison Officers within NDAs or other designated agencies. These embedded experts will foster continuous and effective engagement with the GCF, imparting knowledge about GCF policies, systems, and processes. They will also facilitate the development of programming capacities and enhance direct access to climate finance, supporting the achievement of national climate objectives.

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II. Role

The GCF Liaison Officer will serve as the primary point of contact between the GCF Secretariat and Kiribati, providing essential support to the NDA or relevant agency concerning all matters related to GCF climate action. This role requires close coordination with stakeholders involved in GCF activities within the country, ensuring the smooth execution of various components, including country programming, accreditation, readiness support, project preparation, implementation, and other related activities.

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III. Objectives

The placement scheme through the role of the GCF Liaison Officer seeks to support the NDA in achieving the following objectives:

• Enhancing Capacity: To strengthen the capabilities of the NDA and relevant agencies in planning, developing, and implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, including concept notes and funding proposals.
• Supporting Country Programmes: To develop and implement GCF country programmes and enhance coordination with relevant stakeholders.
• Facilitating Access: To assist in accessing, developing, and executing integrated programmes of readiness activities within the country.
• Raising Awareness: To promote understanding of GCF funding windows, policies, and processes among stakeholders and communities in Kiribati.
• Knowledge Transfer: To facilitate knowledge transfer and skill development among local stakeholders, ensuring they are well-equipped to engage in climate financing.

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IV. Responsibilities

To ensure the successful implementation of the placement scheme, the Liaison Officer will undertake the following responsibilities:

4.1 Country Programme

• Implementation Support: Facilitate and assist the NDA in implementing the country programme, including annual reporting and identifying challenges and opportunities for discussion with the NDA and GCF Secretariat.
• Programme Review: Support the review and updating of Kiribati’s country programme in accordance with GCF guidance.
• Coordinate Consultations: Assist the NDA in coordinating consultative processes to identify key result areas in the context of national commitments, such as the NDC and the Kiribati Joint Implementation Plan on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management.
• Partner Identification: Aid in identifying potential partners for implementing the Country Programme.
• Draft Development: Collaborate with the NDA and GCF Secretariat teams to develop and review country programme drafts, ensuring timely processing and incorporation of feedback.

4.2 Readiness

• TOR Development: Engage with the NDA to co-develop draft Terms of Reference (TOR) for readiness support, ensuring alignment with national priorities.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate transparent communication with relevant country stakeholders, including sector ministries, NGOs, private sector entities, and civil society organizations, to identify capacity gaps.
• FMCA Support: Assist in completing the Financial Management Capacity Assessment (FMCA) form as required.
• Management Requests: Support the NDA with adaptive management requests as necessary.
• Midterm Reviews: Contribute to midterm reviews of readiness activities and provide input for adjusting initial TORs.

4.3 Pipeline Development, Implementation, Monitoring, and Reporting

• Capacity Building: Contribute to capacity-building efforts by imparting skills and knowledge necessary for developing and implementing climate investments.
• Guidance Provision: Offer advice and clarifications to the NDA and stakeholders regarding GCF policies, procedures, and instruments.
• Project Development: Assist the NDA in the creation of project ideas, concept notes, and funding proposals in collaboration with the GCF Secretariat and accredited entities.
• Stakeholder Discussions: Facilitate discussions among stakeholders to gather necessary inputs throughout the project cycle.
• Ongoing Communication: Maintain regular communication with accredited entities and work with the NDA to report to the GCF Secretariat.
• Results Reporting: Support the preparation of country portfolio results reporting as required by the GCF Secretariat.
• Event Organization: Assist the NDA in organizing events to showcase GCF results and impacts.

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V. Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for the position, candidates must meet the following qualifications and experience:

• Education: A postgraduate degree in climate change/environmental science, climate economics/finance, engineering, project finance, or a closely related field.
• Experience: At least five years of professional experience in public and/or private sectors, focusing on climate investment initiatives for climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
• Capacity Building: Proven experience in institutional strengthening and the capacity-building of stakeholders in developing economies, demonstrating a knack for creating enabling environments for climate investment.
• Proposal Development: At least three years of experience successfully developing climate change proposals, showcasing the ability to craft compelling funding applications and monitor climate change initiatives.
• Local Knowledge: Experience addressing climate change issues in Kiribati, with a strong understanding of local contexts and challenges.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Demonstrated ability to engage and coordinate with multiple stakeholders, reflecting strong interpersonal skills and fostering cooperation among diverse groups.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills, complemented by outstanding presentation abilities, enabling effective dissemination of information to varied audiences.
• Familiarity with GCF: Knowledge of GCF operational mechanisms and funding modalities would be advantageous.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is mandatory, with proficiency in I-Kiribati or other UN languages highly desirable.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
• Ethical Standards: Strong commitment to ethical standards, including integrity, transparency, and accountability in all professional activities.

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VI. Assignment Details

The GCF Liaison Officer will be based in Tarawa, Kiribati, operating from the offices of the NDA. The Liaison Officer will support the NDA via the Director of the Climate Finance Division and will report to the relevant regional manager of the GCF Secretariat.

As part of their reporting obligations, the Liaison Officer is expected to compile and submit quarterly reports detailing activities conducted and results achieved, which will be shared with both the NDA and the GCF Secretariat.

The initial assignment is for 11 months and 29 days, capped at 180 working days, with the possibility of extension based on performance evaluations and the continued need for the position.

Preference will be given to nationals or residents of Kiribati for this position.

Candidates should indicate their earliest availability to commence the assignment and any required notice period if currently employed.

The closing date for applications is April 18, 2025, at 23:59 Korea Standard Time (KST). Late applications may not be considered.

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This position as a Liaison Officer at the Green Climate Fund offers a unique opportunity to actively contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives in Kiribati, helping enhance national capacities while promoting sustainable development and resilience within local communities. If you possess the requisite skills and experience and are passionate about making a change in the fight against climate change, we encourage you to apply!

Visit the Green Climate Fund Careers page

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