Head of Multilateral Governance and Observer Engagement

Grade: IS-7
Deadline: 19 May 2024 (11:59 PM KST)
Job Category: International
Salary: USD 198,000 (plus attractive benefits, that include the following allowances (as applicable): Relocation, dependency, housing, education assistance and home country travel.

Introduction
The Green Climate Fund is the world’s largest dedicated multilateral climate fund and invests in impactful, innovative, catalytic programs and projects in developing countries across the globe. By the end of 2023, GCF had a portfolio of 243 projects in 129 countries, committing a total of USD 13.5 billion to date. 

In 2023, an additional USD 12.8 billion was pledged, to support our new strategic and programming cycle from 2024-2027; our ambition is to grow to become at least a USD 50 billion fund by 2030. Rooted in the core objectives of impact and efficiency, access and a focus on the most vulnerable, and mobilizing a much higher scale of public and private sector financial flows for climate action we have an unparalleled scale of resources, which, together with our risk appetite and flexibility allows us to bring together different partners and stakeholders in innovative partnerships for profound impact. 

GCF is seeking a top-tier individual with a demonstrable track record of harnessing experience, energy and networks to tackle complex global climate change challenges. You will be committed to making a positive, measurable difference through a mission-driven role, and thrive in a fast-paced, diverse environment.  

You will be able to quickly scan and analyze complex, competing issues and lead significant sized teams to find solutions in evolving contexts, across multiple geographic locations. 

You will be a nurturer of people: recognizing and growing the talent around you, exemplifying values of transparency, respect and innovation.

You will be committed to learning, knowledge-sharing, convening and communicating with partners to work together to ideate, develop and implement climate action initiatives that make a profound difference to people and planet.

You will join a team of talented, committed individuals representing almost 80 nationalities contributing skills and experience from academic, scientific, private, government and nonprofit backgrounds.  Together, we work with governments, communities and civil society, technical agencies, and the private sector across the world.

Interested in more information? 
Learn about working for GCF: https://www.greenclimate.fund/about/careers 
View current vacancies: https://jobs.greenclimate.fund/

About the Green Climate Fund (GCF)
Set up in 2010 by the 194 countries who are Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), GCF takes its responsibility as the world’s largest dedicated multilateral climate fund to heart.  GCF funds transformative climate projects across the developing world, supporting countries in their responses and actions to tackle climate change while fostering sustainable development within their communities. 

Our country-driven approach ensures that our actions are tailored to the unique circumstances and national aspirations of each nation we support. Besides channeling public and private sector investment through a broad range of financing instruments, GCF builds the capacity of developing countries to take climate action through an extensive Readiness Programme ensuring countries are increasingly well-equipped and financed to manage their climate futures.

Headquartered in the Republic of Korea, GCF operates with a diverse and talented workforce of over 300 people. 
 

Position Objective
Reporting to the Director of Governance Affairs and Secretary to the Board, the Head of Multilateral Governance and Observer Engagement will lead the team dedicated to multilateral governance and observer engagement, supporting the GCF’s engagement with multilateral climate finance processes and entities, including the UNFCCC, multilateral organizations and observers. The position will lead processes related to the complementarity and coherence with other Funds and the broader climate finance architecture.

Purpose 

UNFCCC-COP, multilateral processes and international dialogue and coordination

• Oversee the establishment of arrangements with the UNFCCC-COP and cultivate strong relationships with UNFCCC bodies, positioning the GCF as a key player in the global climate governance landscape.
• Lead and facilitate GCF's participation in international working groups and task forces, ensuring strategic positioning and impactful contributions by GCF.
• Oversee the formulation, drafting, implementation, and review of documents on multilateral climate governance.
• Represent the Fund in multilateral climate finance events, meetings, and relevant fora, ensuring the Fund's interests are advanced effectively. 
• Complementarity and Coherence
• Develop a comprehensive strategy for building complementarity and coherence with other multilateral funds and organizations such as MDBs and foundations, aiming at fostering synergies for greater impact.
• Oversee the development and implementation of complementarity and coherence initiatives aiming at promoting a strategic and effective collaboration and coordination efforts between climate funds and the broader international climate finance architecture.
• Internally coordinate and raise awareness across the Secretariat regarding joint initiatives by the multilateral organizations, seeking their engagement and support, as necessary.
   

Engagement

Observer and stakeholder Engagement

• Oversee the development of policies, strategies and initiatives for fostering the engagement and collaboration with observers to the Board, taking advantage of Board and COP meetings.
• Lead the coordination with internal teams to deepen GCF's engagement with observers to the Board, fostering meaningful relationships and stakeholder involvement.
• Oversee the exchange of information and interaction with observers, as well as the organization of joint events and consultations.
• Oversee the establishment of procedures and lead the update of GCF’s Observer guidelines, enhancing accountability and stakeholder engagement.
   

Delivery

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead a high-performing climate policy team, ensuring the overall quality of their work and fostering a culture of excellence.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to the multilateral governance team, facilitating their ongoing learning and professional development.

Additional Duties

• Undertake any other related duties as required by the Director, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to contribute effectively to the Fund's mission and objectives.

Requirements (Education, experience, technical competencies required of the job)

• Master’s or higher-level degree in areas such as Law, Political Science, International Relations, Diplomacy, Governance, Environment, Climate Policy and Management is preferred;  or 2 additional years of experience with Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• At least 15 years of relevant work experience, of which at least 10 in multilateral organizations, funds, MDBs, foundations, civil society organizations and NGOs, dedicated to climate and sustainability matters, including in advisory capacity; or 2 additional years of experience with Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Knowledge of the climate change architecture and multilateral processes. 
• Fluency in English with knowledge of another United Nations official language (in particular Spanish and/or French) as an advantage.

Competencies

• Proactive aptitude oriented to solving problems;
• Critical thinking – identifies opportunities and most efficient and effective means of implementation;
• Stakeholder management - builds strong trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholder;
• Flexibility - able to adapt and manage change;
• Delivery orientation - Delivers results consistently;
• Communication – clear, persuasive and effective communicator both orally and in writing;
• Teamwork - Contributes to a positive, collaborative and productive work environment 
• Empowering others: involves others when making decisions that affect them; Genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise;
• Managing Performance: Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; Actively supports the development of staff.
   

The closing date for application is 19 May 2024. Applications submitted after the deadline may not be considered.

*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 to apply.