Investment Risk Specialist

Grade: IS-4
Deadline: 15 May 2025 (11:59 PM KST)
Job Category: International
Salary: USD 129,400 (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. The GCF has a portfolio of 297 projects across 133 countries, with a total commitment of USD 16.6 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
The mission of the Department of Risk Management and Compliance (DRMC) led by the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer is to: develop, manage and update comprehensive risk and compliance frameworks, policies and processes; identify, prioritize, monitor and manage actual and potential risks affecting the Green Climate Fund (GCF); and review pipeline and portfolio investments and programs to ensure that they are within the Fund’s risk tolerances,  comply with the Fund’s compliance and risk policies, and achieve optimal risk-reward for the Fund. The DRMC has two Units, the Risk Unit and the Compliance Unit.

The Investment Risk Specialist, reporting to the Lead Risk Specialist- Programming and working with other Specialists, will be responsible for reviewing funding proposals and post approval amendments and restructuring requests to provide an objective and independent risk assessment and solution oriented advice to management and programing teams. The incumbent will actively engage with other members of the deal team and synthesize her/his risk assessment into the secretariat assessment submitted to the Board. The Specialist will also play an important role in the development and revision of investment risk guidelines and tools.

Purpose 

• Create, maintain, and apply, with guidance from the Lead Risk Specialist, Programming as needed, credit and equity standards, deal acceptance criteria, risk tools and knowledge management products to ensure rigorous assessment of funding proposals and proactive management of portfolio projects
• Review and improve investment risk review process for maximum effectiveness and efficiency

Engagement

• Collaborate with other members of the DRMC, the origination and portfolio teams to ensure that risks and opportunities are identified and fully understood throughout the approval and portfolio management process
• Provide expert advice on risk mitigation and persuade stakeholders to improve the risk and reward profile of the funding proposals and restructuring requests

Delivery

• Review complex funding proposals and post approval amendments and restructuring requests in accordance with the Risk Management Framework of the Fund 
• Adapt the review commensurate with the risk profile and complexity of the funding proposal and amendment and restructuring requests
• Provide independent risk assessment as part of the secretariat assessment of the funding proposals

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

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Economics, Finance, Business, or related disciplines is preferred; or a Bachelor’s degree with additional 2 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master’s degree requirement.
• At least nine (9) of relevant experience in a similar work setting (international financial institution, international bank, funds, or other similar institution).
• Thorough understanding of macro-economic and political analysis, sector dynamics, financial modelling, equity valuation, legal structuring, and financial instruments and application of this understanding to the analysis of funding proposals and portfolio management.
• Experience of structuring and documentation of private sector projects with various financial instruments (debt, equity, mezzanine, and guarantee) is required. Experience of fund investments is desirable. 
• Advanced analytical capacity including extensive experience with analytical tools and financial modeling skills. 
• Strong writing and communication skills and ability to work in multi-cultural environments.
• Developed negotiation skills and ability to seek constructive solutions that achieve optimum risk-reward.
• Ability to work independently, while adhering to the timelines and quality of deliverables.
• Professional designation such as FRM or CFA is an advantage. 
• Professional experience in developing countries is an advantage.
• Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of another United Nations language is an advantage.
   

The closing date for application is 15 May 2025. 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.