Liaison Officer for Maldives

I.  Background

Established in 2010 by the 194 countries that are Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) takes pride in its role as the world’s largest dedicated climate fund. GCF finances transformative climate projects across developing countries, empowering them to respond to and combat climate change while promoting sustainable development within their communities.

In addition to mobilising public and private sector investments through a diverse range of financing instruments, GCF strengthens the capacity of developing countries to undertake climate action through the Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme (the Readiness Programme). This initiative equips countries with the necessary resources to build foundations, skills, and capacities to effectively secure and manage climate financing.

In line with our commitment to enhancing national capacities, the 2024-2027 strategy for the Readiness Programme introduces a placement scheme available upon request from countries - via their National Designated Authorities (NDA) and focal points, - to deploy local experts within NDAs or other relevant agencies designated by the country that will be known as GCF Liaison Officers. These embedded experts will aim to ensure continuous, effective engagement with GCF, imparting knowledge of GCF policies, systems and processes and facilitating the development of programming capacities and enhanced direct access to climate finance for the achievement of national climate objectives.

II. Role

The GCF Liaison Officer will provide technical and administrative support to the NDA, providing essential support to the NDA or relevant agency in all matters concerning GCF climate action.  The Officer will operate under the daily guidance of the NDA while maintaining a higher level reporting line to the GCF Pacific and Asian SIDS Sub-Regional Lead on a quarterly basis. This role entails close coordination with stakeholders relevant to the GCF activities in the country to ensure their seamless execution, including country programming, accreditation, readiness support conceptualisation and oversight, project preparation and implementation and other related activities.

The GCF Liaison Officer will also play a crucial role in engaging with local communities to raise awareness about climate change and relevant project pipelines, ensuring their feedback is received and integrated in climate action planning.

III. Objectives 

The placement scheme aims to achieve the following objectives through the role of the GCF Liaison Oficer:

• To enhance the capacity of the NDA and relevant agencies to plan, develop and implement climate change adaptation and mitigation concept notes and funding proposals;
• To support the NDA and/or relevant agencies in developing and implementing GCF country programmes, including facilitating the set up or improvement of coordination with relevant stakeholders;
• To assist in accessing and implementing integrated programmes of readiness activities in the country;
• To raise awareness and facilitate understanding in the country of the GCF funding windows, policies and processes; and
• To facilitate knowledge transfer and skill development among local stakeholders and communities.

IV. Responsibilities 

The following responsibilities to ensure the successful implementation of the placement scheme:

4.1 Country Programme

• Support the development of the Maldives country programme with GCF, following the GCF guidance for country programmes; 
• Assist the NDA in conducting needs assessments to identify local climate challenges and priorities, ensuring that the country programme addresses the most critical issues;
• Assist the NDA in coordinating consultative processes within the country to identify key areas for results aligned with key national climate priorities and developing project/programme ideas for the country programme; 
• Assist in the process of identifying potential partners for the implementation of the Country Programme, including potential direct access entities; 
• Assist in the development and review of country programme drafts in collaboration with the NDA and GCF Secretariat teams, ensuring timely processing and incorporation of feedback; and 
• Facilitate and assist the NDA in the implementation of the country programme, including reporting annually and identifying challenges and opportunities to discuss with the NDA and GCF Secretariat. 

4.2 Readiness 

• Engage/assist the NDA in co-developing draft TOR for readiness support if and as needed, in close coordination with the GCF Secretariat. This is based on the medium-term strategic planning and includes outlining specific support areas, required expertise and resources to address capacity gaps effectively, ensuring alignment with national priorities; 
• Assist the NDA to facilitate stakeholder engagement through transparent and effective communication with relevant country stakeholders. This approach adheres to GCF best practices for country coordination and multi-stakeholder engagement. The goal is to identify capacity gaps that inform the development and implementation of the TORs for readiness support; 
• Assist in completing the Financial Management Capacity Assessment (FMCA) form[1], if and as required; 
• Support the NDA with adaptative management requests as required; and 
• As required by the NDA, contribute to midterm reviews of readiness activities, and provide input for adjusting initial TORs as needed;
• Support the NDA in capacity building initiatives for local stakeholders to build their understanding of GCF processes and requirements;
• Document and share the best practices and lessons learned from previous readiness activities to design future initiatives. 

[1]  To be eligible for readiness funding, agencies and entities that are not accredited to GCF undergo FMCA

4.3 Pipeline Development, Implementation, Monitoring and Reporting        

• Contribute to capacity-building by imparting skills and knowledge to the NDA and relevant stakeholders to successfully develop, advance and implement climate investments;
• In coordination with the GCF Secretariat, provide advice, guidance and clarifications to the NDA, accredited entities, and other stakeholders on GCF policies, procedures and instruments to successfully develop, advance and implement climate investments; 
• Assist the NDA in preparation of clear, non-technical documentation to help local stakeholders understand and manage the GCF funding processes;
• Assist the NDA in the development of project ideas, concept notes and funding proposals in close collaboration with the GCF Secretariat, the NDA and accredited entities; 
• Assist the NDA to facilitate stakeholder discussions to gather necessary information throughout the project cycle stages; 
• Support the NDA to maintain regular communication with accredited entities to report to the GCF Secretariat and help resolve any issues that may arise during the implementation of GCF investments in the country; 
• Support the NDA and relevant agencies with the preparation of country portfolio results reporting as required by the GCF Secretariat; and 
• Assist the NDA in the organization of relevant events to showcase GCF results. 

V. Qualiications and Experience

The following indicative qualiications and experience are provided for guidance. The NDA/government agency receiving the placement may propose revisions to better align with national requirements, in coordination with the GCF Secretariat.

• University level degree in climate change/environmental science, climate economics/finance, engineering, project finance or a closely related discipline; 
• At least five years of experience in the public and/or private sector with a demonstrated focus on climate investment and financing initiatives for climate change mitigation and adaptation; 
• Proven experience in institutional strengthening and capacity-building within developing economies, demonstrating the ability to enhance stakeholders' capabilities in addressing climate change and creating enabling environments for climate investment; 
• (At least five years of experience in working on climate change initiatives, investments and proposal development, as well as project management and development.; 
• Experience in addressing climate change, environment and sustainable development issues in Maldives, providing a deep understanding of the local context and challenges; 
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and engage with multiple stakeholders, reflecting strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster cooperation among diverse groups, including prior experience in community development or working with local community stakeholders; 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, complemented by outstanding presentation abilities, enabling effective dissemination of information and ideas to diverse audiences; 
• Familiarity with the GCF, including operational mechanisms and funding modalities will be an asset; 
• Fluency in English is required, and proficiency in the official language(s) of Maldives, or other United Nations languages, is highly desirable; 
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and adaptability; and 
• Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical standards, including integrity, transparency and accountability in all professional activities. 

​​​​​​​

VI. Assignment Details

The GCF Liaison Officer will be based in Male', Maldives and will operate from the offices of the NDA and/or relevant agency.

The GCF Liaison Officer will support the NDA or relevant agency and report to the appropriate NDA focal point and the regional manager of the GCF Secretariat. 

As part of their reporting obligations, the experts are expected to compile a quarterly report detailing activities conducted and results achieved, to be shared with the NDA and GCF Secretariat.

This position is based on a contract duration of 11 months and 29 days with a maximum of 180 working days.

The initial assignment is for 11 months and 29 days, with the maximum of 180 working days, with the possibility of extension based on annual performance evaluation, subject to the continued need and available funding.

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

Please indicate your earliest availability to take up the assignment and notice-period required, if employed.

The closing date for applications is 12 February 2025, 23:59 Korea Standard Time (KST). Applications submitted after the closing date may not be considered.

Individuals currently employed as civil servants, whether actively or on leave (with or without pay), are not eligible to participate in this procurement process.

The application is required to be submitted in English language.

Applications from women and citizens from developing countries are strongly encouraged.