Liaison Officer for Sierra Leone

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.

Sierra Leone is among the most vulnerable countries in the world to the adverse effects of climate change such as extreme heat, droughts, wildfires, and floods. High population densities and inadequate housing, substantial economic dependence on agriculture, and poverty, increases climate change risks.  Sea level rise (SLR) threatens more than 2 million Sierra Leones in coastal communities and the low-lying coast. Catastrophic floods are increasing in frequency, impacting communities residing within Freetown and western area rural districts. Landslides are responsible for significant damage to homes and infrastructure and estimated to cause around USD 350,000 average annual direct loss to buildings by the 2050s under RCP 8.5.

Sustainable and inclusive growth has been constrained by the country’s exposure to multi-dimensional exogenous shocks (economic, epidemic, climactic), pervasive governance weaknesses, and limited fiscal space and fiscal risks, which inhibit the ability to promote pro-poor growth through public investment. Sierra Leone’s economy has been affected by back-to-back crises, which have aggravated inflationary and fiscal pressures, and increased the risks to debt sustainability. 

Sierra Leone revised and updated its NDC in 2021. The revised NDC has an emissions reduction target of 5% by 2025, 10% by 2030, and 25% by 2050 as compared to 2005. The revised NDC covers mitigation actions for energy, industrial process and product use, waste, agriculture, forestry and other land use, blue economy as well as adaptation actions for agriculture and food security, water resources, energy, coast zone management, ecosystem management, disaster management, gender and social inclusion, and infrastructure. Sierra Leone aims to reduce vulnerability by half by 2030 through increased risk awareness, improvements in rule compliance, increased institutional capacity and an integrated approach to adaptation in development policy and programs across sectors and scales.     
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.

Role

The GCF Liaison Officer will act as the primary liaison between the GCF Secretariat and the country, providing essential support to the NDA in all matters concerning GCF climate action. 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. 

Objectives 

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

(a) To enhance the capacity of the NDA, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), and relevant agencies to develop a National Climate Finance Roadmap/Framework;  plan, develop and implement climate change adaptation and mitigation concept notes and funding proposals;
(b) 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;
(c) Support the NDA in exploring the viabilities of modern climate financial instruments in the context of Sierra Leone and develop a menu of options in support of operationalizing the climate finance roadmap/framwork while leveraging a pipeline of bankable mitigation and adaptation projects 
(d) In partnership with public and private stakeholders, build on the efforts of the NDA on sustainable finance by advancing on locally led climate action, disclosures, resilience planning, taxonomy development or application;
(e) Engage with the private sector to deliberate on policy actions and regulations, and support the design of policy measures and non-financial de-risking measures that would enable flow of capital for identified climate-responsive projects;
(f)  To assist in accessing and implementing integrated programmes of readiness activities in the country;
(g) To raise awareness and facilitate understanding in the country of the GCF funding windows, policies and processes; and
(h) To facilitate knowledge transfer and skill development among local stakeholders and communities.

Responsibilities 

Following are the responsibilities to ensure the successful implementation of the placement scheme:

Country Programme

(a) Support the development of the Sierra Leone country programme with GCF, following the GCF guidance for country programmes;  
(b) Assist the NDA in coordinating consultative processes within the country to identify key areas for results related to the implementation of the National Climate Finance Roadmap/Framework, NDCs/NAPs/LTSs and developing project/programme ideas for the country programme;
(c) Assist in the process of identifying potential partners for the implementation of the Country Programme, including potential direct access entities;
(d) 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
(e) 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.

Readiness 

(a) 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;
(b) Support capacity and awareness building within the Ministry of Environment, public and private sector (particularly financial institutions) on (i) identification, valuation and mainstreaming of climate risks in financial decision making, (ii) reporting in line with recognized climate and sustainability disclosure frameworks to align with international financing requirements and increase access to international finance, (iii) transition planning and financing, and (v) other measures to scale up sustainable investments
(c) Assist the NDA to facilitate stakeholder engagement through transparent and effective communication with relevant country stakeholders, including ministries of finance, sector ministries, ministries of economy, strategic planning, central banks, executing entities, the private sector, subnational entities, development partners, GCF accredited entities and civil society organizations such as women’s groups, academia, Indigenous Peoples and local communities. 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;
(d) Assist in completing the Financial Management Capacity Assessment (FMCA) form , if and as required;
(e) Support the NDA with adaptative management requests as required; and
(f)  As required by the NDA, contribute to midterm reviews of readiness activities, and provide input for adjusting initial TORs as needed.  

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 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 project missions and other relevant events in support of monitoring and showcasing   GCF results and conductsite visits to GCF project sites in coordination with the GCF Secretariat;
• Assist the NDA in providing inputs to investigations led by the independent units of the GCF.
• Provide technical support to the NDA in the implementation of relevant new or ongoing projects and initiatives;
• Contribute to the preparation of regular reports, briefs, and policy preparation as required
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned

Assignment Details

1. The GCF Liaison Officer will be based in Freetown and will operate from the offices of the NDA.
2. The GCF Liaison Officer will support the NDA  report to the appropriate regional manager of the GCF Secretariat. 
3. As part of their reporting obligations, the Officer is expected to compile a quarterly report detailing activities conducted and results achieved, to be shared with the NDA and GCF Secretariat.

Qualifications and Experience

The following qualifications and experience are required:

• Masters degree in climate change/environmental science, climate economics/finance, economics or a closely related discipline; 
• At least eight 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 successfully developing climate change investment proposals, showcasing expertise in crafting compelling and impactful funding applications, including monitoring and evaluation of climate change initiatives;
• Experience in addressing climate change issues in Sierra Leone, 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;
• 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 Krio, the principal local language of Sierra Leone, 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.
   

The closing date for applications is 27th February 2025, 23:59 (KST). Applications submitted after the closing date will 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 initial assignment is for 11 months and 29 days, with a maximum of 180 working days. with the possibility of extension based on performance evaluation, subject to the continued need and available funding. 

Preference will be given to nationals or residents who have lived continuously in Sierra Leone for at least 5 years for this position. 

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