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UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund
JOB DESCRIPTION
About the Green Climate Fund
The mission of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) is to assist developing countries in responding to climate change while fostering prosperity. Established in 2010, the GCF invests in transformational climate projects in the developing world. The Fund makes a significant contribution to global climate action, channelling financial resources into developing countries to help build low-emission and climate-resilient societies. It is country-driven and supports actions reflecting national circumstances and aspirations. The GCF is a key enabler of the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
Since its inception, the GCF has approved 286 projects in 133 countries, committing USD 16 billion in climate finance. Additionally, it has developed an extensive program to support developing countries in identifying their needs, particularly those most vulnerable to climate change impacts.
GCF’s diverse workforce operates from its headquarters in South Korea. Talented staff members bring unique contributions to the Fund, enriching the institution through their expertise and professional commitment.
Position Objective
The Financial Management Senior Consultant, is responsible for supporting the financial management aspects of GCF projects. Working in coordination with the Department of Africa (DAFR), Department of Asia Pacific (DAPAC), Department of Latin America and the Caribbean (DLAC), and Department of Eastern Europe and the Middle East (DECM), to ensure proper financial management and reporting arrangements are in place.
The consultant will oversee the assessment of funding proposals additionally, they will engage in discussions and negotiations on financial management aspects of projects with accredited entities. These elements including financial structuring and commercial terms.
The ideal candidate will have experience in structuring and managing financial instruments, including grants, loans, equity, and guarantees, within the climate finance space or similar sectors. They will be familiar with financial structuring considerations for climate mitigation and adaptation projects, ensuring funding mechanisms align with project needs and risk management frameworks. They will likely have recent experience from working with a Climate Finance Fund, Development Financial Institution or Multilateral Development Bank.
Duties and Responsibilities
Purpose
- Support the second-level due diligence process for funding proposals, ensuring appropriate financial structuring and compliance with GCF’s policies.
- Support negotiation of agreements with accredited entities and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.
- Optimize financial management processes related to funding proposal reviews and project financial performance monitoring, ensuring efficiency and sustainability in managing a growing and complex portfolio.
- Provide technical expertise on structuring grants, loans, and other financial instruments, ensuring projects are financially viable and can leverage additional climate finance.
Engagement
- Collaborate with DAFR, DAPAC, DLAC and DECM in the appraisal of funding proposals to ensure financial management requirements are met and properly reflected in legal agreements.
- Provide guidance to Fund partners and lead negotiations on finance-related terms in project agreements.
- Work closely with accredited entities to assess the financial structuring of projects, including co-financing arrangements, concessionally considerations, and risk-sharing mechanisms.
Delivery
- Review and analyze funding proposals, providing guidance on financial management aspects, including:
- Assessing accredited entities’ fee proposals and providing recommendations to management, internal committees, and project teams.
- Structuring financial terms in term sheets, and other legal agreements to ensure financial soundness and compliance.
- Evaluating the financial structuring of projects, including grant-to-loan ratios, blended finance structures, and mechanisms to maximize impact while ensuring financial sustainability.
- Analysing budgets submitted by accredited entities in collaboration with task managers to ensure accuracy and financial viability.
- Ideally, the candidate will also have experience in
- Credit guarantees, Parametric and insurance-linked securities, Carbon offset credits, and
- Economic and Financial Analysis – Conducting macroeconomic assessments and sector-specific economic studies to evaluate the financial viability, economic impact, and sustainability of GCF-financed projects. Developing and applying quantitative models to assess the economic rate of return (ERR), social cost-benefit analysis, and value-for-money assessments for investment projects
- Providing training to project staff to build their capacity to undertake financial analysis for the appraisal of GCF projects and adaptive management requests.
Required Experience and Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Finance, Commerce, Economics, or advanced Accounting, or professional Accounting/Finance qualifications (CPA/CA/CFA). A relevant Bachelor’s degree with an additional two years of experience may be considered.
- At least 11 years of mid-to-senior level financial management and accounting experience, with strong analytical skills.
- Demonstrated experience in structuring and managing grants, loans, and blended finance instruments for climate finance, sustainable development, or similar sectors.
- Experience working on financial structuring of large-scale projects, including concessional finance, co-financing, and risk-sharing mechanisms.
- Proven success in collaborating with diverse internal and external stakeholders and partners.
- Knowledge of quantitative, qualitative, and text analysis methods.
- Experience with international organizations as a staff member, consultant, or contractor is an advantage.
- Fluent written and oral communication skills in English are essential; knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.
Additional Considerations
- Candidates successfully selected through a technical criteria review will be included in the GCF CIO Roster for a period of up to three (3) years with opportunity for renewal.
- Consultants will be home-based with possible mission travel, depending on the assignment.
- GCF does not warrant that any quantity of services will be purchased during the term of entry into the Roster as this will depend on forthcoming needs and performance appraisals.
- The final nature and scope of each assignment will vary and will focus on aspects of this Terms of Reference (TOR). Such details will be included in a separate TOR for each specific assignment and issue as a Call of Order.
Applications from women and nationals of developing countries are strongly encouraged. Candidates of all nationalities are welcome to apply; Closing date for applications is 10 March 2025, 23:59 (KST). Applications received after the closing date may not be considered.
Level of Education: Bachelor Degree
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: No requirements
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