Governance Senior Specialist

Grade: IS-5
Deadline: 19 May 2024 (11:59 PM KST)
Job Category: International
Salary: USD 145,000 (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
Under the guidance of the Head of Board Affairs, the Governance Senior Specialist contributes to the enhancement of GCF governance, through the development and review of policies, procedures, systems, and activities that can support consultations and decision-making processes. The position contributes tp ensure that the Secretariat’s work follows rules and procedures and is aligned with governance best practices and respect related timelines and responsibilities.

Purpose 

• Review and propose improvements to the GCF governance, including leading the review of policy and practice aspects of the GCF Board decision-making process, and developing related materials, as appropriate.
• Contribute to the coordination and delivery of the GCF/Board policy agenda, drafts, reviews and documents.
• Leads the works on streamlining and standardizing the Secretariat support to Bard Committees, works with Committee Focal Points on delineating roles and responsibilities.
• Contributes to onboarding process for new Co-Chairs, Board and alternate members, member advisors and Committee Chairs and members to familiarize them with key policies and procedures.
• Prepares or supervises the preparation of OGA related manuals, checklists, and other relevant materials. 
• Prepares and delivers training materials and trainings on governance-related matters to relevant stakeholders such as the Co-Chairs, Board members, Secretariat Focal Points, Office of Governance Affairs staff, as appropriate.
• Supervises, leads and provides guidance to junior staff in OGA.

Engagement

• Support the Head of Board Affairs in building strong trusted relationships with Board Members and GCF’s Senior Management Team.
• Supports the Director to ensure that Board members and GCF decision-makers have an understanding of established procedures and policies to enable them to take informed decisions.
• Liaises with relevant GCF stakeholders (including general services, events unit) to develop protocol procedures for GCF for visits of high-level officials and for hosting of events; 
• Works closely with the Board, Secretariat leadership and other key stakeholders.

Delivery

• Ensure consistency and completeness between GCF rules and procedures and Office of Governance Affairs processes. 
• Participates in external fora, initiatives, and efforts and provides expert advice, as relevant and as required, to external projects.
• Takes part in relevant Secretariat and Board committees, working groups and other, as relevant, and as assigned.
• Supports effective Board governance and decision-making.
• Supports the Director in developing, promoting, implementing, and maintaining an effective governance framework for consulting documents and taking and implementing decisions that are consistent with GCF authorities and aligns with the GCF mission, vision, and values.
• Works from experience to strengthen and codify Secretariat governance approaches that are not otherwise controlled by agreed Board authorities through the regular consideration of best practice.

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 is preferred; or 2 additional years of experience with Bachelor’s degree or equivalent;
• At least 11 years of relevant work experience, of which at least 9 in an intergovernmental setting, including in advisory capacity;
• Broad knowledge of climate change framework and climate finance; 
• Experience in working with Boards and committees;
• Fluency in English with knowledge of another United Nations official language (in particular Spanish and/or French) as an advantage.

Competencies
Demonstrates competencies for streamlining processes and enhancing performance, including:

• 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 the Board, team and Secretariat/IUs;
• Flexibility – able to adapt and manage change;
• Delivery orientation – Delivers results consistently and sustainably;
• 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.
   

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.