Head of Board Affairs

Grade: IS-7
Deadline: 19 May 2024 (11:59 PM KST)
Job Category: International
Salary: USD 198,000 (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
The Head of Board Affairs oversees all aspects of the Board Affairs function. Reporting directly to the Director of Governance Affairs and Secretary to the Board, this role is responsible for ensuring the seamless coordination of the Board’s activities, facilitating communication between the Board and the Secretariat divisions, and implementing policies adopted by the Board.

Purpose 
Board Support and Coordination:

• Ensure the efficient support of the Board’s decision-making process, including timely notification and dissemination of relevant information to Board members and advisors.
• Oversee the preparation and approval of Board and Committees meetings’ agendas, summaries reports and minutes.
• Oversee the work of Board committees and working groups, collaborating with Secretariat technical focal points to ensure alignment with Board objectives.
• Board Work Plan, Policy Development and Consultations:
• Plan and oversee the consultations of Board and Committees documents.
• Provide inputs for the formulation and review of policies and procedures, supporting the development of Board documents.

Board Engagement and Communication:

• Oversee the smooth transition and onboarding of new Board members, facilitating cross-term continuity.
• Oversee the communication with Board officials, fostering positive relationships and enhancing transparency.
• Oversee the development and implementation of Board learning program, such as training, field trips and retreats. 
• Lead the preparation of the Board’s budget. 

Board Documentation, Records and Information:

• Oversee the preparation and revision of Board documentation, analyzing quality, content and alignment with Board mandates.
• Guides work relating to implementation of the GCF Information Disclosure Policy and access to information requests.
• Oversee the work related to Board records and information management, fostering the enhancement of institutional memory.
• Oversee the development and updating of GCF editorial guidelines, editing and formatting styles; databases and tools.
• Oversee the disclosure of relevant Board and Committees documents, including those relating to policies and funding proposals.

Governance, Practices, Processes and Systems:

• Ensure the observance of rules and procedures and foster the adoption of governance best practices.
• Lead Secretariat efforts and support with regard to the effectiveness of the Board and Committees. 
• Oversee the development and implementation of processes and systems to support the functioning of the Board.

Team Management and Development:

• Lead and guide the team members, setting objectives, managing performance, and fostering professional development.
• Cultivate a collaborative and proactive team culture, encouraging problem-solving and innovation.

Engagement

• Coordinate cross-divisional efforts to prepare for formal and informal Board and Committees meetings, liaising with Co-Chairs and Committees’ Chairs and Board members as necessary.
• Oversee the work of Committees Secretaries and the coordination with technical focal points and other Fund divisions. 
• Coordinate the development and manage the Board’s and Board Committees’ work plans and programs, in collaboration with relevant divisions.
• Support Board members and GCF Senior Management Team with regards to understanding of established procedures and practices to enable them to take informed decisions.

Delivery

• Coordinate the overall Secretariat support to Board and Committees.
• Monitor the implementation of Board decisions in collaboration with relevant divisions, escalating matters requiring attention to the Senior Management Team.
• Contribute to Fund-wide planning efforts, including the development and updating of the Secretariat’s work program.
• Represent the organization during technical missions to host countries for Board meetings, in collaboration with relevant divisions.

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

• Master’s degree in international relations, political science, environmental studies, sustainable development, social sciences, legal studies, or related fields, or a relevant Bachelors’ degree with 2 additional years of experience.
• Minimum 15 years of experience, including managing multilateral processes and assisting decision-making bodies.
• Demonstrated experience in team management and staff development.
• 10 years of experience in Board Affairs functions of international financial institutions, such as multilateral development banks and funds preferred.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with sound judgment and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and ability to work under pressure.
• Outstanding planning and organizational abilities.
• Proficiency in English; knowledge of an additional UN language is advantageous.

Competencies

• Teamwork, contributing to a positive, collaborative and productive work environment. 
• Effective prioritization and timely delivery of responsibilities.
• Strategic thinking and risk identification.
• Effective communication, both orally and in writing.
   

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.