Climate Investment Associate Principal

Job Posting Organization:
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) was established in 2010 by the 194 countries that are Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It is recognized as the world’s largest dedicated multilateral climate fund, with a mission to support developing countries in their efforts to respond to climate change while fostering sustainable development. GCF has a portfolio of 360 projects across 134 countries, with a total commitment of USD 20.5 billion to date. In 2023, an additional USD 12.8 billion was pledged to support the new strategic and programming cycle from 2024-2027, with an ambition to grow to at least a USD 50 billion fund by 203

• The organization operates with a diverse workforce of over 300 employees and is headquartered in the Republic of Korea. GCF's approach is country-driven, ensuring that actions are tailored to the unique circumstances and national aspirations of each nation it supports. The organization channels public and private sector investment through a broad range of financing instruments and builds the capacity of developing countries to take climate action through an extensive Readiness Programme.

Job Overview:
The Climate Investment Associate Principal plays a crucial role in supporting the design, structuring, and management of private sector investment operations within the Department of Asia and the Pacific Region (DAPAC) at GCF. This position involves working across regional and global teams to contribute to the origination, due diligence, and execution of climate investment transactions of moderate complexity. The Associate Principal will also support co-investment initiatives and strategic partnerships aimed at mobilizing additional climate finance and enhancing country engagement. Under the guidance of the Private Sector Manager, the Associate Principal may lead select transactions or components of complex projects, actively participating throughout the investment lifecycle—from origination to implementation and adaptive management. The role requires continuous dialogue with National Designated Authorities (NDAs), Accredited Entities (AEs), and other stakeholders to ensure alignment with national climate priorities and to enhance GCF's visibility and impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Investment Origination and Structuring: Support or lead the origination, analysis, and development of new investment opportunities across public and private sectors. Conduct financial, economic, and impact assessments for funding proposals and investment opportunities of moderate complexity. Contribute to structuring and financial modeling of blended and innovative finance mechanisms, including loans, equity, guarantees, and grants. Prepare term sheets, investment memos, and documentation for internal committees and the Board under supervision of the Principal or Manager. Coordinate with Legal, Risk, and Policy teams to ensure transactions align with GCF investment frameworks and institutional requirements. Engage with NDAs, AEs, and regional teams to identify investment opportunities aligned with country priorities (NDCs, NAPs, and Long-Term Strategies).
• Portfolio Management and Adaptive Supervision: Manage or co-lead a defined portfolio of moderate or lower complexity, monitoring performance, disbursements, and key risks. Support preparation and review of Annual Performance Reports (APRs), adaptive management measures, and restructuring requests. Maintain accurate and updated records of portfolio performance and lessons learned. Contribute to portfolio reviews and assist in developing strategies to improve efficiency and impact. Engage directly with country focal points and AEs to resolve portfolio implementation challenges and facilitate adaptive management.
• Country Engagement and/or Strategic Partnerships, Co-Investment: Assist in developing and implementing co-investment and partnership initiatives with MDBs, DFIs, institutional investors, and other partners. Provide analytical support for structuring co-financing opportunities and blended platforms. Serve as a GCF focal point for assigned countries or regions, maintaining active communication with NDAs and other national stakeholders. Support country dialogues, readiness programming, and partnership development to strengthen GCF’s country ownership and access objectives. Represent OCIO in stakeholder missions, regional dialogues, and events, providing technical inputs and promoting GCF’s investment value proposition.
• Research, Innovation, and Knowledge Management: Conduct market and sector research to identify emerging investment trends, opportunities, and best practices. Contribute to the design and testing of new financial instruments and investment models that enhance GCF’s catalytic impact. Document and share lessons learned from investment operations to strengthen institutional knowledge and innovation. Support OCIO’s knowledge products, communication materials, and capacity-building efforts. Collaborate with regional and thematic teams to ensure knowledge exchange between country engagement, investment design, and policy alignment.
• Institutional and Operational Coordination: Coordinate cross-functional inputs and workflows to ensure timely review and approval of investment operations. Prepare project documentation, progress summaries, and inputs for internal committees and reports. Ensure alignment between country programming, readiness initiatives, and OCIO-led investment pipelines.

Required Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Environmental Sciences, or a related field; CFA or equivalent qualification is preferred. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, combined with an additional two (2) years of relevant professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. - 8 years of relevant experience in investment, project finance, or climate/development finance across public or private sectors. - Demonstrated experience leading or supporting moderate complexity investment transactions or portfolios. - Strong analytical skills in financial modeling, risk assessment, and due diligence. - Proven ability to manage relationships with NDAs, AEs, and other country stakeholders to advance strategic programming objectives. - Experience working in multicultural and cross-functional teams; exposure to DFIs, MDBs, or investment firms preferred. - Fluency in English required; knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have an advanced degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Environmental Sciences, or a related field. A CFA or equivalent qualification is preferred. In cases where a candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, an additional two years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in investment, project finance, or climate/development finance, which can be gained through work in either public or private sectors. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in leading or supporting moderate complexity investment transactions or portfolios, showcasing strong analytical skills in financial modeling, risk assessment, and due diligence.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN language is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The closing date for application is 28 August 202

• 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.