GCF Concept Note Developer

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 194

• Its mission is to lead international efforts to defeat hunger and malnutrition, contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs approximately 12,000 staff members. FAO's primary goal is to assist governments in developing policies, programs, and projects aimed at achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and reducing hunger and malnutrition, while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Job Overview:
The GCF Concept Note Developer will play a crucial role in the Scaling-up Public-Private Co-Investments for Climate Action in Agrifood Systems Project, which addresses the significant risks posed by climate change to Zambia's agrifood systems. The incumbent will lead the development of a full Green Climate Fund (GCF) Concept Note, ensuring it meets the GCF's requirements and investment criteria. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including the FAO Country Team, the National Designated Authority (NDA), and private sector proponents, to secure country ownership and endorsement of the proposed project. The developer will also be responsible for identifying and addressing any technical, financial, or market gaps necessary for the Concept Note's development, as well as drafting the document to ensure it aligns with Zambia's national development priorities and climate commitments.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of a full GCF Concept Note for the priority project idea generated under the Readiness Programme, ensuring it is validated and ready for submission to the GCF Secretariat.
• Provide technical expertise and advice on GCF requirements, investment criteria, and project design standards to the FAO Country Team, NDA, and participating private sector proponents.
• Coordinate and facilitate technical consultations, stakeholder engagement, and validation processes to secure country ownership and endorsement of the proposed project.
• Review validated project idea notes and confirm the project idea to be advanced into a full GCF Concept Note in consultation with the NDA and FAO Country Team.
• Identify and fill any remaining technical, financial, market, or safeguards data gaps needed for the Concept Note, including additional consultations with private sector proponents and relevant stakeholders.
• Develop the project's theory of change and results framework, ensuring alignment with Zambia's NDC, NAP, and national development priorities.
• Draft the GCF Concept Note using the official GCF template, covering all required sections such as project summary, background, description, expected impact, financing information, implementation arrangements, and risk considerations.
• Prepare an indicative budget and financing structure for the proposed project, including anticipated GCF financing and co-financing sources.
• Validate the draft Concept Note with relevant stakeholders and revise it based on feedback received to ensure technical soundness and readiness for GCF submission. 1
• Support the FAO Country Team and NDA in follow-up consultations with GCF regarding the submitted Concept Note. 1
• Perform any other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced University Degree in Agricultural, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in climate finance and project/programme design, planning, and monitoring.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English.
• National of Zambia or resident of the country with a valid work permit.
• Demonstrated knowledge of international climate finance, specifically the GCF project cycle and requirements, and the adaptation and mitigation agendas of the UNFCCC.
• Proven track record of developing GCF Concept Notes, Funding Proposals, or comparable project documents for multilateral climate or environmental funds.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and in preparing project budgets and financing structures.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other project staff to achieve project objectives within budget limits.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University Degree in fields such as Agricultural Sciences, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Environmental Science, or closely related disciplines. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the complexities involved in climate finance and agrifood systems.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in climate finance, project/programme design, planning, and monitoring. This extensive experience is crucial for the candidate to effectively navigate the complexities of developing GCF Concept Notes and engaging with various stakeholders in the agrifood sector.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of one or more local languages spoken in Zambia is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate better communication with local stakeholders and enhance project engagement.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). Appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.