GCF Liaison Officer for Cuba

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. It serves as the world’s largest dedicated climate fund, with a mission to finance transformative climate projects across developing countries. Over the past decade, GCF has financed projects amounting to over USD 19 billion across more than 330 projects in over 130 countries. The organization aims to empower these countries to combat climate change while promoting sustainable development within their communities. As GCF scales towards its vision of becoming a USD 50 billion fund by 2030, strengthening national capacities remains central to its mission. GCF mobilizes public and private sector investments through diverse financing instruments and equips developing countries with the necessary resources, skills, and capacities to effectively secure and manage climate financing through its Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme.

Job Overview:
The GCF Liaison Officer will serve as the primary liaison between the GCF Secretariat and the country of Cuba, providing essential support to the National Designated Authority (NDA) or relevant agency in all matters concerning GCF climate action. This role requires close coordination with stakeholders relevant to GCF activities in Cuba to ensure seamless execution of programming, accreditation, readiness support conceptualization, oversight, project preparation, implementation, and other related activities. The GCF Liaison Officer will be at the forefront of accelerating climate action in Cuba, bridging the GCF and national institutions to unlock transformative climate investments. The position is critical in enhancing the capacity of the NDA and relevant agencies to plan, develop, and implement climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives, as well as facilitating knowledge transfer and skill development among local stakeholders and communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The GCF Liaison Officer will carry out a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: 1) Readiness: Engaging and assisting the NDA in co-developing draft Terms of Reference (TOR) for readiness support, facilitating stakeholder engagement, completing the Financial Management Capacity Assessment (FMCA) form, supporting adaptive management requests, and contributing to midterm reviews of readiness activities. 2) Pipeline Development, Implementation, Monitoring, and Reporting: Contributing to capacity-building by imparting skills and knowledge to the NDA and relevant stakeholders, providing advice and guidance on GCF policies and procedures, assisting in the development of project ideas and funding proposals, facilitating stakeholder discussions, supporting the coordination of No Objection Letter processes, maintaining communication with accredited entities, preparing country portfolio results reporting, and organizing events to showcase GCF results.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in a discipline related to climate change, such as natural, technical, economic, or social/humanistic sciences. They should have at least five years of experience in the public sector with a focus on climate change, climate investment, and financing initiatives for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Candidates must demonstrate mastery of the Cuban legal framework related to climate change and the government's mechanisms for investment processes and international cooperation. Proven experience in institutional strengthening and capacity-building is essential, along with the ability to coordinate and engage with multiple stakeholders. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, are required, as well as familiarity with GCF operational mechanisms and funding modalities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant discipline related to climate change, such as natural sciences, technical fields, economics, or social/humanistic sciences. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate change and the associated financing mechanisms.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of experience in the public sector, specifically focusing on climate change, climate investment, and financing initiatives for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing climate change investment proposals and engaging with various stakeholders to address climate change issues effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in Spanish, the official language of Cuba, is highly desirable. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is considered an asset, as it enhances communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The GCF Liaison Officer will be based in Cuba and will operate from the offices of the NDA. The initial assignment is for a maximum of 180 working days over a period of 11 months and 29 days, with the possibility of extension based on performance evaluation and continued funding availability. The daily rate offered for this consultancy is USD 8

• Preference will be given to nationals or residents of Cuba. The application must be submitted in English, and applications from women and citizens from developing countries are strongly encouraged. It is important to note that while the position is labeled as remote, it requires in-person presence in Cuba. If a civil servant or government employee is selected, they must be on leave without pay and relieved of all official duties during the placement.