GCF Liaison Officer for Cameroon

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 totaling 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 act as the primary liaison between the GCF Secretariat and Cameroon, providing essential support to the National Designated Authority (NDA) or relevant agency in all matters concerning GCF climate action. This role involves close coordination with stakeholders relevant to GCF activities in the country to ensure seamless execution of programming, accreditation, readiness support conceptualization, oversight, project preparation, implementation, and other related activities. The officer will be at the forefront of accelerating climate action in Cameroon, bridging GCF and national institutions to unlock transformative climate investments. The placement scheme aims to enhance the capacity of the NDA and relevant agencies to plan, develop, and implement climate change adaptation and mitigation concept notes and funding proposals, support programming, assist in accessing and implementing integrated readiness activities, raise awareness of GCF funding windows, and facilitate knowledge transfer among local stakeholders and communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The GCF Liaison Officer will carry out a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Readiness: Engage and assist the NDA in co-developing draft Terms of Reference (TOR) for readiness support, ensuring alignment with national priorities; facilitate stakeholder engagement through effective communication with relevant country stakeholders; assist in completing the Financial Management Capacity Assessment (FMCA) form; support the NDA with adaptive management requests; contribute to midterm reviews of readiness activities.
• Pipeline Development, Implementation, Monitoring, and Reporting: Contribute to capacity-building by imparting skills and knowledge to the NDA and relevant stakeholders; provide advice and guidance on GCF policies and procedures; assist in the development of project ideas, concept notes, and funding proposals; facilitate stakeholder discussions throughout the project cycle; support the coordination of No Objection Letter processes; maintain regular communication with accredited entities; prepare country portfolio results reporting; and assist in organizing events to showcase GCF results.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university-level degree in climate change/environmental science, climate economics/finance, engineering, project finance, or a closely related discipline. They should have at least eight years of experience in the public and/or private sector, focusing on climate investment and financing initiatives for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Proven experience in institutional strengthening and capacity-building within developing economies is essential, along with at least five years of experience in developing climate change investment proposals. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to coordinate and engage with multiple stakeholders, possess excellent communication skills, and have familiarity with GCF operational mechanisms and funding modalities. Fluency in English is required, and proficiency in the official languages of Cameroon or other United Nations languages is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university-level degree in fields related to climate change, environmental science, climate economics, engineering, project finance, or closely related disciplines. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate finance and the necessary skills to engage effectively with stakeholders in the climate action space.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of relevant experience in the public and/or private sector, with a strong focus on climate investment and financing initiatives. Candidates should have a proven track record in institutional strengthening and capacity-building, particularly within developing economies. Additionally, at least five years of experience in successfully developing climate change investment proposals is necessary, showcasing expertise in crafting compelling funding applications and monitoring and evaluating climate change initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in the official languages of Cameroon, such as French, or other United Nations languages is highly desirable, as it enhances communication with diverse stakeholders and facilitates effective engagement in the local context.

Additional Notes:
The GCF Liaison Officer will be based in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and will operate from the offices of the NDA or relevant agency. 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 need. The daily rate offered for this consultancy is USD 18

• Preference will be given to nationals or residents of Cameroon. The application must be submitted in English, and applications from women and citizens from developing countries are strongly encouraged. The position is labeled as remote, but it requires in-person presence in Yaoundé. If a civil servant is selected, the NDA must confirm that the individual will be on leave without pay during the placement.