Environmental and Social Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is the world’s largest dedicated multilateral climate fund, established in 2010 by the 194 countries that are Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). GCF's mission is to support developing countries in their efforts to respond to climate change while fostering sustainable development. With a portfolio of 297 projects across 133 countries and a total commitment of USD 16.6 billion to date, GCF aims to grow to at least a USD 50 billion fund by 203

• The organization operates with a diverse workforce of over 300 employees, representing almost 80 nationalities, and is headquartered in the Republic of Korea. GCF focuses on mobilizing public and private sector financial flows for climate action, ensuring that its actions are tailored to the unique circumstances and aspirations of each nation it supports.

Job Overview:
The Environmental and Social Specialist will play a crucial role in implementing the Fund’s Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), which includes the Environmental and Social Policy (ESP), Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) standards, Gender Policy, Gender Action Plan, and Indigenous Peoples Policy. This position requires a commitment to integrating environmental and social considerations into GCF financed activities, conducting due diligence on funding proposals, and monitoring annual performance reports. The Specialist will also provide technical advice to Accredited Entities (AEs), countries, and the Secretariat, ensuring compliance with sustainability policies and standards. The role demands a proactive approach to fostering innovation and embedding social sustainability and gender sensitivity in the Fund’s financing initiatives, ultimately contributing to the GCF's mission of making a measurable difference in climate action.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Environmental and Social Specialist will be responsible for adapting the environmental and social due diligence practices of the Fund to ensure compliance with environmental and social risk management. This includes applying the ESMS, ESP, and ESS standards through the review of concept notes, funding proposals, and monitoring of activities under implementation. The Specialist will engage with the Secretariat and stakeholders to promote awareness and understanding of the Fund’s ESMS and sustainability policies. Additionally, the Specialist will optimize processes for environmental and social due diligence, gender mainstreaming, and performance reviews, collaborating with project teams to maintain consistency in the implementation of GCF requirements. The role also involves guiding project teams in managing incidents and complaints received through the GCF Independent Redress Mechanism.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in environmental or social sciences, engineering, environmental policy and economics, social development, or related fields. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree in similar fields with an additional two years of relevant experience may be considered. A minimum of seven years of relevant international experience in environmental and social management systems, safeguards policy implementation, and gender mainstreaming is required. The ability to work collaboratively with investment teams and familiarity with various funding modalities and grievance mechanisms are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills in English, with knowledge of another UN language being an advantage.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as environmental or social sciences, engineering, environmental policy and economics, or social development. A Bachelor's degree in similar fields may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of relevant experience. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental and social management systems and the policies that govern them.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least seven years of relevant international experience in environmental and social management systems, including the implementation of environmental and social safeguards policies and standards. Experience in gender mainstreaming, Indigenous Peoples inclusion, and the application of relevant tools and references is also necessary. Familiarity with international organizations and the ability to handle multiple tasks under pressure are important for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and oral communication skills required. Knowledge of another UN language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified at Grade IS-3, with a salary of USD 108,700 plus attractive benefits, including relocation, dependency, housing, education assistance, and home country travel allowances. The deadline for applications is 05 May 2025, and applications submitted after this date may not be considered. The GCF encourages applications from women and nationals of developing countries, emphasizing its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.