GCF Liaison Officer

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 is recognized as the world’s largest dedicated climate fund, focusing on financing transformative climate projects across developing countries. The GCF aims to empower these nations to effectively respond to and combat climate change while promoting sustainable development within their communities. The organization mobilizes public and private sector investments through a diverse range of financing instruments and strengthens the capacity of developing countries to undertake climate action through its Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme. This initiative equips countries with the necessary resources to build foundations, skills, and capacities to effectively secure and manage climate financing. The GCF's 2024-2027 strategy for the Readiness Programme introduces a placement scheme for local experts, known as GCF Liaison Officers, to ensure continuous engagement with GCF and facilitate the development of programming capacities and enhanced access to climate finance for achieving national climate objectives.

Job Overview:
The GCF Liaison Officer will play a crucial role in providing technical and administrative support to the National Designated Authority (NDA) in Jamaica. This position is focused on ensuring effective coordination with stakeholders relevant to GCF activities in the country, particularly in the areas of Monitoring & Evaluation of GCF activities. The Liaison Officer will be responsible for enhancing the capacity of the NDA and relevant agencies to plan, develop, implement, and monitor climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives. This role will also involve raising awareness about GCF funding windows, policies, and processes, as well as facilitating knowledge transfer and skill development among local stakeholders and communities. The successful candidate will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure the seamless execution of GCF activities and contribute to the overall success of climate action in Jamaica.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The GCF Liaison Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities to ensure the successful implementation of the placement scheme. Key duties include supporting the development of the Jamaica country programme with GCF, coordinating consultative processes to identify key areas for results related to the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and assisting in the identification of potential partners for project implementation. The officer will also facilitate the implementation of the country programme, including annual reporting and identifying challenges and opportunities. Additionally, the Liaison Officer will support the NDA in developing and implementing a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan for all Jamaica Readiness 2024-2027 programmes, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and contribute to midterm reviews of readiness activities. The role also involves supporting the NDA in developing project ideas, concept notes, and funding proposals, maintaining communication with accredited entities, and preparing country portfolio results reporting as required by the GCF Secretariat.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university or tertiary level degree in climate change/environmental science, climate economics/finance, engineering, project finance, or a closely related discipline. They should have experience in the public and/or private sector with a focus on project management or monitoring for climate change mitigation and adaptation. A minimum of 7 years of experience is required for candidates with an undergraduate degree, or 3 years for those with a Master's degree or higher. Additionally, candidates should have at least three years of work experience in Result Based Management, Monitoring & Evaluation, project performance indicator development, impact evaluation, social analysis, and project implementation. Strong communication skills, both written and oral, are essential, along with the ability to engage with a broad range of stakeholders and diverse groups.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university or tertiary level degree in relevant fields such as climate change, environmental science, climate economics, finance, engineering, or project finance. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of climate action and the mechanisms of climate financing.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience, specifically a minimum of 7 years for candidates with an undergraduate degree or 3 years for those with a Master's degree or higher. Candidates should have substantial experience in project management, monitoring, and evaluation related to climate change initiatives, demonstrating a strong understanding of Result Based Management and the ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of local languages or other United Nations languages is highly desirable, as it can enhance communication and engagement with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The GCF Liaison Officer will be based in Kingston, Jamaica, operating from the offices of Jamaica’s NDA. The initial assignment is for 11 months and 29 days, with a maximum of 180 working days, and there is a possibility of extension based on annual performance evaluations and the continued need for the position. Preference will be given to nationals or residents of Jamaica. Candidates are required to indicate their earliest availability and notice period if currently employed. The closing date for applications is 31 May 2025, at 12:00 Korea Standard Time (KST). Applications submitted after this date may not be considered. Individuals currently employed as civil servants are not eligible to participate in this procurement process. Applications must be submitted in English, and women and citizens from developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply.