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 enhance national capacities and facilitate direct 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) or relevant agency in Barbados concerning GCF climate action. This position requires close coordination with various stakeholders involved in GCF activities to ensure seamless execution of country programming, accreditation, readiness support conceptualization, project preparation, and implementation. The officer will be instrumental in enhancing the capacity of the NDA and relevant agencies to plan, develop, and implement climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, as well as in facilitating knowledge transfer and skill development among local stakeholders and communities. The role is designed to ensure effective engagement with GCF policies, systems, and processes, ultimately contributing to the achievement of national climate objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The GCF Liaison Officer will be responsible for several key duties to ensure the successful implementation of the placement scheme. These include supporting the development of Barbados’ country programme with GCF, coordinating consultative processes to identify key areas for results related to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), assisting in identifying potential partners for the implementation of the Country Programme, and facilitating the implementation of the country programme while ensuring timely processing and incorporation of feedback. Additionally, the officer will engage with the NDA to co-develop terms of reference for readiness support, facilitate stakeholder engagement, assist in completing the Financial Management Capacity Assessment (FMCA), and contribute to midterm reviews of readiness activities. The officer will also contribute to capacity-building efforts, provide guidance on GCF policies, assist in the development of project ideas and funding proposals, maintain communication with accredited entities, and support the preparation of country portfolio results reporting.

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 or private sector focusing on climate investment and financing initiatives for climate change mitigation and adaptation. A minimum of 8 years of experience is required for those with an undergraduate degree, or 5 years for those with a Master's degree or higher. Candidates with post-secondary school education should have at least 10-12 years of relevant experience. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate in-country experience in developing concept notes and proposals for accessing climate financing and implementing climate change initiatives, as well as an understanding of the national institutional context and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university or tertiary level degree in fields related to climate change, environmental science, climate economics, finance, engineering, or project finance. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of climate financing and the development of effective climate action strategies.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in climate investment and financing initiatives, with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience for candidates with an undergraduate degree, or 5 years for those with a Master's degree or higher. Candidates with post-secondary school education should have at least 10-12 years of experience. Demonstrated in-country experience in developing concept notes and proposals for accessing climate financing is crucial, along with a proven track record of implementing full project cycle climate change initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all applications must be submitted in English. 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 Bridgetown, Barbados, and will operate from the offices of the NDA. The NDA is responsible for providing suitable office space with internet connectivity. 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 continued funding availability. Preference will be given to nationals or residents of Barbados for this position. Candidates are required to indicate their earliest availability and notice period if currently employed. Applications from women and citizens from developing countries are strongly encouraged, and individuals currently employed as civil servants are not eligible to participate in this procurement process.