Green Climate Fund (GCF) Specialist
Organizational Context
The Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) within FAO coordinates responses to climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. It serves as a focal point for major environmental agreements and assists members in addressing these challenges alongside food security. OCB facilitates access to climate financing, hosts key agricultural heritage programs, and leads initiatives on climate change and bioeconomy. FAO is actively scaling up support for sustainable agricultural development, prioritizing the development of a project portfolio with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) through its dedicated GCF Team within OCB.
Job Purpose
This role supports the FAO-GCF community by either leading and formulating GCF projects and programmes, or by providing technical assistance to national and regional entities seeking GCF accreditation. For project design, this involves identifying and developing project ideas, concept notes, and funding proposals, including research, technical analysis, and negotiation support. For accreditation, the focus is on capacity assessment, policy analysis, and ensuring compliance with fiduciary standards and financial management requirements for direct access entities.
Responsibilities
For GCF Project Design Specialists, responsibilities include leading the formulation of GCF proposal packages, ensuring technical quality and alignment with GCF criteria. This involves developing the project's Theory of Change and logframe, outlining feasibility studies, and providing technical guidance to proponents. Specialists will consult with stakeholders to identify co-financing and partnerships, ensure quality control of proposals, and coordinate development teams. They will oversee budget design, ensure Environmental and Social Safeguards inform project design, and address feedback from reviewers. Capacity development for FAO staff on GCF procedures is also a key responsibility. For Accreditation Specialists, tasks include framing accreditation objectives, assessing potential entities, and conducting gap analyses against GCF requirements. They will develop GCF Accreditation Action Plans, compile supporting documents, and advise on policy/legal amendments. Specialists will assist entities in preparing mandatory documents, provide quality assurance, and develop capacity-building programs for successful accreditation and operationalization.
Work Experience
A minimum of one year (category C), five years (category B), or ten years (category A) of relevant professional experience in technical areas such as finance, business administration, sustainable development, or climate policy is required. Experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable. Knowledge of GCF and other climate/environmental fund procedures is important.
Skills
Key skills include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Proficiency in English (level C) is mandatory, with intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language being an asset. Specific skills for GCF Project Design Specialists include proven experience in preparing GCF proposals, knowledge of Theory of Change and Results Based Management, strong analytical and writing abilities, and the capacity to meet deadlines and collaborate effectively. For Accreditation Specialists, essential skills involve experience supporting accreditation processes (especially GCF), reviewing institutional frameworks, advisory experience in capacity development, and proven project management and coordination abilities.