Chief Operating Officer – IS 9

Grade: IS-9
Deadline: 24 March 2024 (11:59 PM KST)
Job Category: International
Salary: USD 263,800 net (plus attractive benefits, that include the following allowances (as applicable): Relocation, dependency, housing, education assistance and home country travel.

 

Introduction:
The Green Climate Fund is the world’s largest dedicated multilateral climate fund and invests in impactful, innovative, catalytic programs and projects in developing countries across the globe. By the end of 2023, GCF had a portfolio of 243 projects in 129 countries, committing a total of USD 13.5 billion to date. 

 

In 2023, an additional USD 12.8 billion was pledged, to support our new strategic and programming cycle from 2024-2027; our ambition is to grow to become at least a USD 50 billion fund by 2030. Rooted in the core objectives of impact and efficiency, access and a focus on the most vulnerable, and mobilizing a much higher scale of public and private sector financial flows for climate action we have an unparalleled scale of resources, which, together with our risk appetite and flexibility allows us to bring together different partners and stakeholders in innovative partnerships for profound impact. 

 

GCF is seeking a top-tier individual with a demonstrable track record of harnessing experience, energy and networks to tackle complex global climate change challenges. You will be committed to making a positive, measurable difference through a mission-driven role, and thrive in a fast-paced, diverse environment.  
You will be able to quickly scan and analyze complex, competing issues and lead significant sized teams to find solutions in evolving contexts, across multiple geographic locations. 
You will be a nurturer of people: recognizing and growing the talent around you, exemplifying values of transparency, respect and innovation.
You will be committed to learning, knowledge-sharing, convening and communicating with partners to work together to ideate, develop and implement climate action initiatives that make a profound difference to people and planet.
You will join a team of talented, committed individuals representing almost 80 nationalities contributing skills and experience from academic, scientific, private, government and nonprofit backgrounds.  Together, we work with governments, communities and civil society, technical agencies, and the private sector across the world.

 

Interested in more information? 
Learn about working for GCF: d/about/careers 
View current vacancies: d/

 

About the Green Climate Fund (GCF)
Set up in 2010 by the 194 countries who are Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), GCF takes its responsibility as the world’s largest dedicated multilateral climate fund to heart.  GCF funds transformative climate projects across the developing world, supporting countries in their responses and actions to tackle climate change while fostering sustainable development within their communities. 

 

Our country-driven approach ensures that our actions are tailored to the unique circumstances and national aspirations of each nation we support. Besides channeling public and private sector investment through a broad range of financing instruments, GCF builds the capacity of developing countries to take climate action through an extensive Readiness Programme ensuring countries are increasingly well-equipped and financed to manage their climate futures.

 

Headquartered in the Republic of Korea, GCF operates with a diverse and talented workforce of over 300 people. 

Position Objective
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing and optimizing critical institutional functions, including information technology (IT), human resources (HR), and corporate services. The COO ensures that all corporate operations align with the organization’s objectives and are executed efficiently. The COO is responsible for overseeing the human resource function, including organization design, capability optimization throughout employees’ lifecycle, engagement and leadership frameworks to foster a high-performance collaborative culture. S/he oversees development and implementation of information technology strategies that support the organization’s digital transformation and technological advancement. The COO oversees and manages the procurement function, including managing relationships with vendors, designing and implementing procurement strategies, and ensuring regulatory compliance. S/he is a member of the executive leadership team. 

 

Purpose

• Transformational Architect: Sets operational strategy and drives operating transformational initiatives that align with the Fund’s mission and goals.
• Performance Management: Reviews, assesses, and modifies the operational strategy to ensure optimal effectiveness based on organizational performance outcomes.
• Corporate Operations: Manages and oversees corporate facilities and projects, enhances operational processes for efficiency, and leads technology and digitization efforts to streamline work processes and improve overall productivity. Oversees security and safety of staff.
• Human Resource Management: Oversees the HR function to ensure efficient and effective human resource programmes; provides strategic direction for initiatives that boost talent acquisition, retention, and professional development; and ensures a competent and engaged workforce.
• Procurement: Implements sustainable and ethical procurement practices, adhering to international standards. Oversees procurement activities and establishes procurement strategies that align with GCF’s mission.

 

Engagement

• Stakeholders: Partners with the executive leadership in the Fund’s corporate and institutional operations, including collaborating with internal stakeholders to understand institutional service requirements and providing tailored solutions.
• Fosters effective communication and coordination between corporate service departments and other organizational units.

 

Delivery

• Organizational Effectiveness: Drives improvement in operational efficiency and productivity, measurable through timely, efficient, compliant and within budget project design and execution. Implements new technology-based systems and processes using artificial intelligence where appropriate, to speed up organizational processes and enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Leads institution-wide efforts to improve employee engagement and satisfaction scores.
• Strategy: Achieves strategic objectives within set timeframes and budgets; creates impact in alignment with the Fund’s goals; incorporates innovative approaches in problem-solving.
• Stakeholders: Increases stakeholder satisfaction and engagement, as measured by feedback mechanisms such as surveys, and successful management of change resistance among stakeholders.
• Board: Provides timely, accurate, and comprehensive reporting to the Board on transformation progress; leads implementation of Board decisions related to transformation initiatives; and obtains feedback from the Board on the transformation role and its impact.

 

Requirements (Education, experience, technical competencies required of the job)

• At least 15 years of relevant experience. Significant experience and track record of success in a high-level management role preferably within a fund in a multilateral environment, financial institution, or similar organization demonstrating successful operational leadership;
• Master’s or higher-level degree;
• Proven expertise in strategic planning, project management, and change management in a complex organizational structure;
• Prior experience with financial management and budget oversight in a large-scale organization;
• Success in transforming and streamlining operations, policies, and procedures to increase efficiency and effectiveness;
• Extensive leadership experience in overseeing IT, HR, safety and security and/or corporate services functions, preferably within an international organization;
• In-depth knowledge of international regulations and standards related to support service functions. A track record of engaging with stakeholders and guiding collaborative efforts;
• Understanding of the regulatory and compliance requirements for multilateral organizations;
• Experience with digital transformation and the use of technology to streamline operations.

 

Competencies 

• High-level orchestrator and leader of complex processes; analytical and technologically savvy; comfortable in leading digital transformation efforts;
• Process-oriented; skilled in streamlining operational efficiencies and project management;
• Inspires and guides the organization with a compelling vision for the future, aligning strategies and actions with a shared sense of purpose;
• Possesses exceptional communication skills and the ability to persuasively convey ideas, gaining buy-in and inspiring action from others;
• Demonstrates a creative and forward-thinking mindset, consistently generating new ideas and solutions to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities;
• Leads and develops a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth;
• Exhibits tact, discretion, and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal relationships, particularly in high-stakes or politically sensitive situations;
• Maintains high ethical standards ensuring respect and integrity.
  

The closing date for application is 24 March 2024. Applications submitted after the deadline may not be considered.

 

*The person assessed by the Selection Panel as most suitable for the position will be proposed for appointment. Selection among short-listed candidates will also take into account performance at interview, appropriate testing, and references. 

 

Applications from women and nationals of developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply.

This is how cinfo can support you in the application process for this specific position: 

• Application preparation: Before you apply for this position: Improve your application documents by registering for a Job Application Support. Our coaches are here to help tailor your application to the requirements of the job (service provided at your own cost).
• Interview preparation: When invited to the interview: Prepare for the interview by registering for a Job Application Support.
• Additional services for  Swiss nationals who get invited to  the selection process (written test, interview, assessment centre, etc.):
  • Let us know by writing to recruitment@cinfo.ch. We flag matching applications to HR partners and SDC/SECO for visibility.
  • Benefit from free interview/assessment preparation by registering here: Interview and Assessment Centre Preparation for Jobs in Multilateral Organisations. Our coaches stand ready to help prepare for upcoming interview/assessment centre.​