Director of Investment Services – IS8

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 Director of Investment Services under the guidance and oversight of the Chief Investment Officer, provides leadership and oversight to policy implementation and operational management in the areas of Accreditation, Readiness, the Project Preparation Facility, and Climate Impact advisory at entry. S/he will support the implementation of key programming support functions ensuring quality, efficiency and effectiveness of GCF’s operations and results. S/he will oversee the provision of advisory services collaborating across the Secretariat, especially with the Regional Departments, to deepen understanding and application of standards, practice, and build the capacity required to maximize climate impact and success in the execution of GCF programming and policies. The Director fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and diversity. 

 

Purpose 

• Leads the overall management of the Accreditation, Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme, the Project Preparation Facility and Climate Impact advisory teams.

Accreditation: 

• Engages with the Board, especially its Accreditation Committee and Panel to facilitate efficiency, consistency, flexibility, predictability and transparency in the accreditation processes and modalities.
• Promotes the development and implementation of accreditation-related strategies, pilots, policies and processes to enable a diverse and balanced network of accredited entities, particularly direct access entities, that will programme with the Fund.

Readiness: 

• Provides technical and intellectual leadership in designing and delivering the Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme, ensuring country ownership and alignment facilitating increased flows of climate finance and high-quality and impactful proposals to GCF.

Project Preparation Facility (PPF): 

• Coordinates the technical assistance provision to accredited entities, especially direct access entities, to support them with the development and finalization of impactful and country aligned funding proposals.
• Oversees the development and management of the pipeline of PPF proposals in coordination with Regional Departments and the Private Sector Facility.

Climate impact advisory: 

• Oversees the provision of climate impact support and advice for all funding, readiness and Project Preparation Facility proposals entering the GCF pipeline and collaborates with the Regional Teams for early engagement at origination to promote quality-at-entry.
• Supports the development and maintenance of guidance, tools and training materials for strategic planning, capacity building, and proposal development in all aspects of climate impact.

 

Engagement 
Accreditation: 

• Advocates internally and externally for the advancement of innovative and impactful programmes aligned with the strategies of accredited entities driven by country ownership and GCF’s strategies and sectoral programming guidance.

Readiness: 

• Leads the collaboration with Regional Departments in developing the necessary capacities to support countries in planning, identifying, designing and implementing country-driven, transformative readiness proposals.

Project Preparation Facility: 

• Coordinates with project teams to ensure quality of PPF proposal reviews and their timely submission to accredited entities and national designated authorities.
• Delivers overall oversight of the PPF service/technical assistance function and the roster of PPF firms in coordination with regional and private sector teams to drive efficient delivery of support to recipients

Climate impact advisory: 

• Oversees the provision of advice to translate Board decisions concerning climate impact into operations.
• Engages with internal and external stakeholders, including accredited entities and Board-related panels, to expand the Fund’s access by drawing from the latest science and knowledge in coordination with GCF’s team of scientists.

 

Delivery 

• Organizational Effectiveness: Improves operational efficiency, measured by process improvements or cost savings.
• Strategy: Achieves key strategic objectives in GCF strategies, including the successful execution of planned initiatives and the deployment of capital according to the 50by30 strategic objectives.
• Innovation: Fosters a culture of innovation within the organization, promoting adaptive strategies to address evolving international development issues.
• Stakeholders: Increases stakeholder satisfaction and engagement, as measured by feedback mechanisms such as surveys, and successful management of change resistance among stakeholders.
• Flexibility: Supports in any other function deemed necessary by the CIO

 

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

• Master’s or higher-level degree;
• At least 15 years of relevant experience including at the senior management level working in developing countries and in a multi-lateral programming environment;
• Deep operational experience with strategy and operation services in climate change and development investments, including exposure to readiness and project preparation facilities, as well as broad knowledge in climate science and policy;
• Proven track record in leadership positions that include cross-cutting advisory services in the areas of readiness and technical assistance programmes, country engagement, programming entity relations and accreditation, as well as climate impact;
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and partners, including government entities, private businesses, investors, NGOs, and international organizations;
• Clear understanding of international climate organizations and their programming work;
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated experience leading and motivating highly engaged and productive teams, and in managing autonomous teams and seeking rigor and service provision standards aligned with impactful climate investment portfolios;
• Fluency in both written and spoken English; knowledge of one or more UN languages desirable.

 

Competencies  

• Demonstrates the ability to formulate and articulate a compelling and forward-looking vision, aligning strategies with long-term goals;
• Possesses exceptional communication skills and the ability to persuasively convey ideas, gaining buy-in and inspiring action from others;
• Exhibits tact, discretion, and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal relationships, particularly in high-stakes or politically sensitive situations;
• Encourages and embraces innovation, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances and emerging trends;
• Leads and develops high-performing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth;
• Able to develop effective partnerships and engage effectively with various stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, and community-based organizations in promoting GCF’s strategy;
• Maintains high ethical standards and demonstrates honesty and fairness in actions;
• Exhibits a strong ability to oversee the implementation and origination of globally dispersed projects.
  

The closing date for application is 28 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.

 

Grade: IS-8
Deadline: 28 March 2024 (11:59 PM KST)
Job Category: International
Salary: USD 230,900 (plus attractive benefits, that include the following allowances (as applicable): Relocation, dependency, housing, education assistance and home country travel.

 

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