Head of Policy

The Head of Policy, reporting to the Director of Strategy, Policy and Innovation, will oversee all aspects of the GCF Secretariat’s policy function. This role will oversee the development and application of a robust policy framework across the Secretariat, consisting of policy manuals, standard operating procedures and guidance documents. The Head of Policy will manage the policy cycle (i.e., agenda setting, analysis, development, implementation, and monitoring, evaluation and learning) by guiding and advising subject-matter experts through the entire policy cycle for their respective policies for consideration by the GCF Board. By providing authoritative policy leadership, the Head of Policy will collaborate closely with key internal and Board stakeholders to advance a coherent, accessible, and implementable policy suite. S/he will also lead a team of policy experts and be responsible for building capacity across the Secretariat and promoting best practices to enhance the quality of policy proposals. Strong leadership, effective stakeholder management, sound political judgement and the ability to negotiate outcomes will be critical to ensure the successful execution of the policy function. S/he may also serve as deputy for the Director, Strategy, Policy and Innovation, as needed.

Play a thought leadership role for the Secretariat’s policy function. Oversee and continuously improve the Secretariat’s policy suite and contribute to GCF’s strategic direction through the development and implementation of policies.

Shape new policy proposals for consideration by the GCF Board by providing evidence-based advice and authoritative policy leadership and by collaborating with subject matter experts to define or update GCF strategies, programmes, processes and/or operational modalities to enhance the Fund’s performance.

Drive the implementation of strategic initiatives to enhance the coherence and impact of GCF policies, including opportunities for policy harmonization with other climate funds within the international climate finance landscape.  

Engagement:

• Steer cross-functional collaboration across Secretariat Offices, Executive Leadership Team, and Independent Units, to ensure rigorous policy development, including robust stress testing and socialization of policy proposals, with thorough impact assessment and implementation planning, and effective policy implementation.
• Engage with and advise Secretariat’s Executive Leadership Team, GCF Board, Co-Chairs and Committees, working hand-in-hand with subject matter experts and the Office of Governance Affairs to build understanding of policy proposals and advance negotiations toward gaining consensus support for policy approval.
• Foster a culture of policy excellence across the Secretariat, including continuously evolving the Secretariat’s policy framework and policy cycle by staying abreast of cutting-edge policy approaches and best practices.

Delivery:

• Direct the development and application of a robust policy framework across the Secretariat, consisting of policy manuals, standard operating procedures and guidance documents.
• Oversee the Secretariat policy cycle, working closely with the Director of Strategy, Policy and Innovation, and the Chief of Strategy and Impact as Chair of the Secretariat’s Policy Committee, as well as experts across the organization, to deliver a policy suite that is coherent, accessible, easy to understand and implementable, and in line with the standards set out in the Secretariat policy framework.
• Lead the policy function team and build capacity across the Secretariat, in line with the policy framework, to enhance the quality of policy proposals and the effectiveness of policy implementation.

Requirements Education, experience, technical competencies required :

• Masters or higher-level degree in law, international relations, economics or another relevant field; or Bachelors degree plus two (2) additional years of experience
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in institutional policy development, with preference of experience in government or international organizations, including experience in national or international policy development
• Demonstrated experience in team management, staff development and coaching
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management
• Extensive knowledge of climate finance and international development, with knowledge of GCF policies and programmes preferred