Liaison Officer for Somalia

Established in 2010 by the 194 countries that are Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) takes pride in its role as the world’s largest dedicated climate fund. GCF finances transformative climate projects across developing countries, empowering them to respond to and combat climate change while promoting sustainable development within their communities. 

In addition to mobilizing public and private sector investments through a diverse range of financing instruments, GCF strengthens the capacity of developing countries to undertake climate action through the Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme (the Readiness Programme). This initiative equips countries with the necessary resources to build foundations, skills, and capacities to effectively secure and manage climate financing. 

In line with GCF’s commitment to enhancing national capacities, the 2024-2027 strategy for the Readiness Programme introduces a placement scheme available upon request from countries – via their National Designated Authorities (NDA) and focal points, – to deploy local experts within NDAs or other relevant agencies designated by the country that will be known as GCF Liaison Officers. These embedded experts will aim to ensure continuous, effective engagement with GCF, imparting knowledge of GCF policies, systems and processes and facilitating the development of programming capacities and enhanced direct access to climate finance for the achievement of national climate objectives. 

Somalia is one of the world’s most extremely vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change, climate-related disasters and natural hazards. The GCF National Designated Authority (NDA) office is established within the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) and plays a pivotal role in coordinating and supporting implementation of climate-related projects. In Somalia, the office has faced challenges related to institutional capacity, technical expertise, and access to climate finance. Strengthening the NDA’s operational capacity is essential to meet Somalia’s climate ambition and goals as articulated in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and other related policy and strategic instruments. The GCF Liaison Officer placement aims to bridge these capacity gaps, enhance climate finance readiness, and improve stakeholder coordination to ensure effective access to GCF resources.

Role

The GCF Liaison Officer will act as the primary liaison between the GCF Secretariat and the country, providing technical and administrative support to the NDA in all matters concerning GCF climate action and operate under the guidance and supervision of the head of NDA. This role entails close coordination with stakeholders relevant to the GCF activities in the country to ensure their seamless execution, including country programming, accreditation, readiness support conceptualization and oversight, project preparation, implementation and effective coordination of GCF investments and other related activities. 
The GCF Liaison Officer will be expected to strengthen the enabling environment for inclusive climate adaptation and mitigation policy making and programming at the national level and contribute towards enhancing the capacity of national actors to develop and strengthen climate change related policies, strategies and commitments including for mainstreaming gender, displaced peoples and health relevant climate action. 

Objectives 

The placement scheme aims to achieve the following objectives through the role of the GCF Liaison Officer: 

• To enhance the capacity of the NDA and relevant agencies to plan, develop and implement climate change adaptation and mitigation concept notes and funding proposals; 
• To support the NDA and/or relevant agencies in developing and implementing GCF country programmes, including facilitating the set up or improvement of coordination with relevant stakeholders; 
• To assist in accessing and implementing integrated programmes of readiness activities in the country; 
• To raise awareness and facilitate understanding in the country of the GCF funding windows, policies and processes; 
• To facilitate knowledge transfer and skill development among local stakeholders and communities; and 
• To assist in the work of establishing a dedicated NDA office within the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to centralize the coordination and synergy of GCF, the Global Environment Facility (GEF)

            and the Adaptation Fund (AF) activities, thereby enhancing efficiency and country ownership; and 

• To contribute towards increased development of inclusive project proposals at the national level to enhance access to climate finance. 

Responsibilities 

The following responsibilities to ensure the successful implementation of the placement scheme are:

Country Programme 

• Support the periodic update and implementation of the Somalia’s prioritized country programme with GCF, following the GCF guidance for country programmes. 
• Review the climate change and climate finance policies and strategic frameworks in Somalia, that include key documents such as the revised climate finance strategy, NDC, National Adaptation Plan, National Communications and other relevant national and sectoral plans and focused documents to assess needs and priorities for international climate financing, developing project/programme ideas for the country programme and ensuring alignment of all GCF activities. 
• Assist in the process of identifying potential partners for the implementation of the country programme, including potential direct access entities; 
• Assist in the review/updating of country programme documents in collaboration with the NDA and GCF Secretariat teams, ensuring timely processing and incorporation of feedback under the guidance of head of NDA 
• Facilitate and assist the NDA in the implementation of the country programme, including reporting annually and identifying challenges and opportunities to discuss with the NDA and GCF Secretariat. 
• Any other task required from GCF HQ and related to Country Programme 

Readiness 

• Engage/assist the NDA in co-developing draft TOR for readiness support if and as needed, in close coordination with the GCF Secretariat by mapping out the needs, capacity gaps, challenges and also opportunities. This is based on the medium-term strategic planning and includes outlining specific support areas, required expertise and resources to address capacity gaps effectively, ensuring alignment with national priorities; 
• Assist the NDA in ensuring that existing readiness project outputs are under implementation and are translated into effective institutional capacity strengthening in a draft TOR for readiness support; 
• Assist the NDA to facilitate stakeholder engagement and coordination through transparent and effective communication with relevant country stakeholders, including ministries of finance, sector ministries, ministries of economy, strategic planning, central banks, executing entities, the private sector, subnational entities, development partners, GCF accredited entities and civil society organizations such as disadvantage groups, internally displaced persons, women’s groups, academia, Indigenous Peoples and local communities. This approach adheres to GCF best practices for country coordination and multistakeholder engagement. The goal is to identify capacity gaps that inform the development and implementation of the TORs for readiness support; 
• Assist in completing the Financial Management Capacity Assessment (FMCA) form  (1) ; 
• Assist the NDA in monitoring readiness projects 
• Support the NDA with adaptive management requests as required; and 
• As required by the NDA, contribute to periodic reviews of readiness activities (annual/midterm), facilitate effective use of readiness deliverables and provide input for adjusting initial TORs as needed.

(1) To be eligible for readiness funding, agencies and entities that are not accredited to GCF undergo FMCA.

Pipeline Development, Implementation Monitoring and Reporting 

• Contribute to capacity-building by imparting skills and knowledge to the NDA and relevant stakeholders to successfully develop, advance and implement climate investments; 
• In coordination with the GCF Secretariat, and head of the NDA, provide advice, guidance and clarifications to the NDA, accredited entities, and other stakeholders on GCF policies, procedures and instruments to successfully develop, advance and implement climate investments; 
• Assist the NDA in the development of project ideas, concept notes and funding proposals in close collaboration with the GCF Secretariat, the NDA and accredited entities, including but not limited to ensuring the complementarity and coherence of the country programme and making sure the effective use and reflection of outputs from readiness programmes; 
• Assist the NDA to facilitate regular stakeholder discussions with government ministries, civil society, and the private sector to gather necessary information throughout the project cycle to ensure GCF projects are inclusive and responsive to stakeholder needs; 
• Support the NDA to maintain regular communication with accredited entities to report to the GCF Secretariat and Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and help resolve any issues that may arise during the implementation of GCF investments in the country; 
• Support the NDA and relevant agencies with the preparation of country portfolio results mapping and reporting as required by the GCF Secretariat; and Minister of Environment and Climate Change/ or Head of NDA; and 
• Assist the NDA in the organization of relevant events to showcase GCF results and development of knowledge products. 

Assignment Details 

• The GCF Liaison Officer will be based in Mogadishu, Somalia and will operate from the office of the NDA. 
• The GCF Liaison Officer will support the NDA and report to the appropriate regional manager of the GCF Secretariat and the head of the NDA under the guidance of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. 
• As part of their reporting obligations, the expert is expected to compile a quarterly report detailing activities conducted and results achieved, to be shared with the NDA and GCF Secretariat.

Qualifications and Experience 
 
The following qualifications and experience are required:

• University level degree in climate change/environmental science, climate economics/finance, engineering, project finance or a closely related discipline. Higher-level degree (master’s and above) would be preferred, but not a mandatory; 
• Demonstrated experience in the public and/or private sector with a focus on climate investment and financing initiatives for climate change mitigation and adaptation; 
• Proven familiarity with Somalia’s institutions and experience in institutional strengthening and capacity-building within developing economies, demonstrating the ability to enhance stakeholders’ capabilities in addressing climate change and    creating enabling environments for climate investment; 
• At least five years of experience in successfully developing climate change investment proposals, showcasing expertise in crafting compelling and impactful funding applications, including monitoring and evaluation of climate change initiatives; 
• Competencies on institutional and fiscal management are desirable. 
• Experience in addressing climate change issues in Somalia, providing a deep understanding of the local context and challenges; 
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and engage with multiple stakeholders, reflecting strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster cooperation among diverse groups; 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, complemented by outstanding presentation abilities, enabling effective dissemination of information and ideas to diverse audiences; 
• Familiarity with the GCF, including operational mechanisms and funding modalities will be an asset; 
• Fluency in English is required, and proficiency in the official languages of Somalia, or other United Nations languages, is highly desirable; 
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and adaptability; 
• Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical standards, including integrity, transparency and accountability in all professional activities. 
• Proven ability to develop strategic plans and align climate-related projects with national priorities, ensuring cross-sectoral coordination and collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society; 
• Strong experience in resource mobilization and managing donor-funded programs, particularly within fragile and conflict-affected regions, including knowledge of international climate finance mechanisms; and 
• Demonstrated leadership and capacity-building skills to mentor local teams and enhance institutional readiness for climate finance, particularly within least developed countries.
   

The closing date for applications is 12 November 2024, 23:59 (KST). Applications submitted after the closing date may not be considered

Individuals currently employed as civil servants, whether actively or on leave with or without pay are not eligible to participate in this procurement process.

The initial assignment is for 11 months and 29 days, with a maximum of 180 working days. with the possibility of extension based on semiannual performance evaluation, subject to the continued need and available funding. 

Preference will be given to nationals or residents who have lived continuously in the Federal Republic of Somalia for at least 5 years for this position. 

Applications from women and citizens from developing countries are strongly encouraged.