Portfolio Specialist (Readiness)

Grade: IS-4
Deadline: 11 February 2024 (11:59 PM KST)
Job Category: International
Salary: USD 123,770 net (plus attractive benefits, that include the following allowances (as applicable): Relocation, dependency, housing, education assistance and home country travel.

Introduction
The mission of the Green Climate Fund is to assist developing countries to respond to climate change while bringing prosperity to their people.

Established in 2010, the GCF invests in transformational climate projects in the developing world. The Fund makes an ambitious contribution to global climate action and channels significant financial resources into developing countries to help build low-emission and climate-resilient societies. It is country-driven and undertakes actions that reflect the circumstances of each country concerned and its national aspirations. The GCF is a key enabler of the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

Since its establishment, the GCF has approved 216 projects in 129 countries and has committed USD 12.0 billion in climate finance. In addition, it has built up an extensive program to support developing countries to identify their needs, in particular, those who are most vulnerable to climate change impacts.

The GCF’s diverse workforce is advancing its mission from its headquarters in South Korea. Our talented staff makes unique contributions to the Fund, enriching the institution through their combined expertise and professional commitment.
 

Position Objective
The ‘Portfolio Management Specialist – Readiness’ will make a crucial contribution to the efficient and effective delivery of the GCF’s Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme and its Portfolio of grant-supported activity. The Specialist will:

• Monitor and assess the implementation performance of an assigned portfolio of projects to proactively identify risks and performance challenges.
• Ensure timely processing of disbursements, waivers, extensions, and amendments for the assigned portfolio of projects/programmes.
• Contribute to the collation and dissemination of the results of the portfolio of grants, along with insights and lessons learned from the portfolio implementation.
• Support the Management of PIMM Readiness and DPM with strategic matters aimed at improving the performance of the portfolio, including the review of processes, policies, procedures, and standards.
• Support the implementation/update of the GCF Readiness Strategy as needed 

Purpose

• Lead the analysis and assess the implementation performance of an assigned portfolio of grant-funded projects to proactively identify successes, risks, performance challenges and lessons learned by a number of Delivery Partners, or from the implementation of grants within a region.
• Execute and manage effective relationship management strategies with DPs /NDAs for a defined portfolio, facilitating timely information exchange, feedback, and corrective actions to manage risks of projects/programmes under implementation. 
• Lead the optimization, standardization and improvement of the portfolio management processes and procedures, and inputs for portfolio risk monitoring and mitigation.   

Engagement

• Devise, and recommend the implementation of corrective measures through the Fund’s approval processes by agreeing the restructuring of or amendment of the terms of Readiness projects.
• Provide guidance to DPs and NDAs to ensure timely compliance with
  • the reporting requirements as per the Fund’s frameworks and 
  • the legal and financial terms and conditions of the grant agreements 
  • the Fund’s policies and procedures.
• Advise and guide DPs/NDAs on appropriate portfolio management actions and strategies to ensure healthy portfolio performance and results.  

Delivery

• Ensure timely processing of disbursements, waivers, extensions, and amendments for a portfolio of projects/programmes.
• Lead and coordinate the review, preparation, compilation, and presentation of lessons learned, case studies and best practices to inform and improve portfolio selection, implementation and evaluation of GCF readiness projects/programmes portfolio information as may be required.
• Support the preparation of key Readiness Documents, including the Work Programme, key reporting documents, implementation strategic documents, the review of budgets, among others. 
• Lead, coordinate and contribute to Secretariat-wide/inter-divisional initiatives and represent PM in internal committees/working groups and external engagements including conferences and meetings as appropriate.

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

• Master’s or higher-level degree. 
• 9 years of direct experience in grant-funded Project and/or Programme management, specifically in managing capacity building or policy support programs, preferably having familiarity with the UNFCCC framework;
• General understanding of the Fund’s instruments (grants, loans, guarantees and equity) and sector investment areas;
• Exposure to/knowledge of climate change project issues and/or GCF working modalities; 
• Knowledge of the operational frameworks and fiduciary standards of international public sector institutions in grant management;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English;
• Knowledge of another UN language 
• Ability to articulate and present ideas well both in writing and orally to a diverse audience of stakeholders at technical and strategic levels;
• Ability to problem solve and think critically, to come up with solutions for internal and external stakeholders when grant implementation runs into difficulty;
• Strong Interpersonal/relationship management and negotiation skills; 
• A disposition towards teamwork and collaboration, working and sharing effectively with teammates, breaking down siloes;
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment with diverse stakeholders at different technical and strategic levels– staff, Board and external stakeholders.
   

The closing date for application is 11 February 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.