Project Officer, Project Preparation Facility – IS2  

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 
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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 Project Officer, Project Preparation Facility (PPF) role is key to the management and operational efficiency of the PPF, acting as a coordinator for the review, approval, and post-approval monitoring of PPF applications from Accredited Entities (AEs) seeking grants or consultancy services from GCF for funding proposal development. 

This Project Officer, PPF provides analytical support, overseeing the assessment of new PPF applications by AEs, organizing internal review and approval by interdivisional teams; and overseeing post-PPF approval activities in collaboration with the Division of Portfolio Management and Division of Support Services (Procurement).

Reporting to the Project Preparation Facility and Technical Assistance Specialist, and working in close alignment with divisions and colleagues across GCF Secretariat, the Project Officer, PPF plays a pivotal role in operationalizing the PPF mandate to support project preparation.

The ideal candidate will be an independent thinker, adept in managing multiple tasks and fostering collaboration across various teams within the Secretariat, including engaging with senior management of the GCF and of AEs. The role demands a professional who enjoys taking a comprehensive overview of projects, tracking progress across diverse workstreams, and interested in fostering knowledge and learning.

The Project Officer, PPF, will also support the advancement of the GCF’s USP2 strategic objectives, implementing the B.37 PPF updated modalities decision and fostering relationships with external stakeholders, and ultimately contributing to GCF’s mission to support developing countries in their climate action efforts.

Purpose 

• Provide technical input and coordinate PPF operational processes, including submission, interdivisional review and approval of applications.
• Support PPF post-approval processes including tracking of status of funding proposal development and submission to GCF
• Contribute to preparation of PPF pipeline and portfolio analysis and reporting to Secretariat and Board.
• Contribute to development of a network of partners and service providers to support PPF support and oversee their service delivery to AEs.
• Optimize approaches and establish consistency in PPF review, revision, approval and post-approval processes.
• Support knowledge management and learnings from external and internal project preparation experience, including drafting of papers, reports and presentations.
   

Engagement

• Engage with external stakeholders, country representatives, accredited entities and other external parties on how to effectively access and utilize PPF resources.
• Engage with colleagues across the GCF Secretariat on investment origination, programming, portfolio oversight, and procurement processes as pertains to PPF support to AEs.
• Engage with GCF’s panel of consultancy services firms on existing and future assignments, serving as a facilitator and participant in selection of service providers to GCF AEs.

Delivery

• Lead the analytical and procedural stages of appraisal and approval PPF applications, including maintenance of the project databases and portfolio reports.
• Support the implementation of the B.37 PPF board decision on updated modalities and activities under the supervision of the PPF Specialist.
• Support corporate, divisional and team initiatives and activities, as assigned.

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

• Advanced university degree in international policy, economics, finance, sustainable development, project management or a relevant Bachelors’ degree with 2 additional years of experience.
• At least 4 years of relevant work experience in project development and implementation, especially if related to climate change interventions.
• A self-starter and organized multi-tasker who can effectively manage multiple workstreams simultaneously, and anticipate project needs to deliver results.
• Ability to build collaborative working relationships at all levels.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, and IT awareness and skills especially with Tableau, Power BI, Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, and data management software.
• Experience in climate finance or developing climate finance projects in international / developing countries settings is highly desirable.
   

The closing date for application is 01 September 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.

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