Grade: IS-7
Deadline: 06 April 2025 (11:59 PM KST)
Job Category: International
Salary: USD 198,000 (plus attractive benefits, that include the following allowances (as applicable)): Relocation, dependency, housing, education assistance and home country travel.
Introduction
The Green Climate Fund is the worldโs largest dedicated multilateral climate fund and invests in impactful, innovative, catalytic programs and projects in developing countries across the globe. The GCF has a portfolio of 297 projects across 133 countries, with a total commitment of USD 16.6 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: https://www.greenclimate.fund/about/careers
View current vacancies: https://jobs.greenclimate.fund/
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 worldโs 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 Head of Readiness and Preparatory Support Program is a high-level strategic position responsible for shaping and driving GCF's global readiness and preparatory support program. Reporting to the Director of Department of Investment Services, this role leads the strategic direction, implementation, and evolution of GCF's Readiness Program, a critical enabler for developing countries' climate action. The position holder leads a team of high-caliber experts and works across the organization to strengthen countries' institutional capacities, enabling environments, and planning frameworks for transformative climate action. S/he is responsible for successful implementation of the current readiness strategy and developing the next generation Readiness Strategy for 2027 Board approval. The role requires extensive collaboration with regional teams to enhance country ownership and climate ambition through strategic deployment of readiness support for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), strategic country programs/ country platforms, and National Adaptation Plans.
Purpose
- Shapes the strategic direction of the Readiness Program to catalyze paradigm-shifting climate action in developing countries.
- Provides strategic guidance to regional teams in leveraging readiness support to strengthen country ownership and enhance climate ambition through NDCs, Country Platforms, and National Adaptation Plans.
- Drives innovation in readiness support modalities and approaches to enhance program impact and effectiveness.
- Leads the development of GCF's next generation Readiness Strategy, incorporating lessons learned, emerging country needs, and evolving global climate finance landscape.
Engagement
- Leads the successful implementation of the current Readiness Strategy, ensuring achievement of strategic objectives and targets.
- Oversees a team of high-caliber experts in delivering specialized technical assistance and capacity building support to countries.
- Guides regional teams in strategic deployment of readiness resources to support country-driven programming and implementation.
- Develops strategic frameworks for enhancing program effectiveness and measuring transformational impact.
- Leads the design and implementation of comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks to drive continuous program improvement and adaptation.
- Ensures systematic capture and integration of lessons learned to enhance program effectiveness and strategic impact.
- Builds and maintains strategic partnerships with key stakeholders at senior levels, including government ministries, development partners, and climate finance institutions.
- Represents GCF at high-level international forums and strategic dialogues on climate finance readiness and capacity building.
- Provides thought leadership on climate finance readiness and preparatory support in international climate finance discussions.
- Fosters strategic collaborations to leverage additional resources and expertise for country support.
Delivery
- Provides strategic oversight of the global readiness portfolio to ensure alignment with GCF's strategic objectives and country needs.
- Guides the development of innovative readiness support modalities and instruments.
- Ensures strategic deployment of readiness resources to maximize impact and transformation.
- Leads the strategic review and enhancement of portfolio performance and results measurement.
- Oversees the development and implementation of robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track program performance, results, and impact.
- Leads iterative learning processes to continuously improve program design and delivery based on evidence and experience.
- Ensures systematic documentation and application of lessons learned across the portfolio.
- Guides the development of adaptive management approaches based on monitoring and evaluation findings.
- Organizational Strategy: Contributes to GCF's overall strategic direction and institutional effectiveness.
- Innovation: Champions new approaches and solutions in climate finance readiness support.
- Knowledge Leadership: Positions GCF as a thought leader in climate finance readiness and capacity building.
- Board Engagement: Provides strategic guidance to the Board on readiness matters and leads the development of high-level policy papers.
Requirements (Education, experience, technical competencies required of the job)
- Master's or higher-level degree in a relevant field such as climate finance, international development, or public policy; or a relevant Bachelorโs degree plus additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the Masterโs degree.
- Minimum 15 years of relevant experience, with at least 7 years at a senior management level in climate finance, international development, or related fields;
- Proven track record in strategic leadership and program innovation in international organizations;
- Deep understanding of global climate finance architecture and developing country needs;
- Extensive experience in leading strategy development and implementation;
- Strong diplomatic skills and experience in high-level stakeholder engagement;
- Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams of technical experts;
- Experience in managing large-scale programs and strategic resource allocation;
- Proven experience in designing and implementing monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems for large-scale international programs;
- Track record of using evidence-based approaches to drive program improvements and innovation;
- Fluency in English required; knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.
Competencies
- Visionary leadership with ability to drive organizational transformation
- Strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into actionable strategies
- Exceptional ability to lead, develop, and empower diverse, high-performing teams while fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment
- Innovative mindset with ability to drive change
- Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills
- Proven ability to influence and guide senior leadership
- Strong focus on results and strategic impact
The closing date for application is 06 April 2025. 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.