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 worldโs
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 mobilising 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 our 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.
This standardised Terms of Reference (TOR) is provided as a guiding framework. Within this overarching framework, countries in coordination with the GCF Secretariat, will have the flexibility
to tailor this standardised TOR to suit their specific country contexts and needs. DB of Oman has initiated the process to become an accredited entity with the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This
accreditation will enable DB to access and channel climate finance more effectively, supporting Oman transition to sustainable development and climate resilience. To facilitate this accreditation process,
this liaison consultant will support the NDA to guide the DB to seek accreditation with GCF with readiness support.
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
- A comprehensive assessment across the required institutional domains and processes to evaluate DB's readiness to meet Green Climate Fund (GCF) accreditation requirements.
Responsibilities
The following responsibilities to ensure the successful implementation of the placement scheme are:Country Programme
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(a) Support the development of the Omanโs First country programme with GCF, following the GCF guidance for country programmes and Oman's national development plans;
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(b) Assist the NDA in coordinating consultative processes within the country (government agencies, civil society, private sector, and vulnerable communities) to identify key
areas for results related to the implementation of NDCs/NAPs/LTSs and developing project/programme ideas for the country programme; -
(c) Assist in the process of identifying potential partners for the implementation of the Country Programme, including potential direct access entities;
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(d) Assist in the development and review of country programme drafts in collaboration with the NDA and GCF Secretariat teams, ensuring timely processing and incorporation of feedback by develop a robust results framework for the YCP, including clear indicators, targets, and baselines; and
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(e) Facilitate and assist the NDA in the implementation of the country programme, including data collection, analysis, and reporting mechanisms and identifying challenges and
opportunities to discuss with the NDA and GCF Secretariat.Readiness
(a) Engage/assist the NDA in co-developing draft TOR for readiness support/proposal if and as needed, in close coordination with the GCF Secretariat. 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;(b) Assist the NDA to facilitate stakeholder engagement through transparent and effective communication with relevant country stakeholders, including ministry of finance, ,
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 womenโs groups, academia, Indigenous Peoples and local communities. This approach adheres to GCF best practices for country coordination and
multi-stakeholder engagement. The goal is to identify capacity gaps that inform the development and implementation of the TORs for readiness support;(c) Develop a readiness proposal to support the development bank of Oman for accreditation thought readiness framework.
(d) Assist in completing the Financial Management Capacity Assessment (FMCA) form, if and
as required;(e) Support the NDA with adaptative management requests as required; and
(f) As required by the NDA, contribute to midterm reviews of readiness activities, and provide input for adjusting initial TORs as needed.
Pipeline Development, Implementation Monitoring and Reporting
(a) Contribute to capacity-building by imparting skills and knowledge to the NDA and relevant stakeholders to successfully develop, advance and implement climate investments;
(b) In coordination with the GCF Secretariat, 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;(c) 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;
(d) Assist the NDA to facilitate stakeholder discussions to gather necessary information throughout the project cycle stages;
(e) Support the NDA to maintain regular communication with accredited entities to report to the GCF Secretariat and help resolve any issues that may arise during the implementation of GCF
investments in the country, and strengthen NDA's reporting capabilities by providing training on GCF reporting formats, templates, and data management systems ;(f) Support the NDA and relevant agencies with the preparation of country portfolio results reporting as required by the GCF Secretariat; and
(g) Assist the NDA in the organization of relevant events to showcase GCF results.
(h) Support the NDA in project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, ensuring compliance with GCF requirements, national regulations, and performance standards
(i) Conduct interviews or focus group discussions with senior management, department heads, and relevant technical staff to gather insights into current institutional operations, gaps, and
readiness for GCF compliance.(j) Facilitate essential cross-departmental workshops to ensure comprehensive input from all teams, including finance, procurement, legal, project management, monitoring and evaluation,
and environmental/social safeguards.(k) Identify potential partners who can support DB of Omanโs capacity-building efforts, particularly in areas requiring external expertise, such as environmental and social safeguards.
Qualifications and Experience
The following qualifications and experience are required:(a) University level degree in climate change/environmental science, climate,economics/finance, engineering, project finance or a closely related discipline;
(b) At least eight years of experience in the public and/or private sector with a demonstrated focus on climate investment and financing initiatives for climate change mitigation and
adaptation;
(c) Proven 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;
(d) 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;
(e) Experience in addressing climate change issues in Oman providing a deep understanding of the local context and challenges;
(f) Demonstrated ability to coordinate and engage with multiple stakeholders, reflecting strong
(g) interpersonal skills and the ability to foster cooperation among diverse groups;
(h) Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, complemented by outstanding presentation abilities, enabling effective dissemination of information and ideas to diverse
audiences;
(i) Familiarity with the GCF, including operational mechanisms and funding modalities will be an asset;
(j) Fluency in English is required, and proficiency in the Arabic or other United Nations languages, is highly desirable;
(k) Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and adaptability; and candidates need demonstrate a
strong commitment to ethical standards, including integrity, transparency and accountability in all professional activities.
(l) Advanced degree in Finance or related field with relevant experience in banking sector is an advantage.(m) Previous experience in supporting institutions through GCF accreditation process is an advantage.
The closing date for applications is 24th February 2025, 23:59 (KST). Applications submitted after the closing date will 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 performance evaluation, subject to the continued need and available funding.
Preference will be given to nationals or residents who have lived continuously in Oman for at least 5 years for this position.
Applications from women and citizens from developing countries are strongly encouraged.
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