Background

The Green Climate Fund (GCF)—a critical element of the historic Paris Agreement—is the world’s largest climate fund mandated to support low-emission, climate-resilient development pathways. As an operating entity of the financial mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), GCF contributes to the goal of keeping an average global temperature rise well below two degrees Celsius.

The Fund seeks to engage a Readiness Consultant to provide services for up to 240 days over a 12-month period, with the possibility of a one-year extension based on performance. The consultant will be based at GCF headquarters in Songdo, Republic of Korea. This engagement underscores our commitment to fostering a hands-on approach in readiness and preparatory support, enhancing direct interaction with the GCF team to align strategies and actions effectively as we advance towards our climate goals.

Role

Under the overall supervision of the Department of Investment Services (DINVS), the consultant will support the Readiness team in the coordination and operational management of key workstreams under the Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme. This includes tracking the grant pipeline and portfolio, supporting pre-implementation processes for grant handover to UNOPS, facilitating proposal reviews and system-related improvements, and contributing to the development of a new grant management platform. The consultant will also assist in knowledge management, data tracking, and reporting.  The consultants will be reporting to the Senior Readiness Specialist.

Duties and responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Department of Investment Services (DINVS), the consultant will support the Readiness team in the coordination and operational management of key workstreams under the Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme. This includes tracking the grant pipeline and portfolio, supporting pre-implementation processes for grant handover to UNOPS, facilitating proposal reviews and system-related improvements, and contributing to the development of a new grant management platform. The consultant will also assist in knowledge management, data tracking, and reporting.  The consultants will be reporting to the Senior Readiness Specialist.

Pipeline and portfolio workstream:

• Tracking of approved readiness grants, active pipeline proposals, the delivery partners and provide updates as needed
• Tracking the new readiness placement Programme in coordination with regional desks and provide update as needed
• Analyze the pipeline of proposals, readiness budget and approved portfolio of grants under implementation for key deliverables, outcomes and impacts to enhance knowledge sharing and learning for both internal and external audiences.
• In consultation with relevant Regional teams, coordinate with internal stakeholders across the Secretariat to support pre implementation grants documentation for the hand-over of grants to UNOPS and solve any pre-implementation grants issues.
• Support the regional teams in the clearing up of the outstanding pipeline.

Readiness grant cycle workstream:

• Coordinating with ICT to fix any issues related to the online management systems to facilitate efficient progress of proposals from submission to approval
• Support the readiness finance team in the disbursement and refund process
• Support the readiness finance team in preparing necessary document (e.g. FMCA endorsement notification, Refund notice letter and others) and process for signatures
• Supporting the development of the new system and enhancement of the current system for the readiness
• Support in the management of readiness portfolio

Knowledge management and reporting workstream:

• Support in the development of Board papers related to Readiness and in reporting to the Board, senior management, and other divisions upon request (Report on Activities of the Secretariat (RAS), RPSP annual report in coordination with DMEL team, COP report, LEG report, Annual update on complementarity and coherence
• Support the development of webinars, briefing notes related to readiness processes
• Management of data request related to readiness.
• Support the development of readiness related dashboards to help in the management of the grants.
• Liaise with necessary departments to ensure all relevant information for Readiness (eg. Approved grants, knowledge products, and other core documents) are uploaded to the GCF website
• Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.

Required experience and qualifications

• Master’s degree in international relations, economics, finance, sustainable development, project management or a relevant Bachelors’ degree with 2 additional years of experience.
• At least 3 years of relevant work experience in project development and implementation, especially related to climate change interventions.
• Proficiency in using data management-related software programs (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Phyton etc.) and standard software programs (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential for this position.
• Knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.

Required skills

• Strong data and information management capabilities, including the ability to maintain well-organized electronic records and support audit readiness through consistent documentation practices.
• Proven ability to operate as a self-starter and manage multiple workstreams simultaneously, demonstrating sound judgment, initiative, and a proactive approach to problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to anticipate readiness workstream needs, prioritize tasks, and deliver results under tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and manage inputs from multiple stakeholders within the GCF Secretariat and external partners.
• Adaptability and resilience in responding to shifting priorities and evolving operational requirements, including the capacity to take on ad hoc assignments as needed.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a cover letter detailing their qualifications and experience relevant to the role. Candidates of all nationalities are welcome to apply. Please indicate your earliest availability to take up the assignment and notice-period required, if employed. The closing date for applications is 22 June 2025, 11:59 PM (KST). Applications submitted after the closing date may not be considered.