Call for GCF Roster Pool of Experts - Marine Adaptation & Mitigation Specialist

About the Green Climate Fund

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. 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.

To support this vision, the GCF is seeking highly qualified Marine Adaptation and Mitigation Specialist with a demonstrable track record of marine/climate project design, implementation or assessment. We are building a Roster of Experts to provide specialized expertise in the review and assessment of funding proposals.

GCF is seeking specialist with technical knowledge of and experience supporting transformative climate action in developing countries, including mitigation and adaptation projects in coastal and marine ecosystems in any of the following four Technical areas:

1. Coastal protection & resilience

• Mangrove, seagrass, and salt-marsh restoration (nature-based buffers)
• Hybrid (nature-based and engineered) solutions and Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)
• Marine heatwave, coastal inundation risk for low-lying coastal cities and villages

2. Coral reef protection & reef-dependent livelihoods

• Reef restoration and assisted regeneration
• Climate-resilient marine protected areas (MPAs) and identify synergies within blue carbon ecosystems
• Alternative livelihoods for reef-dependent communities (tourism, aquaculture)

3. Climate-resilient fisheries & aquaculture

• Early-warning systems for ocean and marine species (e.g. sea-level rise, coral bleaching, fish and harmful algal blooms) forecasting,
• Climate-smart fisheries/marine management
• Resilient aquaculture (species diversification, low-impact feeds)

4. Coastal water security

• Climate-resilient management of saltwater intrusion
• Blue economy and sustainable marine health
• Climate-resilient desalination (powered by renewables)

GCF has a growing need for specialised marine expertise to support the appraisal, design and monitoring of ocean-related funding proposals.

Position  Objectives

The Consultant will provide expert technical advice on climate change mitigation and adaptation in marine and coastal ecosystems to ensure that GCF funding proposals and concept notes: (1) Present credible climate rationale; (2) Demonstrate robust impact potential; (3) Meet GCF investment criteria and policies; (4) Apply best-practice methodologies.

The Consultant will provide services upon request, billed at a fixed rate per assignment, it is anticipated that the consultant would deliver 20-50 days services per year.

Duties and Responsibilities

For each assignment, expected tasks and deliverables may include but not be limited TOR. Technical Review and Advisory

- Assess climate rationale/risk for marine/coastal proposals.

- Evaluate mitigation potential of ocean-based activities including carbon stock assessments and MRV feasibility.

- Assess climate change impacts and indicators for coastal resilience and synergies between adaptation and mitigation

Review the impacts of ocean acidification, deoxygenation, and marine heatwaves on ecosystems

- Ensure alignment with GCF guidance, investment criteria and policies.

Pipeline and Project-Cycle Support

- Support appraisal of Concept Notes, Funding Proposals, Readiness and PPF proposals.

- Provide structured written assessments and recommendations.

Provide technical advice on the scalability and financial sustainability of hybrid infrastructure in diverse geographies.

- Participate in technical discussions with Accredited Entities and NDAs.

Knowledge Contributions

- Input into Secretariat learning products and reference materials upon request

 Deliverables

- Technical review notes for assigned proposals.

- Written recommendations for proposal strengthening.

- Meeting summaries with AEs/NDAs.

- Contribution to marine-sector guidance.

- Final report summarising work performed for each assignment

Reporting and Institutional Agreement

The Consultant will report to the designated Project Leads in GCFs regional teams and collaborate as needed with the Department of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, as well as Risk and Legal teams as needed.

Confidentiality

All information accessed is confidential and may not be disclosed without approval.

 Required Qualifications and Experience

- Master’s or PhD in marine ecology, oceanography, coastal engineering, climate science or related fields.

- 10–15 years' experience in marine/climate project design, implementation or assessment.

- Experience with blue carbon, coastal adaptation, ecosystem services valuation and MRV.

- Strong familiarity with international climate finance.

- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English language. Good command of other UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is an advantage

  Additional Considerations

• Candidates successfully selected through a technical criteria review will be included in the GCF CIO Roster for a period of up to three (3) years with opportunity for renewal.
• Consultants will be home-based with possible mission travel, depending on the assignment.
• GCF does not warrant that any quantity of services will be purchased during the term of entry into the Roster as this will depend on forthcoming needs and performance appraisals.
• Engagement will be upon GCF’s demand up to a maximum of 180 days a year.
• The final nature and scope of each assignment will vary and will focus on aspects of this Terms of Reference (TOR). Such details will be included in a separate TOR for each specific assignment and issue as a Call of Order

Applications from women and nationals of developing countries are strongly encouraged. Candidates of all nationalities are welcome to apply; Closing date for applications is 12, February 2026, 23:59 (KST). Applications received after the closing date may not be considered.