Liaison Officer for Bahrain

Background
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 world’s 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.

Role
The GCF Liaison Officer will act as the primary liaison between the GCF Secretariat and Kingdom of Bahrain providing essential support to the NDA or relevant agency in all matters concerning GCF climate action. 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 and implementation and other related activities

Objectives 
The placement scheme aims to achieve the following objectives through the role of the GCF Liaison Officer:
(a) To enhance the capacity of Bahrain NDA and relevant agencies to plan, develop and implement climate change adaptation and mitigation concept notes and funding proposals;
(b) To support Bahrain NDA and/or relevant agencies in developing and implementing GCF country programmes, including facilitating the set up or improvement of coordination with relevant stakeholders;
(c) To assist in accessing and implementing integrated programmes of readiness activities in Bahrain;
(d) TTo raise awareness and facilitate understanding in the country of the GCF funding windows, policies and processes; and
(e) To facilitate knowledge transfer and skill development among local stakeholders and communities.

(f) 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 provided as a guideline:

1. Country Programme
(a) Supportthe development of Bahrain’s First countryprogramme with GCF, following the GCF guidance for country programmes and Bahrain's national development plans;
(b) Assist the NDA of Bahrain 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;
(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
(e) Facilitate and assist the NDA of Bahrain 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.

2. Readiness 
(a) Engage/assist the NDAof Bahrain 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 ministries of finance, sector ministries, 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 women’s 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 Bahrain for accreditation thought readiness framework.
(d) Assist in completing the Financial Management Capacity Assessment (FMCA) form1, if and as required;
(e) Support the NDA of Bahrain with adaptative management requests as required; and Page 4
(f) As required by the NDA, contribute to midterm reviews of readiness activities, and provide input for adjusting initial TORs as needed. 

[1] An entity or agency that undertakes approved readiness activities is referred to as a delivery partner. For direct access, an NDA or another agency designated by the country must undergo FMCA to become a delivery partner. If readiness activities are provided by a pre-qualified GCF delivery partner, these partners will undergo the assessment as part of the prequalification process, which is conducted in accordance with GCF procurement rules and the fair and transparent open tender Request for Proposals (RfP) process. 

3. Pipeline Development, Implementation, Monitoring and Reporting
(a) Contribute to capacity-building by imparting skills and knowledge to the NDA of Bahrain 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 of Bahrain 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 of Bahrain to facilitate stakeholder discussions to gather necessary information throughout the project cycle stages;
(e) Support the NDA of Bahrain 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 of Bahrain and relevant agencies with the preparation of country portfolio results reporting as required by the GCF Secretariat; and
(g) Assist the NDA of Bahrain in the organization of relevant events to showcase GCF results.
(h) Support the NDA of Bahrain in project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, ensuring compliance with GCF requirements, national regulations, and performance standards
(i) Assess management’s familiarity with climate finance, fiduciary obligations, environmental and social safeguards, and the specific operational standards required by GCF.
(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 Bahrain’s capacity-building efforts, particularly in areas requiring external expertise, such as environmental and social safeguards

Assignment Details
- The GCF Liaison Officer will be based in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain will operate from the offices of the NDA and/or relevant agency .
- The GCF Liaison Officer will support the NDA or relevant agency and report to the Middle east regional manager of the GCF Secretariat. 
- As part of their reporting obligations, the experts are expected to compile a quarterly report detailing activities conducted and results achieved, to be shared with the NDA and GCF Secretariat.

Qualifications and Experience
The following indicative qualifications and experience are provided for guidance. The NDA/government agency receiving the placement may propose revisions to better align with national requirements, in coordination with the GCF Secretariat.

• University level degree in climate change/environmental science, climate economics/finance, engineering, project finance or a closely related discipline; 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;
• 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;
• 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;
• Experience in addressing climate change issues in Bahrain providing a deep understanding of the local context and challenges;
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and engage with multiple stakeholders, reflecting strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster cooperation among diverse groups;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, complemented by outstanding presentation abilities, enabling effective dissemination of information and ideas to diverse audiences;
• Familiarity with the GCF, including operational mechanisms and funding modalities will be an asset;
• Fluency in English is required, and proficiency in the Arabic or other United Nations languages, is highly desirable;
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and adaptability; and
• Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical standards, including integrity, 
  transparency and accountability in all professional activities.
• Previous experience in supporting institutions through GCF accreditation process

The closing date for applications is 18 November 2025, 23:59 (Korean Standard Time). Applications submitted after the closing date may not be considered.

• The initial assignment is for the maximum of 180 working days over the period of 11 months and 29 days, with the possibility of extension based on annual performance evaluation, subject to the continued need and available funding. 
• Preference will be given to nationals or residents of Bahrain (with right to work) for this position.
• Daily rate offered for this consultancy is USD 316.
• The application is required to be submitted in English language.
• TThe advertised position is currently labeled as remote, however, the role is not intended to be remote-based and requires an in-person presence in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain.