Liaison Officer for Juba, South Sudan

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. 

South Sudan
The Republic of South Sudan is one of twelve conflict-affected African states that is most climate vulnerable, and debt distressed, positioning them at the epicentre of the climate crisis (IRC, 2023). These twelve countries alone represent almost 50% of the world’s people in humanitarian need and 37% of all people affected by natural disasters over the last three years. Therefore, channelling climate finance through governments in conflict and climate-vulnerable African countries such as South Sudan, needs a rethink in the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) and in International Development Assistance (IDA21) replenishments since a one-size fit-all strategy will be ineffective.

The climate crises further exacerbates already existing negative long-term conflict impacts that the people of South Sudan continue facing. The Government of South Sudan recognizes that to achieve sustainable economic development, that would support the country to transit from a least developed country to a middle-income country by 2030, requires the promotion of environmental sustainability coupled by climate-resilient communities and appropriate land use approaches.

South Sudan submitted its second NDC to the UNFCCC in 2021. In its second NDC iteration, the country reiterated its commitment to the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, while making efforts to limit temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The 2nd NDC details sectors based on economic, environmental and socio-economic parameters that are key for South Sudan’s development. This assessment, along with the outputs of the material flow analysis, was used to develop mitigation and adaptation strategies for each individual sector. In total, by implementing these sector strategies, South Sudan can reduce an estimated 109.87 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) and sequester 45.06 million tCO2e by 2030.

To accelerate and mobilize climate finance resources, there is need for enhanced pragmatism, speed and scale on enhancing access to required resources in South Sudan. The focus of the Green Climate Fund Revised Readiness resources would be to support the development of robust and predictable regulatory frameworks and economic incentives to attract public and private international finance, Page 2 while strengthening capacities for enhanced local climate action and bringing to scale national transformative climate resilience actions.

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 the country, 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 conceptualisation and oversight, project preparation and implementation and other related activities.   

Objectives:

Responsibilities:  

The following responsibilities to ensure the successful implementation of the placement scheme are provided as a guideline: 

1. Country Programme 

(a) Support the development and updating of the South Sudan country programme with GCF, following the GCF guidance for country programmes; 
(b) Assist the NDA in coordinating consultative processes within the country to identify key areas for results related to the implementation of NDCs/NAPs/NAPA 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; and
(e) Facilitate and assist the NDA in the implementation of the country programme, including reporting annually and identifying challenges and opportunities to discuss with the NDA and GCF Secretariat. 

2. Readiness  

(a)    Engage/assist the NDA in co-developing draft TOR for readiness support 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 and economic planning, sector ministries, strategic planning, central banks, executing entities, the private sector, state entities, development partners, GCF accredited entities, youth-led 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) Assist in completing the Financial Management Capacity Assessment (FMCA) form1, if and as required;
(d) Support the NDA with adaptative management requests as required; and
(e) As required by the NDA, contribute to midterm reviews of readiness activities, and provide input for adjusting initial TORs as needed.

3. 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 for the public and private sector 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 coordination of No Objection Letter processes in country, ensuring timely communication with Accredited Entities and promptly informing the GCF Secretariat of any potential issues;
(f) 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;
(g) Support the NDA and relevant agencies with the preparation of country portfolio results reporting as required by the GCF Secretariat; 
(h) Assist the NDA in the organization of field visits/monitoring of GCF funded projects and other relevant events to showcase GCF results;
(i) Provide technical support to the NDA in the implementation of relevant new or ongoing projects and initiatives;

(j) Contribute to the preparation of regular reports, briefs, and policy preparation as required; and
(k) Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

 [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.

Assignment Details:

The GCF Liaison Officer will be based in Juba, South Sudan and 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 appropriate regional manager of the GCF Secretariat. 

As part of their reporting obligations, the officer shall compile a quarterly report detailing activities conducted and results achieved, to be shared with the NDA and GCF Secretariat.  

Qualifications and Experience:

(a) University level degree in climate change/environmental science, climate economics/finance, engineering, finance or a closely related discipline; 
(b) At least five 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 South Sudan, providing a deep understanding of the local context and challenges;
 (f) Demonstrated ability to coordinate and engage with multiple stakeholders, reflecting strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster cooperation among diverse groups;
(g) Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, complemented by outstanding presentation abilities, enabling effective dissemination of information and ideas to diverse audiences;
(h) Familiarity with the GCF, including operational mechanisms and funding modalities will be an asset;
(i) Fluency in English is required, and proficiency in the official language(s) of South Sudan, or other United Nations languages, is highly desirable;
(j) Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and adaptability; and
(k) Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical standards, including integrity, transparency and accountability in all professional activities.

The closing date for applications is 17 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 South Sudan for this position.
• Daily rate offered for this consulatncy is USD 190.
• The application is required to be submitted in English language.