Liaison Officer for Mauritius (Re-advertisement))

I. 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.

Mauritius is a small island developing state in the Indian Ocean, whose tropical climate and geographical location make it one of the most vulnerable countries impacted by climate change. 
Extreme periodic and cyclical weather events and natural disasters e.g. cyclones, storms, torrential rains, floods and landslides are evidently seen. An analysis of the country’s disaster risk profile, by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre (NDRRMC) shows that, on average, 
Mauritius will experience around USD 91 million in direct losses annually from winds, flooding and storm surge associated with tropical cyclones. The country has been classified as the106th out of 193 countries most vulnerable to climate disaster risk (World Risk Report, 2022). In its updated NDC (2022), Mauritius raised ambition to reduce GHG emissions by 40% in 2030, compared to business as usual. The Government aims to achieve 60% of its energy production from green sources by 2030, phasing out the use of coal and increasing energy efficiency by a 10%. The Government also intends to achieve a fully green and clean bus transport system by 2035 and adopt smart agricultural practices in addition to undertaking massive planting of trees and landscape restoration efforts. 

In its updated NDC, Mauritius states that it requires USD 2 billion and USD 4.5 billion for effective mitigation and adaptation, respectively, totalling USD 6.5 billion by 2030. The Government iscommitted to raising 35% of the total costs of climate action, utilizing domestic sources of public and private finance. Mauritius’ Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning & Development, which hosts the NDA, has also established a Sustainable Finance Framework which highlights interests in issuing Green, Social, Sustainability and Thematic Bonds, utilization of loans/debt instruments all referred to as ‘Sustainable use of proceeds finance instruments/Sustainability-linked finance instruments.

This Framework is aligned with the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) Green Bond Principles (GBP, 2021), and the international climate bonds standards of the Climate Bonds Initiative. Various capacities will therefore need to be harnessed in support of implementation of the country’ssustainable finance framework.

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.

II. Role

The GCF Liaison Officer will act as the primary liaison between the GCF Secretariat and the country, providing essential support to the NDAin 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. 

III. 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 implement the Ministry’sSustainable Finance Framework in a bid to plan, develop and implement climate change adaptation and mitigation concept notes and funding proposals;
• Support the NDA in exploring the viability of modern climate financial instruments in the context of Mauritius and develop a Menu of Options in support of operationalizing the Sustainable Finance Framework and leveraging a pipeline of bankable mitigation and adaptation projects;
• In partnership with public and private stakeholders, build on the efforts of the Ministry of Finance on sustainable finance by advancing on locally led climate action, disclosures, resilience planning, taxonomy development or application;
• Engage with the private sector to deliberate on policy actions and regulations, and support the design of policy measures and non-financial de-risking measures that would enable flow of capital for identified climate-responsive projects
• 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 that address identified capacity gaps;
• To raise awareness and facilitate understanding in the country of the GCF funding windows, policies and processes; and
• To facilitate knowledge transfer and skill development among local stakeholders and communities.

IV. Responsibilities

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

Country Programme

• Support the development of the Mauritius country programme with GCF, following the GCF guidance for country programmes; 
• Assist the NDA in coordinating consultative processes within the country to identify key areas for results related to the implementation of the sustainable finance framework, NDCs/NAPs/LTSs and developing project/programme ideas;
• Assist in the process of identifying potential partners for the implementation of the Country Programme, including potential direct access entities;
• 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
• 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.

Readiness

• Engage/assist the NDA in co-developing draft TORsfor 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;
• Support capacity and awareness building within the Ministry of Finance, public and private sector (particularly financial institutions) on (i) identification, valuation and mainstreaming of climate risks in financial decision making, (ii) reporting in line with recognized climate and sustainability disclosure frameworks to align with international financing requirements and increase access to international finance, (iii) existing sustainable finance taxonomies and their application, (iv) transition planning and financing, and (v) other measures to scale up sustainable investments.
• 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;
• Assist in completing the Financial Management Capacity Assessment (FMCA) form (1), if and as required;
• Support the NDA with adaptative management requests as required; and
• 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.

Pipeline Development, Implementation, Monitoring and Reporting

• Contribute to capacity-building by imparting skills and knowledge to the NDA and relevant stakeholders to successfully develop, advance and implement climate investments;
• 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;
• 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;
• Assist the NDA to facilitate stakeholder discussions to gather necessary information throughout the project cycle stages;
• 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;
• Support the NDA and relevant agencies with the preparation of country portfolio results reporting as required by the GCF Secretariat;
• Assist the NDA in the organization of project missions and other relevant events to support monitoring and showcase GCF results and conduct site visits to GCF project sites in coordination with the GCF Secretariat;
• Assist the NDA in supporting and providing inputs to investigations led by the independent units of the GCF.
• Provide technical support to the NDA in the implementation of relevant new or ongoing projects and initiatives;
• Contribute to the preparation of regular reports, briefs, and policy preparation as required
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

V. Assignment Details

The GCF Liaison Officer will be based in Port Louis, Mauritius and will operate from the offices of the NDA.
The GCF Liaison Officer will support the NDA and report to the appropriate regional manager of the GCF Secretariat. 
As part of their reporting obligations, the officer is expected to compile a quarterly report detailing activities conducted and results achieved, to be shared with the NDA and GCF Secretariat.

VI. Qualifications and Experience

The following qualifications and experience are required: 

• University level degree in climate change/environmental science, climate economics/finance, economics, 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 Mauritius, 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;
• 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.

============REMARKS==============

• The Closing date for this post is 16th March, 2026 at 11:59 KST. Applications received after the closing date, will not be considered.

• Although this position is labeled as remote, it is remote only in relation to GCF in Korea, but requires in-person presence in Mauritius.

• Interviews will be held in English.

• The initial term for this position is 11 months and 29 days with a maximum of 180 working days per year with the possibility of extension based on annual performance evaluations, the ongoing need for the role, and available funding.

• Preference will be given to nationals or residents of Mauritius for this position.

• The application is required to be submitted in English language.

• Applications from women and citizens from developing countries are strongly encouraged.

• Daily rate offered for this consultancy is USD 123.00