Liaison Officer for Palau

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.

II. Role 

The GCF Liaison Officer will act to support the NDA in their role 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.

III. Objectives 

The placement scheme aims to achieve the following objectives through the role of the GCF Liaison Officer:

• 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, including those from the private sector;
• To assist in accessing and implementing integrated programmes of readiness activities in the country;
• 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 GCF Liaison officer will carry out the following responsibilities:

• Familiarize himself/herself with GCF programs and related processes.
• Liaise GCF programs and associated processes to relevant stakeholders in consultation with the NDA, NDA designee, and/or the NDA Team.
• Track and remain updated on new developments of the GCF by participating in, inter alia:
  
  • Capacity building opportunities (virtual and in-person meetings);
  • Meetings with the GCF when new developments arise; and
  • Discussions of new developments in GCF programs, policies, and processes.
• Update new developments of the GCF to the NDA and NDA Team, and relevant stakeholders.
• Assist in identifying, accessing, and implementing integrated readiness activities and programs to enhance Palau’s preparedness for GCF funding opportunities.
• Increase awareness and understanding among local stakeholders and communities about the GCF’s funding windows, policies, and processes through information dissemination and training sessions.
• Facilitate the transfer of knowledge and development of skills among local stakeholders andcommunities to ensure long-term sustainability and local ownership of climate change initiatives.
• Support the development of the Palau’s 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 NDCs/NAPs/LTSs and developing project/programme ideas for the country programme;

4.1 Country Programme

• Support the development of the Palau’s 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 NDCs/NAPs/LTSs and developing project/programme ideas for the country programme;

4.2 Readiness 

• 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;
  
• 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;and
  
• As required by the NDA, contribute to midterm reviews of readiness activities, and provide input for adjusting initial TORs as needed.  

4.3 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;
• 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; and
• Assist the NDA in the organization of relevant events to showcase GCF results.

V. Qualiications and Experience

The candidate should meet the following qualifications and experience:

• University level degree in climate change/environmental science, climate economics/finance, engineering, project finance or a closely related discipline;
• At least two years of experience in contributing in climate activities, including, but not limited to: data collection, situational assessment, tracking of impacts and activities, priorities development, and demonstrating the ability to enhance stakeholders' capabilities in addressing climate change, as well as, creating enabling environments for climate investment;
• Experience in addressing climate change issues in Palau, and understands 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;
• Have the ability to communicate both written and oral effectively, complemented by outstanding presentation abilities, enabling effective dissemination of information and ideas to diverse audiences;
• Fluency in English is required, and proficiency in the official language of Palau 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.

VI. Assignment Details

The GCF Liaison Officer will be based in the Office of Climate Change, Palau and will operate from the offices of the NDA and/or relevant agency.

The closing date for applications is 21 November 2025, 23:59 Korea Standard Time (KST). 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. 

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 experts are expected to compile a quarterly report detailing activities conducted and results achieved, to be shared with the NDA and GCF Secretariat.

Preference will be given to nationals or residents of Palau 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 starts at USD 112.00

The advertised position is currently labeled as remote, however, the role is not intended to be remote-based and requires an in-person presence in Palau. 

If a civil servant or government employee is selected as an expert, the NDA must provide written confirmation that: 

• The individual will be on leave without pay and relieved of all official duties for the duration of the placement. 
• The expert must not receive any salary, allowances, or benefits from their public institution during the placement period, in order to avoid any duplication of remuneration. 
• The selected expert must fully comply with the contractual obligation to avoid any conflict of interest while carrying out the responsibilities outlined in the placement Terms of Reference.