Liaison Officer for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

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.

The Role:

The GCF Liaison Officer will act as the primary liaison between the GCF Secretariat and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), 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 SVG to ensure their seamless execution, including country programming, accreditation, readiness support conceptualisation 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:

• To enhance the capacity of the NDA and relevant agencies to plan, develop and implement climate change adaptation and mitigation concept notes and funding proposals;
• 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 drive the process of  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.
• To develop concept notes for submission to funding agencies

Responsibilities:

The GCF Liaison officer will carry out the following responsibilities:

1. Country Programme

• Support the implementation of the SVG’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;
• Assist in the process of identifying potential partners for the implementation of the Country Programme, including potential direct access entities;
• Assist in 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.

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;
• 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.

3. Pipeline Development, Implementation, Monitoring and Reporting

• Organize capacity-building exercises 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;
• Develop project ideas, concept notes and funding proposals for the public and private sector, in close collaboration with the NDA and accredited entities;
• Assist the NDA to facilitate stakeholder discussions to gather necessary information throughout the project cycle stages; 
• 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;
• 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;
• Prepare country portfolio results reporting as required by the GCF Secretariat; and 
• Assist the NDA in the organization of relevant events to showcase GCF results.

Assignment Details:

The GCF Liaison Officer will be based in Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and will operate from the offices of the NDA.

The GCF Liaison Officer will support the NDA or relevant agency and report to the GCF’s Subregional Head - Caribbean. 

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 candidate should meet the following qualifications and experience:

• Minimum of 8 years with undergrad/tertiary, and at least 3 years with Master’s or higher degree in climate change/environmental science, climate economics/finance, engineering, project finance or a closely related discipline; 
• At least 8 years of relevant experience in public and/or private sector with a demonstrated focus on climate investment and financing initiatives for climate change mitigation and adaptation;
• Proven experience in drafting concept notes and/or proposals for climate finance and managing climate change projects across the full cycle.
• Strong understanding of national and local institutional contexts with the ability to engage and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. excellent written and verbal communication skills, complemented with strong presentation abilities, to effectively convey ideas to diverse audiences;
• Familiarity with the GCF, including its operations and funding mechanisms 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
• Strong commitment to ethical standards, including integrity, transparency and accountability in all professional activities.

The closing date for applications is 24 November 2025, 23:59 (Korean Standard Time). Applications submitted after the closing date may not be considered

The initial assignment is for 11 months and 29 days, with the maximum of 180 working 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 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 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 256.00

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 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. 

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.