Liaison Officer for Syrian Arab Republic

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.

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 a senior technical and coordination advisor to the NDA in all matters concerning GCF climate action. The role will focus on integrating climate, water, environmental, and sectoral priorities into coherent investment-ready pipelines. It will entails close coordination with stakeholders relevant to the GCF activities in the country to ensure their seamless execution, including 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 plan, develop and implement climate change adaptation and mitigation concept notes and funding proposals;

• To support the NDA and/or relevant agencies in programming, 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 facilitate the development of bankable, climate-aligned project concepts and funding proposals including in water, waste management, and disaster risk management sectors; and

• To facilitate knowledge transfer, capacity development, and awareness of GCF policies, procedures, and funding modalities among national stakeholders.

IV. Responsibilities 

The GCF Liaison officer will carry out the following responsibilities:

4.1 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.

4.2 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 identification, prioritization, and development of climate investment projects particularly those related to climate-resilient water management and infrastructure, nature-based solutions, solid waste management and energy systems;

• Facilitate collaboration between the NDA and stakeholders throughout the project cycle stages to ensure technically sound project development and effective implementation; 

• Support the NDA and relevant agencies monitor and report on the results of GCF-funded activities ; 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:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in hydrology, water resources management, environmental science, environmental or civil engineering, climate change, economics, finance, development studies, or a closely related discipline. A first-level university degree combined with additional years of relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.

• At least eight years of experience in the public and/or private sector, with a demonstrated focus on climate investment, financing, or project development in developing or transition contexts.

• Proven experience in institutional strengthening, policy support, and capacity-building, including support to public institutions and stakeholders to create enabling environments for climate action and climate investment, and to improve coordination across sectors and institutions.

• Demonstrated experience in the design, appraisal, or implementation of climate-relevant infrastructure or systems, with water resources, water infrastructure, solid waste management or environmental services considered a strong asset.

• Solid expertise in integrated approaches to water and environmental management, such as integrated water resources management (IWRM), climate-resilient water systems, or nature-based solutions, with the ability to situate sectoral interventions within broader climate and development frameworks.

• Prior professional experience working on climate change, environment, or development issues in the Syrian Arab Republic or comparable fragile and conflict-affected settings, demonstrating strong understanding of the institutional, regulatory, and political context, as well as implementation constraints.

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and engage effectively with multiple stakeholders, including government counterparts, technical institutions, international organizations, and development partners, and to facilitate collaboration across diverse technical disciplines.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with proven ability to prepare high-quality analytical reports, policy notes, and presentations, and to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Familiarity with international climate finance mechanisms, including multilateral climate funds such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), their operational modalities, investment criteria, and project cycles, will be a strong asset.

• Fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of additional United Nations languages is an advantage.

• Demonstrated commitment to professional ethics and international standards of conduct, including integrity, transparency, accountability, and independence in the execution of professional responsibilities.

VI. Assignment Details

The GCF Liaison Officer will be based in Damscus, Syrian Arab Republic and will operate from the offices of the NDA/or relevant agency.

The GCF Liaison Officer will support the NDA and the NDA Secretariate and report to the appropriate regional manager of the GCF Secretariat.

The closing date for applications is 25 March 2026, 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. 

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 Syrian Arab Republic 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 190.

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 Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic. 

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