Grade: IS-5
Deadline: 19 March 2025 (11:59 PM KST)
Job Category: International
Salary: USD 145,000 (plus attractive benefits, that include the following allowances (as applicable)): Relocation, dependency, housing, education assistance and home country travel.

Introduction
The Green Climate Fund is the world’s largest dedicated multilateral climate fund and invests in impactful, innovative, catalytic programs and projects in developing countries across the globe. The GCF has a portfolio of 286 projects across 133 countries, with a total commitment of USD 15.9 billion to date.

In 2023, an additional USD 12.8 billion was pledged, to support our new strategic and programming cycle from 2024-2027; our ambition is to grow to become at least a USD 50 billion fund by 2030. Rooted in the core objectives of impact and efficiency, access and a focus on the most vulnerable, and mobilizing a much higher scale of public and private sector financial flows for climate action we have an unparalleled scale of resources, which, together with our risk appetite and flexibility allows us to bring together different partners and stakeholders in innovative partnerships for profound impact. 

GCF is seeking a top-tier individual with a demonstrable track record of harnessing experience, energy and networks to tackle complex global climate change challenges. You will be committed to making a positive, measurable difference through a mission-driven role, and thrive in a fast-paced, diverse environment.  

You will be able to quickly scan and analyze complex, competing issues and lead significant sized teams to find solutions in evolving contexts, across multiple geographic locations. 

You will be a nurturer of people: recognizing and growing the talent around you, exemplifying values of transparency, respect and innovation.

You will be committed to learning, knowledge-sharing, convening and communicating with partners to work together to ideate, develop and implement climate action initiatives that make a profound difference to people and planet.

You will join a team of talented, committed individuals representing almost 80 nationalities contributing skills and experience from academic, scientific, private, government and nonprofit backgrounds.  Together, we work with governments, communities and civil society, technical agencies, and the private sector across the world.

Interested in more information? 
Learn about working for GCF: https://www.greenclimate.fund/about/careers 
View current vacancies: https://jobs.greenclimate.fund/

About the Green Climate Fund (GCF)
Set up in 2010 by the 194 countries who are Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), GCF takes its responsibility as the world’s largest dedicated multilateral climate fund to heart.  GCF funds transformative climate projects across the developing world, supporting countries in their responses and actions to tackle climate change while fostering sustainable development within their communities. 

Our country-driven approach ensures that our actions are tailored to the unique circumstances and national aspirations of each nation we support. Besides channeling public and private sector investment through a broad range of financing instruments, GCF builds the capacity of developing countries to take climate action through an extensive Readiness Programme ensuring countries are increasingly well-equipped and financed to manage their climate futures.

Headquartered in the Republic of Korea, GCF operates with a diverse and talented workforce of over 300 people. 

Position Objective
The Senior Policy Specialist, reporting to the Head of Policy, will lead and provide expert advice to ensure the effective coordination and delivery of the Secretariat’s policy cycle. S/he will lead in developing, reviewing and implementing high-quality, evidence-based policies aligning with the Fund’s strategic priorities and international best practices. Collaborating closely with subject-matter experts, s/he will ensure policy proposals are operationally fit for purpose and contribute to a coherent policy suite. 

S/he will play a key role in enhancing the Secretariat’s policy framework, policy cycle and associated processes, guidance and tools, fostering collaboration with internal and Board stakeholders, and promoting a culture of policy excellence across the organization. S/he will be an analytical and strategic thinker, strong collaborator, and communicator with excellent drafting skills, sound political judgment, and the ability to negotiate outcomes effectively. S/he may also serve as deputy for the Head of Policy as needed.

Purpose 

• Develop policy proposals for consideration by the GCF Board, collaborating closely with subject-matter leads to define or update GCF strategies, programmes, processes and operational modalities to enhance the Fund’s performance.
• Lead and conduct comprehensive analysis to inform evidence-based policy proposals, including impact assessments, cost-benefit analyses, risk assessments and benchmarking studies. 
• Identify and expand opportunities to improve the coherence and impact of GCF policies through leading analyses, reviews, and updates and integrate lessons from IEU evaluations, internal audits, risk control assessments, learning loops, and operational experience. 

Engagement

• Provide guidance across Secretariat offices and departments, including senior management, and with the Independent Units, to ensure policy proposals are well-socialized, operationally viable, and meet stakeholder expectations. 
• Engage with the GCF Board, working closely with subject matter leads and the Office of Governance Affairs, to build understanding and consensus for policy recommendations, addressing differing perspectives effectively. 
• Cultivate policy best practices through fostering relationships with peer organizations (e.g., multilateral climate funds, multilateral development banks) to draw on the latest knowledge and approaches

Delivery

• Plan and coordinate policy teams, timelines and stakeholder inputs to successfully develop and deliver policy proposals, working closely with the Head of Policy. This will include drafting or editing specific policy documents as required. 
• Provide continued refinement of the GCF policy framework, policy cycle, policy taxonomy, and quality standards to reflect experience and lessons learned. 
• Drive improvement in systems, processes and knowledge resources related to policy development, implementation and monitoring, evaluation and learning, and contribute to building capacity across the Secretariat. 

Requirements (Education, experience, technical competencies required of the job)

• Masters or higher-level degree in law, international relations, economics or another relevant field; or Bachelors degree plus two (2) additional years of experience
• 11 years or more relevant experience in institutional policy development, with preference experience in government or international organizations, including experience in national or international policy development
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management 
• Extensive knowledge of climate finance and international development, with knowledge of GCF policies and programmes preferred
• Competencies: 
  • Analytical skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Negotiation skills
  • Political judgement
  • Project management and organizational skills
  • Stakeholder engagement 
  • Effective communication 
• Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of another United Nations language is an advantage
   

The closing date for application is 19 March 2025. Applications submitted after the deadline may not be considered.

*The person assessed by the Selection Panel as most suitable for the position will be proposed for appointment. Selection among short-listed candidates will also take into account performance at interview, appropriate testing, and references. 

Applications from women and nationals of developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply.