Back Lead Risk Specialist, Programming

Grade: IS-6
Deadline: 02 April 2024 (11:59 PM KST)
Job Category: International
Salary: USD 171,200 (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. By the end of 2023, GCF had a portfolio of 243 projects in 129 countries, committing a total of USD 13.5 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 mission of the Office of Risk Management and Compliance (ORMC) is to develop, manage and update comprehensive risk frameworks, policies and processes; identify, prioritize, monitor and manage actual and potential risks affecting the Green Climate Fund (GCF); and review pipeline and portfolio investments and programs to ensure that they are within the Fund’s risk tolerances, comply with the Fund’s compliance and risk policies, and achieve optimal risk-reward for the Fund.

The incumbent will be responsible for:

• Leading the development, implementation and maintenance of the investment risk management framework related to GCF funded programs to identify current and emerging risk scenarios.
• Leading a team of experienced risk specialists to ensure that risk analysis is undertaken on GCF projects and programs, the financial and structural foundations, assumptions and premises of the projects are sound, GCF’s risk policies are adhered to, and the specific risks and applicable mitigations, are clearly articulated in the approval documentation.
• Advising the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer and other members of the Secretariat Committees and Working Groups on programming risks.

  The incumbent will also support the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer to develop strategies and work programs, effectively manage the delivery of ORMC’s programing risk management programs, nurture collaboration within ORMC, with other Divisions and Offices of the Secretariat and other stakeholders of the Fund, and perform additional tasks as assigned by the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer.

  Purpose

  • Innovate the existing program risk assessment approach to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Lead the Team to create credit and investment risk management tools and methodologies to ensure rigorous assessment and monitoring of risks in projects and programs.
  • Proactively advocate the establishment of innovative financing structures and establish among Risk Specialists the necessary expertise for creating risk review guidelines and performing risk assessments.
  • Act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders that combines theoretical and practical perspectives in relation to risk identification and mitigation.
  • Motivate Team members to excel in their individual specializations while ensuring coherence and teamwork.

    Engagement

    • Advocate for risk learning and sharing culture and nurture collaboration within the Fund and with the Fund’s partners.
    • Develop and lead the team's resources and its capacity to perform timely and quality assessment on current and emerging risk scenarios.
    • Showcase the value and assessments of the Team to influence relevant decision-making bodies, including Senior Management Team and Committees.

      Delivery

      • Advise the Chief Risk and Compliance Officer on the strategic direction of the Team and allocation of resources to achieve goals in line with the Fund’s strategy.
      • Set strategic goals and effectively manage delivery of programming risk management, accepting responsibility for outcomes.
      • Lead and implement a systematic process to capture and disseminate knowledge, lessons learnt and good practices to strengthen GCF’s risk management processes with a focus on risk assessment and risk monitoring of GCF investments.

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

        • Master's degree in Finance, Business, Law, or equivalent is preferred.
        • CFA, FRM or equivalent qualification is preferred.
        • At least 13 years of relevant work experience in cross-border transactions involving innovative financing including debt and equity with an international financial institution, financial or legal advisory firm, and/or a development institution; or 2 additional years of experience with Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
        • Proven experience of effectively managing diverse teams of risk specialists and/or investment professionals.
        • Extensive experience in risk management of innovative and complex financial instruments including financing to the private sector.
        • Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment.
        • Broader regional experience including experience in or exposure to developing countries.
        • Experience with different industry sectors, financial instruments and products, identifying risk drivers, and anticipating and addressing issues at the portfolio and transaction level.
        • Good understanding of macroeconomic and geopolitical issues.
        • Understanding of venture capital specifically early stage and growth capital including series A funding is an advantage.
        • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential for this position; knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.
        • Knowledge of climate change and climate finance strategies of multilateral organizations and other international institutions is an advantage.
          

          The closing date for application is 02 April 2024. 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.