Duration: 6 months (with possible extension)
Starting date: February 2024
Location: Songdo, Incheon City, Republic of Korea
Remuneration: US$ 1,300/month
Introduction
The mission of the Green Climate Fund is to assist developing countries to respond to climate change while bringing prosperity to their people.
Established in 2010, the GCF invests in transformational climate projects in the developing world. The Fund makes an ambitious contribution to global climate action and channels significant financial resources into developing countries to help build low-emission and climate-resilient societies. It is country-driven and undertakes actions that reflect the circumstances of each country concerned and its national aspirations. The GCF is a key enabler of the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
Since its establishment, the GCF has approved 216 projects in 129 countries and has committed USD 12.0 billion in climate finance. In addition, it has built up an extensive program to support developing countries to identify their needs, in particular, those who are most vulnerable to climate change impacts.
The GCF’s diverse workforce is advancing its mission from its headquarters in South Korea. Our talented staff makes unique contributions to the Fund, enriching the institution through their combined expertise and professional commitment.
About Hiring Team
The Multilateral Governance Team (MGT) leads and coordinates GCF's engagement with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to ensure GCF's accountability to UNFCCC COP. This involves aligning with the GCF Governing Instrument, COP guidance, arrangements between GCF and COP, and emerging themes. The intern candidate will be part of a team responsible for managing GCF's responses to UNFCCC COP and CMA guidance, coordinating the Fund's relationship with UNFCCC thematic bodies, COP, and SB, including engagement strategies and delegations, and fostering synergies with other climate funds and relevant multilateral governance processes. The candidate joining MGT will support the team in their contribution to strengthening GCF's strategic positioning and political visibility in the evolving climate finance landscape and demonstrate its role in addressing global climate, pollution, and biodiversity challenges through collaboration with other Rio Conventions and Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).
Internship Assignment
This internship offers the candidate the opportunity to actively contribute to GCF's mission of advancing climate action and sustainability on a global scale. The intern will provide operational, analytical and administrative support to the multilateral governance team, under the Multilateral Governance Manager's supervision through both planned and ad-hoc settings as needed.
The intern recruited will be able to gain direct knowledge of how the GCF programmes and implements corporate strategies in relation to advancing synergies with other climate funds (e.g., Global Environment Facility (GEF), Adaptation Fund (AF), and Climate Investment Funds (CIF)) and how that connects with UNFCCC COP guidance the Fund receives on enhancing complementarity and coherence across the climate finance landscape.
Under the overall guidance of the designated primary and alternate supervisors within the MGT, the Intern is expected to support the MGT in:
Carrying out its oversight duty in the context of ensuring GCF's response to UNFCCC COP and CMA guidance and coordination of interactions with UNFCCC thematic bodies and engagement strategies, including COP and SB delegations.
Preparing summaries and analytical materials based on monitoring and analysing key substantive issues and processes relevant to climate change and other global issues as requested by the supervisor.
Managing relationship with key internal/external partners, including tracking of follow up actions and development of inputs for strategic engagement.
Coordinating preparations for formal and informal engagements with other climate funds and assist with research on matters related to complementarity and coherence and other matters of multilateral governance and climate policy.
Providing relevant functional, including administrative, support as requested by the team.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate should possess a deep understanding of climate finance and international climate agreements, combined with technical and soft skills that enable effective communication, collaboration, and critical analysis in a multicultural and diplomatic environment. An ideal candidate will demonstrate combination of the following abilities:
In-Depth Knowledge: 1) A strong understanding of UNFCCC processes, policies, and mechanisms, including a comprehensive grasp of the functions and initiatives of key climate funds such as GEF, AF, and CIF. 2) Experience in climate policies or climate projects, showcasing practical knowledge and familiarity with the climate finance landscape.
Technical Skills: 1) Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and professionally. 2) Proficient stakeholder management skills, both internally and externally, demonstrating the capability to engage effectively with diverse parties involved in climate action.
Soft Skills: 1) Outstanding communication skills encompassing writing, verbal articulation, and active listening, enabling effective interactions with colleagues, stakeholders, and partners. 2) A diplomatic and respectful attitude, essential for building positive relationships and navigating negotiation processes within the UNFCCC context. 3) Strong critical thinking abilities and reading comprehension skills, allowing for insightful analysis of documents and proposals related to climate policies and projects.
Requirements and qualifications
Minimum masters level in relevant fields, including climate policy, environmental law, diplomacy/international relations, environmental economics, public policy
Solid knowledge and experience in the UNFCCC process is a strong advantage
Strong understanding and experience in operations of international organization and multilateral financial institution is an added advantage;
Proficiency in using standard software programs: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access. Proficiency in using Asana would be a strong advantage;
Excellent writing and presentation skills;
Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of another United Nations language, in particular French and Spanish, is an advantage.
*The person assessed by the Selection Panel as most suitable for the position will be proposed for appointment. The above criteria should be seen as indicators of the experience and skills that would qualify candidates for consideration. Selection among short-listed candidates will also take into account performance at interview, appropriate testing, and references.
Applications from women and nationals from developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply.