Back Office of the General Counsel Intern

Duration: 6 months. The prospective extension of the internship for an additional 6 months is contingent upon the candidate's request and subsequent approval by the relevant Unit
Starting date: August 2024
Remuneration: USD 1,300/month

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.

Internship Assignment

The Intern will provide operational and administrative support to the Office of the General Counsel. They will have the opportunity to learn and expand their experiences by providing assistance to both the institutional (covering also public international law matters) and the projects (covering also international project finance in public and private sectors) units of the Office of the General Counsel.

Under the overall guidance of the Associate Counsel and within the Office of the General Counsel, the Intern is expected to:

• research and analyse legal issues arising in the context of the GCF’s administrative, corporate, institutional and operational activities;
• prepare high-quality first drafts of legal documentation, as may be appropriate, in all relevant legal fields as described under (a), above;
• collect information, data and documentation, including from peer institutions, actively participate in the preparation of knowledge management materials as well as carry out ad-hoc legal support tasks as may be required from time to time.

  Requirements and qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a Master’s or Juris Doctor law program in public international law, financial law, environmental law or other relevant fields of law;
  • Knowledge and experience in a law firm or in-house legal unit is considered an advantage;
  • Good understanding of public international law and international project finance is considered an advantage;
  • Experience in actively participating in the preparation of knowledge management materials is considered an advantage;
  • Good understanding and experience in operations of international organization is an advantage;
  • Proficiency in using standard software programs: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook;
  • Proactive approach to learning and taking on responsibilities within the dynamic environment of the Office of the General Counsel;
  • Ability to adapt to evolving priorities and handle diverse legal assignments;
  • Excellent written and presentation skills to convey legal concepts effectively;
  • Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of another United Nations language, in particular French and/or Spanish is an advantage.
    

    *The person assessed by the Selection Panel as most suitable for the position will be recommended. 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.