Back Readiness Technical Assistance Project Development Consultant

Background

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a multilateral fund established to make a significant and ambitious contribution to global efforts in combating climate change. GCF plays a key role in achieving the ultimate objective of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by promoting a paradigm shift toward low-emission and climate-resilient development pathways. It provides financial and technical support to developing countries to help them limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change, with a particular focus on nations’ most vulnerable to climate-related risks.

GCF is governed by a Board composed of equal representation from developed and developing countries and operates through an independent Secretariat led by an Executive Director.

As part of its strategic efforts, GCF has launched the Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme Strategy (2024–2027), which introduces new and revised support windows along with updated operational procedures for accessing readiness resources under each window.

Position Overview

GCF is seeking a Readiness Technical Assistance and Project Development Consultant to provide technical and project development support to developing countries and Direct Access Entities (DAEs) in the Eastern Europe, and Central Asia Region. The consultant will work remotely and collaborate closely with GCF teams, providing expertise in readiness terms of reference development and review, review proposals in response of said terms of reference. The consultant will also provide technical assistance for developing project concept notes, with an emphasis on maximizing opportunities in relation to the GCF investment criteria and minimizing risks.

The consultant will be engaged for 144 days over a 12-month period on a remote basis, supporting the hiring unit in executing the tasks and responsibilities outlined below.

Role and responsibilities

Reporting to the Subregional Lead for (Eastern Europe, and Central Asia Countries) , the consultant will be responsible for:

• Providing technical assistance to National Designated Authorities (NDAs) and Direct Access Entities (DAEs)in developing or refining their Terms of Reference (ToRs) for accessing the NDA country window or DAE readiness window.
• Reviewing and assessing mini-tender proposals or direct access proposals prepared by potential delivery partners in response to the specified ToRs.
• Offering specialized technical assistance to NDAs and DAEs in the development of concept notes and Project Preparation Facility (PPF) proposals that meet GCF requirements for submission.
• Conducting virtual consultations with counterparts as needed to provide technical assistance.
• Undertaking in-country missions, when deemed essential and approved by the Subregional Lead, to deliver requested services.
• Contributing to knowledge management efforts on countries and DAEs in Eastern Europe, and Central Asia Countries.
• Performing additional tasks as assigned by the Subregional Lead for Eastern Europe, and Central Asia Countries or the Deputy Director of Country Programming.

  Required experience and qualifications

  • Minimum of master’s degree in finance, economics, engineering, environment, climate change, international development, business administration, or related fields;
  • At least 7 years of relevant work experience in climate change related planning or project development in an international setting;
  • Proven track record in developing and/or implementing programmes and projects to address climate change and contribute to sustainable development; extensive operational experience in the sectors mentioned above is of particular interest at this time;
  • Proven track record of providing specialized climate change related technical assistance to government officials, private companies or civil society organizations in developing country contexts with an emphasis on capacity building and institutional strengthening;
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to prepare and communicate complex information in written format;
  • Proven experience working in Eastern Europe and Central Asian countries; and
  • Fluency in both English and Russian is essential. For the Readiness functions, the consultants will be expected to work closely with partners in Russian speaking countries; excellent language skills in one or more other UN language will be an advantage

    Application Process

    Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a cover letter detailing their qualifications and experience relevant to the role. Candidates of all nationalities are welcome to apply. Please indicate your earliest availability to take up the assignment and notice-period required, if employed. The closing date for applications is 22 May 2025, 12:00 PM (KST). Applications submitted after the closing date may not be considered.