Back Sustainability Specialist

Grade: IS-3
Deadline: 19 February 2024 (11:59 PM KST)
Job Category: International
Salary: USD 108,700 net (plus attractive benefits, that include the following allowances (as applicable): Relocation, dependency, housing, education assistance and home country travel.

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.

Position Objective
The mission of the Office of Sustainability and Inclusion (OSI) is to ensure environmental and social co-benefits for people and planet and in parallel to apply a suite of related policies and safeguards standards. OSI manages and applies the environmental and social safeguards standards and the Revised Environmental and Social Policy, as well as safeguards against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment; ensures a gender-responsive approach through gender mainstreaming in line with the Updated Gender Policy; drives implementation of the Indigenous Peoples Policy and supports the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group. We provide expert assessments and advice, and undertake due diligence on environmental and social matters, to successfully execute GCF’s mission and ensure that investments are sustainable and inclusive.

The Sustainability Specialist, reporting to the Head of Sustainability and Inclusion, will be responsible for post-approval reviews, with a focus on gender and environmental and social safeguards (ESS). The work will include reviewing Annual Performance Reports (in particular on gender), ESS disclosures, post-approval amendments, and performing ESS due diligence on sub-projects within approved programmes. The incumbents will actively engage with the Division of Portfolio Management and other relevant divisions/offices and will provide input to relevant reports as needed. The Sustainability Specialist will also support the implementation of relevant Sustainability policies as needed.

Purpose

• Undertake due diligence reviews of the gender sections of the Annual Performance Reports and capture lessons learned; and undertake reviews on ESS in the APRs as requested.
• Ensure optimal delivery of due diligence assessments to allow a smooth functioning of post-approval processes.
• Generate and adapt reports and assessments for internal and external consumption.

  Engagement

  📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐

  ⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

  • Secure collaboration and agreement across divisions with regards to sub-project due diligence reviews.
  • Collaborate with Portfolio Management Specialists and provide advice and input.
  • Remain engaged with the Portfolio Management Specialists throughout the implementation stage of GCF-financed activities.
  • Design, implement and optimize knowledge management activities and resources associated with post approval reviews and reporting.

    Delivery

    • Undertake ESS reviews of sub-projects and provide clearances for disclosure as needed.
    • Provide advice on risk mitigation to stakeholders, and on restructuring proposals.
    • Organize work outputs, through adapting procedures, to optimize delivery of reviews and reports.
    • Anticipate unique resource requirements and support the Head of Sustainability and Inclusion in resolving them.

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

      • A minimum of a Master’s degree or equivalent in environmental or social sciences and management, environmental economics and policies, social development, or other relevant disciplines. Additional two years of relevant experience is acceptable in lieu of a Master's degree.
      • At least seven (7) years of relevant international experience working in a similar setting (e.g., international organization (public or private sector or CSO), international finance institution/bank, development agencies or other similar institutions);
      • Advanced analytical capacity including extensive experience with environmental- and social-related due diligence.
      • Strong writing skills, ability to work in multi-cultural environments.
      • Ability to work independently, while adhering to the timelines and quality of deliverables.
      • Professional experience in developing countries is an advantage.
      • Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of another United Nations language is an advantage.

        The following competencies are essential for success in this role.
        

        Communication

        • Speaks and writes clearly and effectively.
        • Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately.
        • Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication.
        • Tailors language, tone, style, and format to match the audience.
        • Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

          Team work

          • Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.
          • Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others.
          • Places team agenda before personal agenda.
          • Builds consensus for task purpose and direction with team members.
          • Supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position.
          • Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

            Planning & organizing

            • Develops clear objectives that are consistent with agreed strategies.
            • Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required.
            • Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work.
            • Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning.
            • Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently.

              Accountability

              • Takes ownership for all responsibilities and honours commitments.
              • Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards.
              • Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.
              • Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments.
              • Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
                

                The closing date for application is 19 February 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.