Capacity Building Specialist (CBS)

Grade: IS-3
Deadline: 06 July 2025 (11:59 PM KST)
Job Category: International
Salary: USD 108,700 (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. The GCF has a portfolio of 297 projects across 133 countries, with a total commitment of USD 16.6 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 Green Climate Fund (GCF) has three accountability mechanisms, called “Independent Units”, namely the Independent Redress Mechanism (IRM), the Independent Integrity Unit (IIU) and the Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU). More information on accountability at GCF can be found at https://www.greenclimate.fund/about/accountability.

IRM

The Independent Redress Mechanism (IRM) responds to complaints from people who believe they have been adversely affected by GCF projects or programmes. The IRM has furthermore a mandate to provide advice to the Board on GCF’s operational policies and procedures based on lessons learned from our cases. In addition, there is a capacity-building and outreach mandate for strengthening the capacities of accountability and redress mechanisms of direct access entities (DAEs).

More information on the mandate and functions of the IRM available at https://irm.greenclimate.fund/.

IIU

The Independent Integrity Unit (IIU) investigates allegations of fraud and corruption, and aims to prevent them through the establishment and implementation of an integrity policy framework and of proactive risk management. It also advises the Board and GCF Secretariat on GCF’s integrity policies and standards. An essential element of the IIU’s work and mandate, as stipulated in its Terms of Reference and in a number of GCF’s integrity policies, is the capacity-building of DAEs, GCF Personnel, and other GCF stakeholders.

More information on the mandate and functions of the IIU available at https://iiu.greenclimate.fund/.

Capacity-building Function of the IRM and the IIU:

The IRM and the IIU work with Direct Access Entities (DAEs) of the GCF. The IRM helps build the capacity of DAEs’ grievance mechanisms and procedures. The principal objective of the IIU’s capacity-building work, set out in a multi-year capacity-building strategy, is for DAEs to narrow any existing integrity capacity gaps through enhancement of policies, alignment of DAE operations with GCF’s integrity standards, and equipping DAEs with necessary tools and resources to address integrity challenges. The IIU applies a peer-learning principle for capacity-building for DAEs. For GCF Personnel and other stakeholders, the objective is to raise awareness and understanding of GCF integrity policies and their responsibilities under such policies.

The Role

The Capacity Building Specialist (CBS) will be located in the IRM and will report to the Senior Dispute Resolution Specialist (SDRS). The role will start full-time at the IRM and will then be shared between the IRM and the IIU as of Q3 2026 (without a change in reporting line). The CBS will deliver the main activities of the capacity-building function of the IRM as necessary and will support the IIU in the delivery of its own capacity-building work. S/he will also help identify, develop, and implement synergistic opportunities between IRM and IIU to advance their shared objectives in capacity building as applicable.

Under the oversight of the SDRS, the CBS will, for IRM, develop and prepare materials, organize and deliver workshops, decide on participants and agendas, communicate with stakeholders and participants through web materials, and long-distance education. The GRAM partnership is an integral part of IRM’s capacity-building function: https://irm.greenclimate.fund/grampartnership. The current delivery mode of capacity building for IRM is mostly virtual, with one in-person event organized per year.  

As of Q3 2026, the CBS will support the IIU in developing content for e-learning modules and an integrity toolkit, and in preparing and organizing (peer-learning) capacity-building events. The Integrity Forum is a similar capacity-building event held in-person normally every two years for DAE representatives. More information about this IIU flagship initiative available at 3rd GCF Integrity Forum | Independent Integrity Unit | Green Climate Fund.The CBS will also support the joint organization of IRM and IIU events. It is planned that IRM and IIU will jointly conduct larger in-person capacity-building events for DAEs like the GRAM Partnership and the Integrity Forum every two years and one regional workshop every year.  

The CBS will contribute to other relevant IRM and IIU initiatives as needed, such as outreach/inreach activities.

Purpose 

• Adapts delivery of Capacity Building (CB) to effectively deliver a portfolio of learning products to the relevant stakeholder. Ensures procedures are aligned with evolving operational needs.
• Captures and analyzes key aspects of International/Direct Access Entity needs, the respective capacity-building mandates of IRM and IIU, and the GCF operational environment to inform strategy and decisions. Utilizes these insights to optimize CB design and service delivery, ensuring that the approach is tailored for optimal outcomes and strategic stakeholder engagement.

Engagement

• Serves as the central delivery point of the IRM for all CB products, overseeing all related communications and serving as the primary contact for both internal and external stakeholders for CB and learning products.  
• Supports the IIU in the implementation of its CB strategy and delivery of its own CB products.
• Encourages and secures collaboration by fostering strong, empathetic relationships with AEs and other stakeholders.  
• Through the CB delivery, the CBS builds awareness among AEs on the importance of effective grievance redress and, where applicable, integrity mechanisms fostering IRM’s and IIU’s role as a trusted resource for such learning products.

Delivery

• Adapts and develops the implementation of impactful CB products to support AEs in their endeavours to set up effective and functioning grievance and/or integrity mechanisms.  
• Drafts, edits, and refines specialized documents, including, IRM correspondence, procedures, publications, and other relevant materials. The incumbent anticipates unique resource needs and operational dimensions, ensuring that documents and work outputs are tailored to support efficient project and service delivery.

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

• Master’s degree in a subject relevant to compliance, law, public administration, governance, communication, social sciences, political science, or related area.  
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience is required;  
• Experience working with, or a strong knowledge of, social and environmental accountability and grievance redress mechanisms is an advantage;  
• International work experience ideally in a multi-cultural environment is desirable  
• Experience with outreach and the development and delivery of learning products/sessions is desirable;  
• Good knowledge of office technology such as MS office package is required, and experience in working with databases, particularly prior knowledge of case management software is desirable;  

Skills:  

• Instructional Design:  
• Develops training materials that suit diverse learning styles  
• Structures content into logical, engaging modules
• Applies learning principles and methodologies in line with best practice

• Aligns training with objectives and audience needs

   

Facilitation Skills:

• Guides discussions and activities to maximise participation and skilled in moderating group dynamics
• Keeps sessions engaging, inclusive, and productive
• Understands how to motivate and retain learners’ attention through application of creative and innovative strategies and tools
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills:
• Speaks and writes in a way that is easy to understand and able to explain complex ideas in simple terms. Adapts tone and approach based on the audience.
• Reads group dynamics and adapts accordingly, while building trust with participants.
• Project Management: Plans and schedules trainings and manages logistics, timelines, and resources effectively. Tracks progress and adjusts operational plans as needed.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Designs pro-post assessment and feedback tools. Uses data to improve future trainings.  
• Collaboration and Cultural Sensitivity: Understands and respects cultural differences. Fosters collaboration and teamwork and shows a deep cultural awareness when engaging with colleagues and external parties. Communicates effectively across all levels, both orally and in writing, and inspires a cohesive and supportive working environment.
• Technical and Digital Skills: Proficient in the use of training tools and platforms like Zoom, MS Teams, and other digital tools for engagement such as Mentimeter
• Blended and E-learning: Can develop or adapt content for online or hybrid delivery.

Language Requirements:  

• Fluency in English is required;  
• Knowledge of another United Nations language is an advantage;  
• Knowledge of any other language spoken in an area where GCF projects and programmes are being implemented is desirable.  

The closing date for application is 06 July 2025. 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.