Grade: E
Deadline: 23 March 2026 (11:59 PM KST)
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 336 projects across 134 countries, with a total commitment of USD 19.4 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 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.
Role
The Climate Investment Associate Principal, Department of the Africa Region (DAFR), will provide specialized analytical, coordination, and operational support to the Director of the Africa Region and the sub-regional heads within the Department. This role is pivotal in enhancing the department's strategic engagement with African stakeholders, particularly concerning climate finance and the implementation of key operational models. The successful candidate will coordinate and manage high priority regional initiatives, coordinate crucial inter-agency partnerships (including the African Union and UNECA), and serve as the departmental custodian for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and strategic documentation. The Climate Investment Associate Principal is responsible for various technical, analytical and operational tasks across programming cycle. He/she will report to the Director of the Department of Africa and work in partnership with various specialists within the Department.
Duties and responsibilities
In close cooperation with the Director, the Climate Investment Associate Principal will be responsible, for but not limited to:
- Support critical stakeholder engagement efforts related to GCF programming and its replenishment cycles, leveraging platforms like the Africa Union Summit, Africa Climate Summit, GCF Africa regional Dialogue, UNFCCC COP and Africa Investment Forum (AIF) to mobilize additional resources and secure strategic alignment
- Coordinate high-level engagement with key regional partners, including the African Union (AU), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and other Regional Economic Communities (RECs), to advance the Africa Department's strategy and project pipeline
- Collaborate and co-ordinate with relevant Departments (Investment Services, Strategy, Policy and Innovation, etc.) on the organizational implementation of Country Platforms model to maximize country ownership and development impact
- Act as the strategic arm of the Director's office in implementing the overarching Africa Department Programming Strategy, developing a comprehensive Privileges and Immunities Agreement (P&I) engagement strategy
- Oversee the comprehensive planning, coordination, and execution of missions to African countries and international events, support knowledge management systems, and facilitate effective cross-departmental collaboration
- Draft, review, and finalize high-quality briefing notes, presentations, and speeches for the Director on a wide range of operational and policy issues, ensuring strategic messages are accurately conveyed
- Conduct ongoing analysis on departmental performance data, project impact metrics, and regional trends to inform strategic decision-making and intervention
- Facilitate sanction screening, disbursement processing, and ongoing reflow management.
Required experience and qualifications
- Master's level degree in climate change science, political science, law, international relations, economics, business management, international development or other areas relevant to GCF's work. Bachelor’s degree in similar fields with an additional two (2) years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of the Master’s degree requirement
- Minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience, ideally within a development organization, an international financial institution, or a government ministry with a focus on Africa. Prior experience with GCF funding processes or related multilateral financing mechanisms is highly desirable
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the political, economic, and institutional context in Africa
- Exceptional drafting, diplomatic, and analytical skills. Proven ability to translate strategic goals into operational work plans
- Knowledge of climate change and climate finance strategies of multilateral organizations and other international institutions is an advantage
- Ideal candidates will require analytical and organizational skills, strong writing skills and be capable of working under strict timelines
- Strong interpersonal skills, and highly developed cultural sensitivity in communicating with all levels of staff and external clients, both orally and in writing
- Experience with climate negotiations and UNFCCC negotiation groups, especially the Africa Group of Negotiators, is preferred
- Demonstrated high standards of quality, timeliness and integrity in undertaking activities and delivering outputs, including on research/analyses, official correspondence with clients/partners, and preparing documents, tracking data, presentations or other analytical reports
- Flexibility and ability to take initiative, embrace and adapt to change
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential for this position; knowledge of another UN language is an advantage
For details on grade levels, salary scales and benefits, please refer to: https://www.greenclimate.fund/document/staff-regulations
The closing date for application is 23 March 2026. 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.