• Job Description

  Req#: 3171

  Established in 2010 by the 194 countries that are Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) takes pride in its role as the world’s largest dedicated climate fund. GCF finances transformative climate projects across developing
  countries, empowering them to respond to and combat climate change while promoting sustainable development within their communities.

  In addition to mobilising public and private sector investments through a diverse range of financing instruments, GCF strengthens the capacity of developing countries to undertake climate action through the Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme (the Readiness Programme). This initiative equips countries with the necessary resources to build foundations, skills, and capacities to effectively secure and manage climate financing.

  Malawi is facing a myriad of economic and social challenges further exacerbated with unsustainable debt, macro-fiscal imbalances, power outages, key commodities shortages and high inflation. These challenges are also aggravated by exogenous shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and climate disasters. Natural capital is Malawi’s main asset, however widespread land degradation and deforestation are critical issues impacting growth. Malawi is considered highly vulnerable to climate change and was ranked 163rd out of 182 countries in 2020 on the ND-GAIN Index. Rainfed subsistence agriculture is the main livelihood for 85 percent of the population, leaving them highly vulnerable to climate change. Over the past two decades, droughts and flood events have
  increased in frequency, intensity, and magnitude, thus undermining food and water security, water quality, energy, impacting infrastructure and sustainability of the livelihoods of rural communities.

  Tropical Storm Ana (2022), for instance, is estimated to have caused damages equivalent to 1.5–2.7 percent of Malawi’s GDP.
  Malawi submitted its revised NDC in 2021. The revised NDC has an emissions reduction target of 51% by 2040 as compared to the business-as-usual scenario. The revised NDC covers energy, industrial processes and product use, waste, and agriculture, forestry and other land use. The adaptation component identifies ten strategic adaptation options relating to institutional framework, knowledge, technology and financing, and resilience for the most vulnerable. The estimated cost of NDC implementation is USD 46.5 billion through 2040 of which USD 42 billion is for mitigation and USD 4.5 billion for adaptation actions.

  Adaptation is critical in reducing the impact of climate change on the economy but comes at a significant cost which Government cannot finance alone. To meet climate finance deficits, Malawi needs to aggressively seek non-public grant and highly concessional financing from public and private sources to meet the very large investment needs that are required in the coming few years to deliver results over the medium and long terms. Current and future development aid should crowd in climate finance (public and voluntary) and should leverage private sector investment for bankable opportunities – as expanded on in the next section.

  The Government of Malawi is developing a national climate fund which will need capacity strengthening to operate as a single institutional framework for coordinating climate action finances.
  
  In line with our commitment to enhancing national capacities, the 2024-2027 strategy for the Readiness Programme introduces a placement scheme available upon request from countries - via their National Designated Authorities (NDA) and focal points, - to deploy local experts within NDAs or other relevant agencies designated by the country that will be known as a GCF Liaison Officer.

  These embedded experts will aim to ensure continuous, effective engagement with GCF, imparting knowledge of GCF policies, systems and processes and facilitating the development of programming capacities and enhanced direct access to climate finance for the achievement of national climate objectives.
  This standardised Terms of Reference (TOR) is provided as a guiding framework. Within this overarching framework, Malawi in coordination with the GCF Secretariat, will have the flexibility to tailor this standardised TOR to suit their specific country contexts and needs.

  Role

  The GCF Liaison Officer will act as the primary liaison between the GCF Secretariat and the country, providing essential support to the NDA, in all matters concerning GCF climate action. This role entails close coordination with stakeholders relevant to the GCF activities in the country to ensure their seamless execution, including country programming, accreditation, readiness support conceptualization and oversight, project preparation and implementation and other related activities.

  Objectives

  
  The placement scheme aims to achieve the following objectives through the role of the GCF Liaison Officer:

  (a) To enhance the capacity of the NDA and relevant agencies such as the National Climate Fund to plan, develop and implement climate change adaptation and mitigation concept notes and funding proposals;
  (b) To support the NDA in exploring the viability of modern climate ϐinancial instruments in the context of Malawi and develop a Menu of Options in support of operationalizing the National Climate Fund and leveraging a pipeline of bankable green projects;
  (c) In partnership with public and private stakeholders, to build on the efforts of the Environmental Affairs Department on sustainable finance by advancing on locally led climate action, disclosures and resilience;
  (d) To engage with the public and private sectors to deliberate on policy actions and regulations, and support the design of policy measures and non-financial de-risking measures that would enable flow of capital for identified climate-responsive projects;

  (e) To support the NDA and/or relevant agencies in developing and implementing GCF country programmes, including facilitating the set up or improvement of coordination with relevant stakeholders;
  (f) To assist in accessing and implementing integrated programmes of readiness activities in the country;
  (g) To raise awareness and facilitate understanding in the country of the GCF funding windows, policies, processes and requirements; and

  (h) To facilitate knowledge transfer and skill development among local stakeholders and communities.

  Responsibilities

  The following responsibilities to ensure the successful implementation of the placement scheme are provided:

  Country Programme

  (a) Support the development and implementation of the Malawi country programme with the GCF;
  (b) Assist the NDA in coordinating consultative processes within the country to identify key areas for results related to the implementation of NDCs/NAPs/LTSs and developing project/programme ideas for the country programme;
  (c) Assist in the process of identifying potential partners for the implementation of the Country Programme;
  (d) Assist in identifying, engaging and coaching potential direct access entities;
  (e) Assist in the development and review of country programme drafts in collaboration with the NDA and GCF Secretariat teams, ensuring timely processing and incorporation of feedback; and
  (f) Assist the NDA in the implementation of the country programme, including reporting annually and identifying challenges and opportunities to discuss with the NDA and GCF Secretariat.

  Readiness

  (a) Assist the NDA in co-developing draft TORs for readiness support if and as needed, in close coordination with the GCF Secretariat. This is based on the medium-term strategic planning and includes outlining specific support areas, required expertise and resources to address capacity gaps effectively, ensuring alignment with national priorities;
  (b) Assist the NDA in stakeholder engagement through transparent and effective communication with relevant country stakeholders, including ministries of finance, sector ministries, ministries of economy, strategic planning, central banks, executing entities, the private sector, subnational entities, development partners, GCF accredited entities and civil society organizations such as women’s groups, academia, and local communities. This approach adheres to GCF best practices for country coordination and multi-stakeholder engagement. The goal is to identify capacity gaps that inform the development and implementation of the ORs for readiness support;
  (c) Assist in completing the Financial Management Capacity Assessment (FMCA) form (1), if and as required;
  (d) As required by the NDA, contribute to midterm reviews of readiness activities, and provide input for adjusting initial TORs as needed.

  [1] To be eligible for readiness funding, agencies and entities that are no accredited to GCF undergo FMCA

  Pipeline Development, Implementation, Monitoring and Reporting

  (a) Contribute to capacity-building by imparting skills and knowledge to the NDA and relevant stakeholders to successfully develop, advance and implement climate investment plans;
  (b) In coordination with the GCF Secretariat, provide advice, guidance and clariϐications to the NDA, accredited entities, and other stakeholders on GCF policies, procedures and instruments to successfully develop, advance and implement climate investments;
  (c) Assist the NDA in the development of project ideas, concept notes and funding proposals for the public and private sector in close collaboration with the GCF Secretariat, and accredited entities;
  (d) Assist the NDA with stakeholder discussions to gather necessary information throughout the project cycle stages;
  (e) Support the coordination of No Objection Letter processes in country, ensuring timely communication with Accredited Entities and promptly informing the GCF Secretariat of any potential issues;
  (f) Support the NDA to maintain regular communication with accredited entities to report to the GCF Secretariat and help resolve any issues that may arise during the implementation of GCF investments in the country;
  (g) Support the NDA and relevant agencies with the preparation of country portfolio results reporting as required by the GCF Secretariat;
  (h) Assist the NDA in the organization of project missions and other relevant events to support monitoring and showcase GCF results and conduct site visits to GCF project sites in coordination with the GCF Secretariat;
  (i) Provide technical support to the NDA in the implementation of relevant new or ongoing projects and initiatives;
  (j) Contribute to the preparation of regular reports, briefs, and policy preparation as required; and
  (k) Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

  Assignment Details

  • The GCF Liaison Officer will be based in Lilongwe, Malawi and will operate from the office of the NDA.
  • The GCF Liaison Officer will support the NDA and report to the Director of the Environmental Affairs Department and the appropriate regional manager of the GCF Secretariat.
  • As part of their reporting obligations, the Officer is expected to compile a quarterly report detailing activities conducted and results achieved, to be shared with the NDA and GCF Secretariat.

  Qualifications and Experience

  The following qualifications and experience are required:

  (a) A Master’s degree preferably in climate change/environmental science, climate economics/ϐinance, economics, engineering, project ϐinance, or a closely related discipline;
  (b) At least eight years of experience in successfully developing climate change investment proposals, showcasing expertise in crafting compelling and impactful funding applications, including monitoring and evaluation of climate change initiatives;
  (c) Proven experience in institutional strengthening and capacity-building within developing economies, demonstrating the ability to enhance stakeholders' capabilities in addressing climate change and creating enabling environments for climate investment;
  (d) Experience in addressing climate change issues in Malawi, providing a deep understanding of the local context and challenges;
  (e) Demonstrated ability to coordinate and engage with multiple stakeholders, reflecting strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster cooperation among diverse groups;
  (f) Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, complemented by outstanding presentation abilities, enabling effective dissemination of information and ideas to diverse audiences;
  (g) Familiarity with the GCF, including operational mechanisms and funding modalities will be an asset;
  (h) Fluency in English is required, and proϐiciency in Chichewa, is highly desirable;
  (i) Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and adaptability; and
  (j) Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical standards, including integrity, transparency and accountability in all professional activities.

  ============REMARKS==============

  • The Closing date for this post is 14th July, 2025 at 11:59 KST. Applications received after the closing date, will not be considered.
  • Although this position is labeled as remote, it is remote only in relation to GCF in Korea, but requires in-person presence in Malawi.
  • Interviews will be held in English.
  • The initial term for this position is 11 months and 29 days with a maximum of 180 working days per year with the possibility of extension based on annual performance evaluations, the ongoing need for the role, and available funding.
  • Preference will be given to nationals or residents of Malawi for this position.

• About the company

  The Green Climate Fund is a fund established within the framework of the UNFCCC as an operating entity of the Financial Mechanism to assist developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.

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