Climate Investment Principal (Talent Pool) - Africa Region at Green Climate Fund

Incheon, , South Korea -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

31 May, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

02 Mar, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Investment Strategy, Blended Finance, Portfolio Management, Co-investment, Risk Assessment, Deal Structuring, Due Diligence, Partnership Building, Climate Finance, Negotiation, Leadership, Financial Modeling, Project Lifecycle Management, Fiduciary Compliance, Stakeholder Engagement, Capacity Building

Industry

International Affairs

Description

Grade: D 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 Principal leads complex public and/or private sector investment operations in both regional and global portfolios under the Office of the Chief Investment Officer (OCIO). The Principal drives origination, structuring, and execution of innovative and blended finance transactions, manages high-impact portfolios, and forges strategic partnerships and co-investment platforms that mobilize climate capital at scale. Operating with minimal supervision, the Principal represents GCF’s investment function across regions or globally—integrating policy, climate finance, and partnership dimensions to deliver transformational climate results consistent with the Fund’s mandate. The Principal will report to the Regional Manager – West Africa. Strategic Investment Leadership: * Lead the design and execution of GCF’s integrated investment strategy across public and/or private sectors, ensuring alignment with national and institutional climate priorities. * Identify and originate strategic investment opportunities, structuring innovative climate finance mechanisms and blended solutions. * Provide technical and strategic guidance to regional and/or global investment teams, ensuring coherence with GCF’s institutional/programming strategy. * Advise the Manager and senior leadership on climate investment trends, market intelligence, and systemic financing needs. Complex Portfolio and Co-Investment Management: * Manage large and complex investment portfolios spanning international, sovereign, sub-sovereign, civil society and private entities. * Lead the end-to-end investment cycle: origination, due diligence, structuring, approval, supervision, adaptive management, and exit. * Contribute and/or drive strategic co-investment partnerships with MDBs, DFIs, sovereign funds, institutional investors, and private funds to crowd in additional capital. * Assess portfolio performance, risk-return profiles, and value-for-money metrics, implementing proactive risk mitigation and impact optimization. * Represent GCF on fund advisory committees, investment platforms, and governance bodies to safeguard investment integrity and climate impact. Regional and Institutional Engagement: * Serve as the primary senior investment representative in assigned countries/regions and for global thematic areas within OCIO. * Lead high-level policy and investment dialogues with NDAs, AEs, Ministries of Finance and Environment, civil society and private sector partners. * Strengthen linkages between GCF’s regional programming and investment frameworks, ensuring a unified approach to mobilizing climate finance. * Support capacity building and knowledge sharing to enhance investment readiness across countries and institutions. Strategic Partnerships and Innovation: * Build and nurture strategic alliances with public and private investors, foundations, and multilateral partners to develop new climate investment vehicles in close coordination across OCIO departments * Champion market transformation through partnerships that blend concessional and commercial finance for high-impact sectors in line with programming strategy * Contribute and/or lead thought leadership efforts on emerging instruments—transition finance, catalytic vehicles, green bonds, and climate-aligned funds. * Promote GCF visibility through representation at regional, global, and sectoral investment platforms and facilities Governance, Risk, and Compliance: * Oversee investment due diligence, ensuring compliance with GCF fiduciary, legal, and environmental-social standards; as well as with other investment related policies. * Collaborate with Risk, Legal, Climate Impact, Sustainability & Inclusion and Monitoring & Evaluation units to strengthen investment governance and decision-making processes. * Ensure investment recommendations and submissions to committees and the Board adhere to institutional quality and integrity standards. Leadership and Team Development: * Supervise multidisciplinary investment teams across HQ and regional departments, promoting collaboration and high performance. * Provide mentoring and capacity development for associates and analysts, enhancing GCF’s institutional expertise in climate investment. * Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and professional excellence consistent with GCF values. Key Relationships Internal: Chief Investment Officer, OCIO Directors, Risk, Legal, Policy, Regional and Thematic Heads leadership. External: NDAs, AEs, DFIs, MDBs, governments, institutional investors, corporates, and strategic climate investment partners. Qualifications and Experience * Advanced degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Environmental Sciences, or related field; CFA or equivalent certification preferred; or a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field combined with at least two (2) additional years of relevant experience. * Minimum 11 years of progressively responsible experience in climate, development, or infrastructure finance—covering both public and private sectors. * At least 6 years of experience in direct investment in physical infrastructure and spanning across the full project lifecycle (design, implementation and operation). * Proven experience managing large and complex portfolios with minimal supervision (as per GCF Principal Level complexity criteria). * Demonstrated success in structuring and executing blended finance and co-investment transactions in emerging markets. * Strong understanding of climate finance frameworks (NDCs, NAPs), sectoral decarbonization pathways, and sustainable investment trends. * Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and partnership-building capabilities. * Fluency in English required; proficiency in French or Portuguese is an advantage. * Demonstrated experience working for a fund, bank or institutional investor with a proven track record structuring different financial instruments in climate investment in Africa, particularly West African countries, is an advantage. Core Competencies * Strategic & Systems Thinking: Shapes long-term investment strategy integrating public-private mechanisms. * Financial & Commercial Acumen: Demonstrates deep investment expertise and market insight. * Stakeholder Influence & Partnerships: Builds and sustains strategic alliances to leverage co-investment and innovation. * Execution & Results Orientation: Ensures delivery of complex investments and institutional goals. * Leadership & People Development: Leads cross-regional teams and cultivates emerging talent. * Integrity & Professionalism: Upholds fiduciary, ethical, and climate integrity standards. 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.

Responsibilities

The Climate Investment Principal leads complex public and/or private sector investment operations, driving the origination, structuring, and execution of innovative blended finance transactions across regional and global portfolios. This role involves managing high-impact portfolios, forging strategic partnerships to mobilize climate capital at scale, and representing GCF's investment function with minimal supervision.