3. TECHNICAL AND POLICY ADVICE, KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND CAPACITY BUIDLING

The Technical Specialist (Climate Finance) supports promoting high quality design and impact of GCF-funded operations. The incumbent ensures effective processes are in place to enhance the technical quality of CEF programming and to promote continuous generation, dissemination and utilization of lessons learned, good practices and innovations emerging from the design and implementation of GCF projects and new/innovative climate finance mechanisms. Responsibilities will include, inter alia:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of effective quality enhancement and review processes that foster high technical quality of projects funded by GCF.
• Contribute to initiatives to strengthen IFAD’s knowledge and capacity to develop and implement GCF projects and new/innovative climate finance mechanisms and instruments.
• Promote the exchange, systematization and application of knowledge (best practices and lessons learned) related to climate finance within and outside IFAD.
• Participate in delivering GCF related trainings or knowledge management (KM) sessions.
• Contribute to the organisation of the inception workshops of IFAD-GCF projects, such as for instance by preparing and delivering jointly with the other divisions involved- the presentation on the specific requirements of GCF projects to IFAD staff in the country, the national counterparts, the Executing Entities and the PMU.
• Provide technical inputs into relevant chapters in IFAD publications (CAR, RIDE, etc.) and/or write technical blogs or other types of KM or communication products to contribute to ECG visibility.

EXPERIENCE:

• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in, and demonstrated understanding of international frameworks and initiatives related to environment and climate finance, climate change, biodiversity and environment.
• Three (3) years preferably in the United Nations or an international financial institution, or another multi-cultural organization or institution or a national organization providing support on a global scope.
• At least fire (5) years of experience in designing, implementing and/or portfolio management of GCF, GEF and/or AF projects and programmes in developing countries; Proven experience in climate finance, and nature related financing instruments; Experience in policy engagement and negotiation at the national, regional and global level on climate finance, climate change, environment, natural resource management and rural development is an asset;
• Experience in representing an organization at international fora, including requisite negotiation and communication skills, and interacting with donors and countries; Demonstrated experience and success in managing at a programme scale; Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds, and of diverse technical and professional backgrounds;

SKILLS:

• Evidence-based policy, Know-how in the formulation of concrete and actionable policy recommendations based on hard evidence (going beyond simple data interpretation)
• Synthesis, Outstanding ability to synthesize and simplify complex technical information for a variety of (non-technical) audiences
• Written communication, Clear, succinct and convincing written communication in the language needed for specific role ; highly professional, balanced and diplomatic language (e.g. for drafting of position papers, briefings, etc.)
• Interpersonal skills, Ability to deal patiently and tactfully with others (e.g. visitors, clients, callers, etc.), including senior individuals (e.g. high-level meeting participants)
• Adaptability, Adaptability and flexibility when facing new or unexpected situations, and to specific constraints and circumstances and managing complex processes
• Corporate approach, Ability to bring in corporate vision and priorities into one’s area of work (e.g. budgeting going beyond simple budgetary considerations, taking into account strategic priorities)
• Verbal communication, Clear, succinct and convincing verbal communication; highly professional, balanced and diplomatic language
• Problem solving, Strong systemic and structured thinking, ability to identify and dissect problems into components and formulate a comprehensive set of creative viable and sustainable solutions and strategies;
• Project/Programme management (incl. coordination, design, development), Know-how in Project design and evaluation
• Climate Finance, Finance that aims at reducing emissions, and enhancing sinks of greenhouse gases and aims at reducing vulnerability of, and maintaining and increasing the resilience of, human and ecological systems to negative climate change impacts (specifically GCF, but also keeping a close sight of GEF and/or AF, and other sources);
• Cross-cutting themes - Environment & climate change, Expertise specific to the environment and climate change cross-cutting theme (e.g. climate and environmental policy, biodiversity, agroecology);
• Knowledge strategy & management, Expertise in knowledge management & dissemination strategies; technical expertise related to roles in Knowledge Management (e.g. conceptualization, Technical expertise related to roles in Knowledge management).
• Programme/Project development, management, Know-how in Programme/Project development, implementation, management.
• Advocacy, Ability to leverage IFAD knowledge and/or communication materials to maintain and promote constructive dialogue around IFAD’s vision and strategic priorities to external actors.
• Policy dialogue, Know-how in the representation of IFAD as a trusted and strategic partner; effective consultations with IFAD counterparts line ministries and governmental bodies at all administrative levels, donors, civil society.
• Political acumen, Ability to conduct sound political analysis and understand complex environments, providing options and advice.
• Collaboration, Successfully work toward a common goal with others by communicating clearly, actively listening to others, taking responsibility for mistakes, and respecting different perspectives of stakeholders.
• IFAD governance & mandate, In depth knowledge of IFAD’s governance structure, mandate, strategic priorities and technical work.
• Analytical skills, Outstanding ability to analyse and synthesize qualitative and/or quantitative information from a variety of sources and filter out key insights and recommendations;
• Basic ICT & digital fluency, Expertise relevant to the specific role (e.g. in-depth, computer information systems, including micro-computer operating systems software, hardware and applications software and other office technology equipment), end-user computing configuration management;
• IFAD partners: Knowledge of IFAD’s partners’ functioning and mandate, such as the public sector (e.g. governments and policy, institutions, and system), non-state actors (NGOs, CSOs, Foundations, etc.) and private sector actors.
• Analytical skills: Outstanding ability to analyse and synthesize qualitative and/or quantitative information from a variety of sources and filter out key insights and recommendations.
• Time management: Adherence to deadlines under time constraints and pressure (e.g. to deliver governing body documents on time); ability to coordinate and manage complex workflows and in-house and external teams.
• Initiative and good judgment: High sense of proactive initiative-taking and good judgement (including on security matters).
• Interpersonal skills: Ability to deal patiently and tactfully with others (e.g. visitors, clients, callers, etc.), including senior individuals (e.g. high-level meeting participants).
• Verbal communication: Clear, succinct, and convincing verbal communication; highly professional, balanced, and diplomatic language.
• Written communication: Clear, succinct, and convincing written communication in the language needed for specific role; highly professional, balanced, and diplomatic language (e.g. for drafting of position papers, briefings, etc.)
• Loans & grants: Know-how in designing loan and grant operations and managing loan and grant preparation process.
• Policy dialogue: Know-how in the representation of IFAD as a trusted and strategic partner, advocating and promoting.
• IFAD’s mandate and vision; effective consultations with IFAD counterparts - like ministries and governmental bodies at all administrative levels, donors, civil society.
• Topical expertise - Programme Management for Agricultural Development: Expertise relevant to the specific role (e.g. For ethics office assistant, procedures outlined in the Code of Conduct, Discipline and Anti-harassment provisions of applicable rules and guidelines).
• Project/Programme management (incl. coordination, design, development): Know-how in Project design and evaluation.

JOB ROLE

The Technical Specialist (Climate Finance) is a seasoned professional in the technical area of climate finance. The incumbent independently analyses technical and policy problems of concern to IFAD, intergovernmental bodies, and national authorities and provide substantive technical input to the development of policies, technical strategies and proposals.
The Technical Specialist (Climate Finance), will be responsible for providing expert advice and ensuring the successful design, implementation, monitoring and reporting of climate supplementary funds , with a specific focus on supporting the implementation of the GCF portfolio.
The position is located in IFAD Regional Office in Panama City, hosted by the Latin American and Caribbean Division (LAC),in LAC with a specific focus on supporting the implementation of the GCF portfolio in LAC.

The Technical Specialist (Climate Finance) will support IFAD’s efforts to mobilize increased levels of climate finance to be blended with IFAD’s core investments, with a view to concretely support the implementation of countries’ NDCs, NAPs, NBSAPs, etc. Responsibilities will include, inter alia:

• Support IFAD’s resource mobilization efforts with GCF and other potential climate and environment funders;
• Support PTLs through the development of concept notes and project proposals, working closely with other relevant IFAD staff involved Review the quality of CNs and FPs, providing systematic assessment of proposals vis a vis GCF requirements and suggesting ways of enhancing their quality
• Support the PDT in responding to comments from GCF Sec and iTAP, when needed.
• Systematize the quality documentation in preparation for proposal submission and for reporting requirements of the approved projects along with GCF and IFAD project cycles
• Provide guidance on key sources of information and tools for project teams when developing their GCF projects and programs.
• Participate in country missions for formulation and implementation support of GCF projects.
• Aid coordination and participate in negotiations of Funding Activity Agreements (FAAs) on GCF projects.
• Support the recruitment of consultants that will be undertaking technical review of GCF projects (as part of interdivisional review) as well as interns that will support the work of the climate finance team.
• Support the development and implementation of an effective processes to manage IFAD’s GCF pipeline.
• Screening of GCF project ideas (i.e. Project Screening Forms) and ICF requests.
• Coordinate the development of the IFAD Entity Work program for the GCF and any revisions or updates thereto.
• Review GCF policy and strategic documents.
• Monitor IFAD GCF project pipeline, tracking key metrics and progress on project development.
• Ensure effective coordination and engagement with relevant IFAD departments and divisions in undertaking the above tasks

The Technical Specialist (Climate Finance) is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the planning and management of resources available to support the CEF-funded pipeline development and portfolio, including the IFAD Climate Facility, GCF management fees, etc. Responsibilities will include, inter alia:

• Coordinate allocation, oversight, management and reporting of resources available for GCF pipeline development and portfolio management (including the IFAD Climate Facility and CEF management fees), ensuring effective coordination and collaboration with relevant IFAD stakeholders, preparing resource allocation proposals for approval by senior management, and ensuring these resources are used and reported on in line with the policies of IFAD and the respective CEFs;
• Support the IFAD Climate Facility (ICF) divisional allocation annually, as well as coordinate the review project-specific ICF requests for GCF project designs, approval and allocation, and on-off costs related requests.
• Support the establishment of GCF fee divisional allocation and any revisions thereto, and coordinate the management of the GCF fee and liaise with FCD for annual progress report development.
• Coordinate the elaboration of progress report of IFAD grants for the design of GCF projects (e.g. Climate Finance Design Gap grant, GCF PPF, and IFAD Climate Facility)
• Facilitate effective coordination and collaboration within IFAD on GCF pipeline development.
• Support preparation of periodic corporate reports to the GCF.
• Ensure compliance with the accreditation conditions of the GCF.
• Support the reaccreditation exercises with GCF

The Technical Specialist (Climate Finance) supports promoting high quality design and impact of GCF-funded operations. The incumbent ensures effective processes are in place to enhance the technical quality of CEF programming and to promote continuous generation, dissemination and utilization of lessons learned, good practices and innovations emerging from the design and implementation of GCF projects and new/innovative climate finance mechanisms. Responsibilities will include, inter alia:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of effective quality enhancement and review processes that foster high technical quality of projects funded by GCF.
• Contribute to initiatives to strengthen IFAD’s knowledge and capacity to develop and implement GCF projects and new/innovative climate finance mechanisms and instruments.
• Promote the exchange, systematization and application of knowledge (best practices and lessons learned) related to climate finance within and outside IFAD.
• Participate in delivering GCF related trainings or knowledge management (KM) sessions.
• Contribute to the organisation of the inception workshops of IFAD-GCF projects, such as for instance by preparing and delivering jointly with the other divisions involved- the presentation on the specific requirements of GCF projects to IFAD staff in the country, the national counterparts, the Executing Entities and the PMU.
• Provide technical inputs into relevant chapters in IFAD publications (CAR, RIDE, etc.) and/or write technical blogs or other types of KM or communication products to contribute to ECG visibility

The Technical Specialist (Climate Finance) contributes to the development of a network of strategic partnerships that can help advance IFAD’s mandate and enhance its profile as a highly competent and reliable partner for countries in mobilizing climate finance through GCF projects and innovative finance mechanisms and instruments. Responsibilities will include, inter alia:

• Contribute to IFAD’s strategic partnership building in the climate and environment space with a broad spectrum of partners, including with the CEFs, UNFCCC, CBD, UNCCD, MDBs, bi-lateral development agencies, private sector, non-governmental organizations, and other relevant potential partners and funders;
• Contribute to IFAD’s partnership building efforts with Rome Based Agencies on GCF pipeline development and climate finance more broadly;
• Contribute to IFAD’s representation at environment- and climate-related international, regional, inter-agency fora, meetings, seminars and conferences, and GCF Boards.
• Participate to the calls and meetings on GCF, with GCF as well as with countries when needed or AEs such as FAO and WFP