Liaison Officer for Zambia

The GCF Liaison Officer acts as the primary liaison between the GCF Secretariat and Zambia, supporting the NDA or relevant agency in climate action matters. The role involves coordination with stakeholders to facilitate country programming, accreditation, readiness support, project preparation, and implementation to accelerate climate investments.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of the Zambia country programme with GCF, following the GCF guidance for country programmes.
• 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.
• Assist in the process of identifying potential partners for the implementation of the Country Programme, including the direct access entity (Zanaco) and potential direct access entities.
• 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.
• Facilitate and 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.
• Engage/assist the NDA in co-developing draft TOR for readiness support if and as needed, in close coordination with the GCF Secretariat.
• Assist the NDA to facilitate 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, Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
• Assist in completing the Financial Management Capacity Assessment (FMCA) form, if and as required.
• Support the NDA with adaptative management requests as required.
• Contribute to midterm reviews of readiness activities, and provide input for adjusting initial TORs as needed.
• Contribute to capacity-building by imparting skills and knowledge to the NDA and relevant stakeholders to successfully develop, advance and implement climate investments.
• Provide advice, guidance and clarifications to the NDA, accredited entities, and other stakeholders on GCF policies, procedures and instruments to successfully develop, advance and implement climate investments.
• 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, the NDA and accredited entities.
• Assist the NDA to facilitate stakeholder discussions to gather necessary information throughout the project cycle stages.
• 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.
• 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.
• Provide technical support to the NDA in the implementation of relevant new or ongoing projects and initiatives.
• Assist the NDA in the organization of field visits/monitoring of GCF funded projects.
• Contribute to the preparation of regular reports, briefs, and policy preparation processes.
• Support the NDA and relevant agencies with the preparation of country portfolio results reporting as required by the GCF Secretariat.
• Assist the NDA in the organization of relevant events to showcase GCF results.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

Requirements

• University level degree in climate change/environmental science, climate economics/finance, project finance or a closely related discipline.
• At least eight years of experience in the public and/or private sector including a demonstrated focus on managing climate related programs and institutional coordination for initiatives for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• 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.
• At least five years of experience in successfully supporting the development of climate change initiatives and resource mobilisation, showcasing expertise providing quality assurance for funding applications, including monitoring and evaluation of climate change initiatives.
• Experience in addressing climate change issues in Zambia, providing a deep understanding of the local context and challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and engage with multiple stakeholders, reflecting strong interpersonal skills and the ability to foster cooperation among diverse groups.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, complemented by outstanding presentation abilities, enabling effective dissemination of information and ideas to diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with the GCF, including operational mechanisms and funding modalities will be an asset.
• Fluency in English is required, and proficiency in the official language(s) of Zambia, or other United Nations languages, is highly desirable.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
• Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical standards, including integrity, transparency and accountability in all professional activities.

Skills

• Climate Change Program Management
• Institutional Coordination
• Climate Change Mitigation
• Climate Change Adaptation
• Institutional Strengthening
• Capacity Building
• Climate Investment Facilitation
• Resource Mobilization
• Funding Application Quality Assurance
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Climate Change Policy
• GCF Operational Mechanisms
• Project Financing
• Climate Economics
• Environmental Sciences
• Multi-cultural Team Collaboration
• Presentation Skills
• Written Communication
• Oral Communication

Languages

English