Director, Gcf Project Development, Ci-Gcf Agency

Director, GCF Project Development, CI-GCF Agency Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.
POSITION SUMMARY - This position will be based in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, or Peru and the candidate must have authorization to work in one of those countries Conservation International (CI) is an Accredited Entity of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), allowing CI to propose and implement transformative projects to support developing countries to mitigate and adapt to climate change with GCF funding. The Director, Project Development, reports to the Vice President, CI-GCF Agency, to serve as Agency lead for the development of assigned multimillion-dollar projects.
The primary duty of this position is to oversee project development from the initial idea to the full Funding Proposal and through GCF Board approval. The person filling this position must be expert in project management and nature-based approaches to climate change mitigation and adaptation and will apply the rigorous standards of the GCF to projects so that they are approved by the GCF Board.
RESPONSIBILITIES GCF Concept / Project Development
Serve as the lead for the CI-GCF Agency on assigned projects, with a focus on Latin American countries. Support and guide project proponent teams throughout the project cycle, including development of Project Idea Notes, Concept Notes, applications for Project Preparation Facility funding, and Funding Proposals. Lead the review of proposal documents to ensure technical quality and alignment with both GCF and CI strategies and policies. Develop and maintain fluid communication with the GCF National Designated Authorities in project countries. Participate in government and other stakeholder engagement meetings as necessary. Serve as the main point of contact with the GCF task manager assigned to the project throughout the proposal development process. Lead the internal review process of proposal documents within the CI-GCF Agency and ensure coordination with other relevant CI units such as the General Counsel's Office to compile and synthesize feedback. Maintain an understanding of, communicate, and ensure the integration of current GCF policies into GCF Proposals to ensure compliance with donor priorities and regulations. Present information to CI Country programs, government counterparts, and other partners on the GCF funding process, compliance rules, and actively guide potential Executing Entities throughout the project development and implementation cycle. Advise CI staff at all levels to ensure alignment of project development with institutional priorities and capacities. Support negotiation of key terms and conditions with the GCF during the approval process of Projects and the development of Funded Activity Agreements. Identify creative, novel solutions and approaches to collaboratively overcome barriers and develop innovative projects. Manage the handover of approved GCF projects to the CI-GCF project oversight manager when the project begins implementation. Provide technical inputs and support as needed for projects that have been approved by the GCF Board and are in implementation. Contribute to the strengthening of the CI GCF Agency
Provide inputs to the GCF Agency's overall strategy and alignment with CI's broader mission. Preparation of presentations and written materials to increase CI and partner knowledge of the GCF. Collaboration with CI safeguards, gender, finance, M&E, and other thematic experts to build capacity across the organization. Advise on and develop new opportunities, partnerships, and projects that will ultimately build the CI-GCF funding portfolio. Contribute to the development of new training and project management tools for the Agency. In coordination with the GCF Agency Vice President and Senior Director, proactively build, broaden, and deepen the network of relevant contacts at the GCF to raise CI's profile as an AE. Initiate and/or coordinate meetings and presentations with the GCF to achieve this goal. WORKING CONDITIONS This is a one-year, fixed-term position with the possibility of renewal. Candidate must have access to high-quality Internet service from their home location. International travel up to 30%, as needed. The position requires availability for evening and early morning calls with staff and partners in other time zones, typically less than two times per week. This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some remotely. Guidance will be shared during the interview process. QUALIFICATIONS Required Bachelor's degree or equivalent studies in environmental conservation, international development, or climate change. Excellent project management skills, with 7 or more years of experience working with project/program design, monitoring & evaluation, implementation, and management in environmental conservation or development, preferably in developing countries. Demonstrated expertise in climate change mitigation and/or adaptation in the context of natural and managed ecosystems. Detailed knowledge of one or more of the following areas is expected: Ecosystem-Based Adaptation, Forests, and Land Use / REDD+, Vulnerability Assessments, Carbon Finance, and Climate Early Warning Systems. Demonstrated experience with the development of proposals for multimillion-dollar projects/programs funded by bilateral/multilateral donors. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret government, multilateral, and organization rules and regulations. Highly fluent oral and written communication skills in English, including the ability to summarize complex donor program rules and give constructive feedback. Ability to present information to a wide variety of stakeholders and partners. Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with government entities, all levels of staff, and partners from diverse cultural backgrounds. Capability to develop and implement effective strategies and tactics for accomplishing assigned duties. Demonstrated ability to think critically and synthetically across fields and topics. Strong ability to work independently and/or remotely, while maintaining productivity. Fluency in Spanish. Preferred Master's degree Experience in management/implementation of large projects funded by bilateral/multilateral donors, ideally in low- and middle-income countries. Experience in environmental and social impact assessments, development, and execution of safeguard management plans. Experience in preparing and analyzing economic and financial analyses for conservation or climate change projects. Experience with non-grant financial instruments in development or climate change projects Experience with private-public partnerships and/or engagement with private-sector entities to achieve positive climate change outcomes. Experience working with the Green Climate Fund. To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter. See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE Conservation International is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility-committed employer. We are proud to have a diverse, global workforce where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, position requirements, business needs, market conditions, merit, and other legitimate nondiscriminatory factors. As a science-based organization, CI follows CDC recommendations for COVID-19 and other vaccines. Accordingly, for the health and safety of our employees, their families, and our community, subject to applicable local law, all Conservation International staff are expected to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, vaccination is no longer a mandate or condition of employment and employees are not required to provide proof of vaccination. This means we will not require an individual to be vaccinated to enter a CI office, attend CI events or travel on CI-related trips. This applies for our community partners as well. This vaccine expectation applies to all team members working remotely, in a hybrid work arrangement, and on-site. Job applicants are NOT required to state their COVID-19 vaccine status in their application.
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