IUCN is a Partner Agency to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) since 2014 and an Accredited Entity to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) since 2016. As an implementing agency for both the GEF and GCF, IUCN is responsible for the oversight of the execution of projects by partners. The combined GEF/GCF portfolio where IUCN plays an implementing agency role currently has a value of CHF 350 million, representing approximately one third of the overall IUCN project portfolio. The purpose of this role is to ensure overall financial management of the programme funded by the GEF and the GCF. In that capacity, and under the overall guidance from the Director, Multilateral Finance.
In the capacity of as a Programme Finance Specialist, and under the overall guidance from the Director, Multilateral Finance, the incumbent will be responsible for:
Portfolio Management and planning particularly for the Global Environment Facility and the Green Climate Fund:
Ensure that the financial project data is maintained in IUCN project management and financial systems in relation to Global Environment Facility and the Green Climate Fund projects;
Manage the financial components of the portfolio of projects relating to Global Environment Facility and the Green Climate Fund;
Lead Data analyses to inform strategic planning;
Provide strategic support to the Director in portfolio planning
Financial Management:
Responsible for project financial management requirements and that Funds are met. This includes due diligence assessment for executing partners - Global Environment Facility and the Green Climate Fund;
Lead the development and implementation of specific financial management tools (budgets, financial planning, disbursement requests) for executing agencies to use across the full project cycle;
Support negotiations on implementing agreements with executing agencies;
Responsible for Financial and fiduciary capacity building matters to Portfolio Leaders and Executing Agencies in implementing financial management tools aligned with IUCN, GEF and GCF requirements;
Responsible to assess fiduciary compliance with IUCN, GEF, and GCF policies and procedures during Project monitoring missions.
Coordinate portfolio level audits as well as ensuring individual project audits requirements are met
Coordinate with respective Portfolio Leaders and PMU’s on compliance with the accreditation instruments with regards to Project Management cycles
Project cycle management:
Participates in project reviews to ensure project financial management requirements both from IUCN and the Funds are met including due diligence assessment for executing partners - Global Environment Facility and the Green Climate Fund;
Lead the development and implementation of specific financial management tools (budgets, financial planning, disbursement requests) for executing agencies to use across the full project cycle;
Support negotiations on execution agreements with executing agencies;
Build the capacity on financial and fiduciary matters of Portfolio Leaders and Executing Agencies by implementing financial management tools aligned with IUCN, GEF and GCF requirements;
Take part in selected Project monitoring missions to specifically assess fiduciary compliance with IUCN, GEF, and GCF policies and procedures;
Coordinate portfolio level audits as well as ensuring individual project audits requirements are met;
Coordinate with respective Portfolio Leaders and PMU’s on compliance with the accreditation instruments with regards to Project Management cycles;
Requirements:
A Master’s degree or higher in a field relevant to Business Management, Economics, Finance, financial resource management, accounting, and project/grant portfolio management, with strong analytical skills;
Excellent proficiency in written and spoken English and other IUCN official languages (French or Spanish) an asset;
Professional Accounting or finance certification an added asset;
At least 7 years of experience in the financial management of large, complex natural resource management programmes, especially those focusing on forest conservation, sustainable management and restoration, water and marine resources management, land and ecosystems management;
Knowledge of managing GEF and GCF instruments is paramount.
Knowledge the nature conservation sector and knowledge of and work with IUCN and partners is a strong asset for this role.
Proven experience in collaborating with diverse, internal and external stakeholders and partners in the implementation of capacity building, or climate change, or sustainable development projects in developing countries.
