The Senior Policy Specialist, reporting to the Head of Policy, will lead and provide expert advice to ensure the effective coordination and delivery of the Secretariat’s policy cycle. S/he will lead in developing, reviewing and implementing high-quality, evidence-based policies aligning with the Fund’s strategic priorities and international best practices. Collaborating closely with subject-matter experts, s/he will ensure policy proposals are operationally fit for purpose and contribute to a coherent policy suite.
S/he will play a key role in enhancing the Secretariat’s policy framework, policy cycle and associated processes, guidance and tools, fostering collaboration with internal and Board stakeholders, and promoting a culture of policy excellence across the organization. S/he will be an analytical and strategic thinker, strong collaborator, and communicator with excellent drafting skills, sound political judgment, and the ability to negotiate outcomes effectively. S/he may also serve as deputy for the Head of Policy as needed.
Purpose:
Develop policy proposals for consideration by the GCF Board, collaborating closely with subject-matter leads to define or update GCF strategies, programmes, processes and operational modalities to enhance the Fund’s performance.
Lead and conduct comprehensive analysis to inform evidence-based policy proposals, including impact assessments, cost-benefit analyses, risk assessments and benchmarking studies.
Identify and expand opportunities to improve the coherence and impact of GCF policies through leading analyses, reviews, and updates and integrate lessons from IEU evaluations, internal audits, risk control assessments, learning loops, and operational experience.
Engagement:
Provide guidance across Secretariat offices and departments, including senior management, and with the Independent Units, to ensure policy proposals are well-socialized, operationally viable, and meet stakeholder expectations.
Engage with the GCF Board, working closely with subject matter leads and the Office of Governance Affairs, to build understanding and consensus for policy recommendations, addressing differing perspectives effectively.
Cultivate policy best practices through fostering relationships with peer organizations (e.g., multilateral climate funds, multilateral development banks) to draw on the latest knowledge and approaches
Delivery:
Plan and coordinate policy teams, timelines and stakeholder inputs to successfully develop and deliver policy proposals, working closely with the Head of Policy. This will include drafting or editing specific policy documents as required.
Provide continued refinement of the GCF policy framework, policy cycle, policy taxonomy, and quality standards to reflect experience and lessons learned.
Drive improvement in systems, processes and knowledge resources related to policy development, implementation and monitoring, evaluation and learning, and contribute to building capacity across the Secretariat.
Requirements Education experience:
Masters or higher-level degree in law, international relations, economics or another relevant field; or Bachelors degree plus two (2) additional years of experience
11 years or more relevant experience in institutional policy development, with preference experience in government or international organizations, including experience in national or international policy development
Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management
Extensive knowledge of climate finance and international development, with knowledge of GCF policies and programmes preferred
Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of another United Nations language is an advantage
