Unit:
Multilateral Finance Unit
Organisation:
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location:
Headquarters, Gland, Switzerland
While the role is primarily based in IUCN Headquarters, Gland, Switzerland, we are open to considering Washington, D.C., U.S.A, as an alternative duty station for the successful candidate.
Reporting to:
Director, Multilateral Finance Unit
Expected start date:
01 August 2026
Type of contract:
Max-term (up to 24 months with possibility of renewal)
Closing date:
25 June 2026
BACKGROUND
IUCN Multilateral Finance Unit (MFU) is a global unit within Corporate Services that leads on IUCN strategic engagement with the Global Environment Facility, Green Climate Fund, and other multilateral funds, and includes the Environmental and Social Management System. MFU main functions are to engage strategically with the Funds, to advise and guide IUCN regional and thematic experts on the pipeline development, to oversee the portfolio, and to monitor and report to the Funds. A core aspect of the work is to ensure compliance with the GEF and GCF technical and policy requirements. IUCN is a Partner Agency to the GEF since 2014 and an Accredited Entity to the GCF since 2016, and both portfolios have grown significantly in the last ten years. It is the largest portfolio where IUCN Secretariat plays the role of an implementing agency overseeing the execution by governments, IUCN members, NGOs/CSOs and other agencies. The MFU portfolio including GEF and GCF now represent over one third of the IUCN project portfolio.
Under the overall strategic and operational guidance of the Director Multilateral Finance Unit, and in close coordination with Portfolio Managers and Senior Finance Officers, the Senior Technical Officer – Biodiversity and Climate (GEF and GCF) provides technical oversight across GEF and GCF-funded projects. The role ensures the quality and integrity of project design and implementation through technical review, quality assurance, and compliance with GEF and GCF requirements. The Senior Technical Officer also contributes to portfolio-level analysis and provides technical advice to project teams and partners.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Under the supervision of the Director Multilateral Finance, and in close coordination with the Portfolio Managers and Senior Finance Officer, the Senior Technical Officer will undertake the following:
1) Technical Review and Quality Assurance
- Conduct rigorous technical reviews of project documents, including concept notes, funding proposals, work plans, and technical deliverables.
- Ensure scientific and technical robustness of climate change and biodiversity interventions, including alignment with best available knowledge and good practices.
- Review and validate theories of change, results frameworks, and indicators for consistency, feasibility, and impact.
- Provide clear, actionable feedback to project teams and implementing partners to strengthen project design and implementation.
- Ensure integration of climate–biodiversity nexus approaches, nature-based solutions, and ecosystem-based approaches where relevant.
2) Compliance with GEF and GCF Policies
- Ensure project alignment with GEF and GCF policies, strategies, and programming directions.
- Review compliance with environmental and social safeguards, gender policies, stakeholder engagement requirements, and fiduciary standards.
- Provide guidance on GEF and GCF results frameworks, reporting requirements, and investment criteria.
- Support quality assurance processes for submission of key documents (e.g., GEF CEO Endorsements, GCF Funding Proposals).
- Identify and mitigate compliance risks across the project cycle.
3) Technical Advisory Support
- Provide expert advice to project teams on climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and related areas.
- Support integration of cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, social inclusion, and resilience.
- Advise on the application of innovative approaches, tools, and methodologies.
- Contribute to the development of technical guidelines, tools, and standards.
4) Portfolio Oversight and Strategic Analysis
- Conduct portfolio-level technical reviews and analysis to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities.
- Support the development of strategic directions and programming priorities.
- Contribute to internal quality assurance systems and continuous improvement processes.
- Provide inputs to senior management on portfolio performance and risks.
5) Knowledge Management and Capacity Building
- Capture and synthesize lessons learned and best practices across the portfolio.
- Contribute to the development of knowledge products, including technical briefs and guidance notes.
- Support capacity building of project teams and partners on GEF/GCF requirements and technical standards.
- Facilitate knowledge exchange and learning across projects and stakeholders.
6) Representation and Coordination
- Engage with GEF and GCF Secretariats, technical advisory panels, and partners as required.
- Participate in technical meetings, reviews, and missions.
- Represent the organization in relevant technical forums and working groups.
REQUIREMENTS
Education:
Master’s degree or higher in climate change, environmental science, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, or a related field.
Experience & technical skills:
Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in climate change, biodiversity, or environmental programming.
Demonstrated in-depth experience working with GEF, GCF, or similar international climate/environment funds.
Proven experience in technical review, quality assurance, or project appraisal.
Strong understanding of environmental and social safeguards and donor compliance requirements.
Experience in project design and results-based management frameworks.
Excellent proficiency in written and spoken English. One other IUCN languages (French, Spanish) is highly preferable
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
Excellent drafting and communication skills.
Ability to provide high-quality technical advice and guidance.
Strong coordination and stakeholder engagement skills.
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
Demonstrated professionalism and technical expertise.
Strong strategic thinking, planning and organizing skills.
Sound judgment and decision-making abilities.
Strong communication, teamwork and collaboration skills.
APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.
Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
About IUCN
IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.
Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.
IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.
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