Conservation International (CI) has been protecting nature for the benefit of all for over 30 years. Through science, policy, and partnerships, CI is helping build a healthier, more prosperous, and more productive planet.  

POSITION SUMMARY

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 Senior Director, Project Development and Implementation, 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 an expert in 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.
• -Support and guide project proponent teams throughout the project cycle, including the 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.
• -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 the 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 hand-over 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.
• -Advice 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.