Green Climate Fund - General Counsel

General Counsel

October 2022

About Green Climate Fund

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a one of the primary funding institutions of the international climate finance architecture under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. It was set up by the 194 countries who are parties to the convention and is designed to support significant efforts to address climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The GCF started funding projects and programmes in developing countries around the world in 2015. The GCF is expected to be a significant channel for distributing a significant portion of the 100 billion USD in annual climate finance that the developed countries have committed to mobilise by 2020. These funds will flow from a variety of public, private, and innovative sources through many channels.

The overall goal of the Fund, as defined in its governing Instrument, is to contribute to the achievement of the ultimate objective of the UNFCCC by promoting the paradigm shift towards low-emission and climate-resilient development pathways. Its climate investments are placed in the context of sustainable development and secure additional economic, social, developmental, and other environmental benefits while taking gender equality and other human rights considerations into account. The GCF aims to achieve this by providing support to developing countries, particularly those most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, to limit or reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and to adapt to climate change impacts.

COMMITTE D TO CLIM AT E ACTIO N

OUR CORE VALUES

We are committed to working climate change, both through our funded activities and the sustainability of our operations.

INN OVATI V

E R E S P ONSIV E RESP ECTFU L TRUST E D

We strive to be leaders in the field of climate finance, take risks where we see opportunities to unlock impact, and constantly explore better ways to do things and build knowledge.

We work in collaboration with all our stakeholders and each other, to understand what is needed, build and implement solutions, and communicate what is happening.

We value the strength in diversity, feel empowered to present a view and speak up when something is wrong, and treat each other with fairness and equity.

We are trusted to serve the best interests of developing countries with the diligence expected by our contributors, and strive for the highest standards of integrity, accountability and transparency.

Diversity and Inclusion

GCF encourages gender equality and inclusivity. Equality of opportunity and inclusiveness is fundamental to the vision and values of the Fund. The Fund will, in a nondiscriminatory manner, take proactive measures and informed decisions to further these goals.

GCF will not discriminate between candidates on the basis of sex, age, race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, creed, different abilities, sexual orientation, gender identity and/ or expression, marital or civil partnership status, parental status, religion, belief or non-belief, social or economic class, health status (including HIV/AIDS) or any other criteria that cannot be shown to be properly justifiable.

The Role

Position: General Counsel

Location of Position: Songdo, Incheon, South Korea

Reports to: Executive Director

Salary Level: IS-8

Job Summary

The General Counsel shall be responsible for all legal support functions, including managing the Office of the General Counsel, drafting of agreements with accredited entities, readiness grant recipients or delivery partners and if applicable, executing entities. He/she shall lead the further development of internal rules and procedures for the various operations of the GCF and perform such other functions as required by the Executive Director or the Board.

As a senior officer, she/he will be part of the Secretariat’s Senior Management Team, led by the Executive Director.

Responsibilities

PURPOSE

• Under the guidance of the Executive Director and in collaboration with other Directors, prepare all legal documents required by the Board and its committees and panels and ensure they are coherent with the legal framework of the GCF

• Lead second level legal due diligence process for funded projects and programmes

• Advise the Executive Director, Executive Team, and Board members on legal matters regarding Board proceedings, and on any substantive matters involving legal, strategic, or policy matters which may warrant a response by the General Counsel

• Support the entire GCF in all legal matters, including regarding contracting with third parties

• Represent GCF in litigation, including international arbitration

• Lead GCF’s efforts on obtaining universal privileges and immunities.

ENGAGEMENT

• Establish and maintain effective relationships with the Government of the Republic of Korea, as the host country of the Fund

• Advise the Executive Director and the Board on the interpretation of legal documents to ensure that actions taken are legally sound

• Represent the Secretariat at meetings with external bodies to ensure that the legal aspects of any decisions made are in conjunction with the legal framework of the GCF.

DELIVERY

• As a member of the Secretariat’s Senior Management Team, participate in management and decision-making.

• Keep abreast of developments in the legal field, especially in relation to multilateral finance and environmental law which might affect the Fund and prepare reports on relevant matters.

Person Specification

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES REQUIRED OF THE JOB

• Juris Doctor, LLB, or equivalent law degree; qualification to practise law in at least one jurisdiction. Additional LLM degree an advantage.

• A minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in international legal practice, of which at least 5 years as General Counsel at an international fund or financial institution.

• Experience in, or working with, developing countries.

• Demonstrated capability to apply sound legal judgement and strategic thinking to complex legal matters as they relate to the GCF.

• Ability to draft and review legal texts.

• Excellent organizational skills and comfortable in working in a fast paced and evolving environment.

• Proven analytical skills with creative solutions to legal challenges.

• Demonstrated experience with prioritizing multiple assignments, meeting tight deadlines, and willingness to be flexible in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

• Demonstrated experience of successful leadership and mentoring of professional and support staff.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability and personality to work collaboratively, accept responsibility, and motivate colleagues.

• Sensitivity to political, and respect for cultural, factors.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential for this position; knowledge of another UN language an advantage.

General Counsel Deputy General Counsel

Paralegal

How to Apply

All correspondence, at this stage, should be via Oxford HR. To apply for this post, click on the “Apply” button on the job advert page, complete our online application form, and submit your CV and cover letter. Please provide a CV and cover letter in two different documents.

The cover letter should be no more than two pages long and explain why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you a good fit. The document should be saved in MS Word in the following format: Your First Name-Your Last Name-Document Name-Date (mmyy) e.g., Pat-Jones-CV102020-GCF or Pat-Jones-CoverLetter-102020-GCF.

Timeline

Closing date: 14th December 2022

Selection process

All candidates will receive an update regarding their application after the closing date. We advise candidates to add the role email to their safe senders list and regularly check their spam folder.

Equality Statement

Equality and diversity are at the core of GCF’s values. Staff are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected.

Queries

If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information, or would like to have an informal discussion, please email at gcf-general-counsel@oxfordhr.com in the first instance.

About Oxford HR

Oxford HR operates globally - mainly within the international development and charity sectors. We carry out retained executive search mandates at board and senior management levels. We also offer human resource and organisational development consultancy.

Oxford HR has many years of experience in search as well as an extensive network of international development, social sector, corporate, public sector, and academic contacts from across the world. We carry out comprehensive and often international searches designed to meet the specific needs of our client.