Manager GCF Project Oversight at Conservation International

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 Manager, Project Oversight, reports to the Senior Director, Project Development and Implementation, to oversee the implementation of CI-GCF projects.
The primary duty of this position is to ensure that projects are being implemented effectively, efficiently, in accordance with their approved designs, and in compliance with GCF and CI policies. The position will also provide support for the origination and development of new proposals as requested. The person filling this position must have familiarity with the requirements of complex public donor agencies; and knowledge of development, nature conservation, and climate change projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES

OVERSIGHT OF MULT-MILLION DOLLAR GCF PROJECTS:

Following the approval of projects by the GCF Board, support the negotiation of the Funded Activity Agreements, and the project start-up process, including review of proposed key project staff, planning of kick-off meetings, and training to Executing Entities, government entities, and project partners on GCF policies, processes, reporting, and monitoring requirements.
Ensure that project progress, and data are entered and tracked in CI-GCF project monitoring systems. Contribute to the design and improvement of these systems as needed.
Ensure compliance with internal and donor agreements through monitoring of project implementation against GCF policies, CI policies, and safeguards.
Track the performance of GCF projects against approved target indicators, logical framework, work plan, and budget through regular communication with project implementers, reporting, and on-site supervision missions.
Liaise with project staff to receive, review, and synthesize performance monitoring information to support adaptive management, capacity building needs, and ensure timely compliance with internal and GCF monitoring and reporting requirements.
When required based on the project calendar, lead the project reporting process including the review, revision, approval, and submission of the quarterly, annual, mid-term, and terminal reports to CI-GCF Agency and the GCF Secretariat.
Coordinate with CI-GCF staff, and CI technical and operations staff from other divisions to develop reviews of project documents throughout implementation.
Engage with other CI units, including the General Counsel’s Office to ensure project legal compliance and limit risks to CI.
Work closely with the Finance staff of the CI-GCF team on matters including budget and burn rate, cash disbursement, and sub-granting to potential partners to ensure efficient project performance and that CI operational / finance policies are applied and GCF requirements are followed.
Lead the day-to-day communication with executing entities and project implementation partners, which may include external international organizations, non-profits, businesses, and governments to ensure a high level of coordination within the project.
Prepare any required updates/summaries on the projects and lead project-related meetings with the GCF, government representatives including GCF National Designated Authorities (NDAs), executing entity partners, and other key stakeholders.
Serve as the primary point of contact for the GCF’s Office of Portfolio Management (OPM), respond to OPM requests for project information, and provide relevant updates outside of the project reporting calendar.
Support the development and implementation of Impact Evaluations for GCF projects.
Support the review and approval of mid-term and final project evaluations prepared by independent evaluators.

GCF CONCEPT/PROJECT DEVELOPMENT:

Serve as an initial point of contact within the CI-GCF Agency for inquiries from CI field programs and external partners regarding new GCF proposal ideas.
Advise CI field programs and external partners about the GCF project cycle and applicable CI and GCF policies and priorities.
Support other CI-GCF staff on proposal development at all stages of the proposal process.
Participate in government and other stakeholder engagement meetings as necessary.

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 and delivery of presentations and written materials to increase CI and partner knowledge of the GCF.
Collaboration with CI safeguards, gender, finance, and other thematic experts to build capacity across the organization.
Advise on new opportunities, partnerships, and projects that will ultimately build the CI-GCF funding portfolio.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES/AUTHORITY ALLOCATED:

Authority to engage with donor representatives, CI country programs, and partner organizations. There is no staff who would report to this position immediately. Supervision of other staff could be assigned in the future as the CI-GCF Agency grows.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position will be based in Botswana, South Africa, or Kenya and the candidate must have the authorization to work in one of those countries.
Full-time work from home, with some on-site reporting if needed, in keeping with government regulations and CI health and safety requirements in relation to COVID-19 pandemic.
Occasional travel or in-person meetings may be necessary.
Candidates must have access to high-quality Internet service from their home location.
National/international travel, up to 25%.
Position requires availability for evening and early morning calls with staff and partners in other time zones.
12-month position with the possibility of extension.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or related field.
4 to 6 years of experience working with project/program management and implementation; monitoring and evaluation in the areas of environment, conservation, and/or development.
Demonstrated experience with the implementation of projects in Africa.
Demonstrated experience with the implementation of projects and programs funded by public donors, including reporting.
Some knowledge of the GCF and its operations and policies.
Demonstrated ability to think critically and synthetically across fields and topics
Strong ability to work independently and/or remotely, while maintaining productivity.
Experience in cross-cultural consultation, training, capacity building, and collaboration.
Demonstrated ability to work in team environments and cultivate productive partnerships across a diversity of stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality work products on strict deadlines.
Excellent English oral and written communication skills; including public speaking.
Excellent team player.
Excellent computer skills, including but not limited to MS Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
Adaptive management skills.
Conflict resolution skills.
Ability to meet deadlines and work under time pressure.
Strong organizational skills and ability to oversee the implementation of several projects simultaneously.
Flexible and positive.

Preferred

Experience in management/implementation of large projects funded by bilateral/multilateral donors, ideally in low- and middle-income countries.
Experience in environmental and social impact assessments, development and execution of safeguard management plans, gender action plans, and indigenous peoples’ plans.
Experience with non-grant financial instruments in development or climate change projects.
Experience with private-public partnerships and/or engagement with private sector entities to achieve positive climate change outcomes.
Experience working with the Green Climate Fund.
Experience with direct engagement/coordination with national governments.
Proficiency in French.

Conservation International Values

We expect that all employees will embrace the values of our organization.

Passion: Inspired by people and by nature, we are urgently compelled to drive change for a sustainable future.
Integrity: We are honest, transparent, and accountable for our actions.
Teamwork: We work together as one CI, recognizing that inclusion, collaboration, and cooperation are fundamental to achieving a healthy and prosperous world for all.
Respect: We respect each other and work to earn trust, valuing our diversity of cultures, talents, and experiences.
Courage: We pursue our vision, taking bold action, persevering, and overcoming challenges.
Optimism: We are optimistic about the capacity of people to be caring, generous, and brilliant, and believe that with partners, we can inspire humanity to create a better future.