World Bank Group
Senior Climate Change Specialist
World Bank Group, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Senior Climate Change Specialist
Job #: req35282
Organization: World Bank
Sector: Environment
Grade: GG
Term Duration: 2 years 0 months
Recruitment Type: International Recruitment
Location: Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s): English
Preferred Language(s): French, Spanish, Russian and or Arabic: desirable
Closing Date: 1/26/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a multilateral family of funds dedicated to confronting biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution, and supporting land and ocean health. Its financing enables developing countries to address complex challenges and work towards international environmental goals. The partnership includes 186 member governments as well as civil society, Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth, with a focus on integration and inclusivity. Over the past three decades, the GEF has provided more than $27 billion in financing and mobilized over $150 billion for country-driven priority projects.
The GEF's Climate Change Mitigation Focal Area (CCM) team develops and finances projects to address climate change mitigation priorities at national and global level, and to support the implementation of national climate change commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The CCM team oversees the provision of financing for the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions and Long-Term, Low-Emission Development Strategies. In addition, the CCM team provides financing for Enabling Activities for developing countries to meet reporting requirements under the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement, including those related to the Enhanced Transparency Framework. The GEF also supports capacity building for climate reporting through the Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT).
The GEF is seeking an expert and experienced environmental specialist to serve as a Senior Climate Change Specialist, coordinating the CCM team in the GEF Programming Division.
Duties and Accountabilities The Senior Climate Change Specialist will coordinate a multi-disciplinary technical team of climate change specialists and will actively participate in UNFCCC related events, supporting eligible countries in programming GEF resources. S/He will provide timely review and processing of projects proposals submitted by GEF-accredited agencies and provide sound upstream guidance to project proponents to foster coherence with GEF programming strategies. The selected candidate will play a key role in coordinating the pipeline of UNFCCC Enabling Activities (EA) and Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) projects financed with the CCM set aside windows.
The Senior Climate Change Specialist will work with Regional Teams on functions that require cooperation and collaboration related to the programming of CCM resources. S/he will also support regional and country-level engagement with clients and stakeholders to ensure that GEF recipient countries optimize their CCM investments to achieve global environmental benefits.
The Senior Climate Change Specialist will report to the Manager of the Programming Division.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Provide effective operational coordination and technical oversight of the CCM team's successful execution of the climate change mitigation strategy and objectives • Lead strategic planning and adaptive management of the CCM portfolio with the climate change mitigation team and with relevant GEFSEC colleagues in developing priorities, objectives and orientations for projects and regional and global programs • Lead collaboration with GEF Agencies in the development and oversight of CCM projects and programs • Effective and timely support in the fulfillment of GEF Council engagements, including Work Program development and presentation, response to reviews, engagement of Council bodies and partners in technical discussions • Effective, efficient, and collegial coordination of duties with GEFSEC team and colleagues responsible for focal area and integrated program project and program development, review and clearances • Represent the GEF in external partnerships, professional engagements, communications related to the Focal Area and broad GEF interests • Contribute to the review of GEF programs and projects, including in relation to the estimation of carbon emission reductions. • Contribute to the continuous improvement of technical guidelines related to CCM engagements, including in the context of the GEF's Integrated Programs. • Contribute to effective execution of GEF's engagement and negotiations strategies related to the UNFCC • Ensure timely and effective climate change mitigation focal area inputs in GEFSEC UNFCCC efforts • Ensure focal area programming follows UNFCCC guidance • Lead the preparation of major reports and GEF Council documents (e.g. GEF report on the Relations with Conventions and Other International Institutions, GEF annual report to the UNFCCC COP, etc.). • Oversee climate change transparency and reporting expertise and advice on CBIT and EAs initiatives, in light of CCM programming directions and project review criteria, and in coordination with relevant Program Managers. • Oversee CBIT and EAs proposal review procedures that align with the Paris Agreement's evolving enhanced transparency requirements and contribute to improving the efficiency of the operational processes for project clearance, as needed. • Contribute to effective GEF participation in major meetings related to CBIT and EAs, including through preparation of briefing, presentations, talking points and outreach materials. • Proactively participate in knowledge management, results-based management, monitoring, and other operational activities such as providing content for website and CCM publications. • Support the CCM team in effective collaboration with other Focal Areas, Integrated Programs, and regional teams, particularly through participation in Extended Constituency Workshops and National Dialogues. • Effective and timely contribution to regional teams work on developing and supporting the effective execution of regional and country-level project portfolios and programs • Effective technical engagement and relationship building through country engagement activities (national dialogues, extended constituency workshops, OFP training, and regular engagement, communications) • Participate in and support Regional Coordinators in the engagement with country focal points and other national/regional constituencies or stakeholders. • Contribute to the preparation of relevant outreach activities and knowledge products in coordination with the GEF's communications team, including online communications and publications. • As directed, provide inputs to the CEO and senior management on country and thematic briefings, talking points, speeches, analytical/strategic documents, etc. • Strengthen communication, collaboration, and collegiality within GEFSEC and with the broader the GEF Partnership • Conduct work duties, relationships, communications and collaboration with integrity and respect for colleagues, partners and stakeholders. Build a GEF culture of honor, decency, fairness, transparency and kindness.
Selection Criteria
• Master's Degree in climate change, environmental economics, natural resource management, sustainable development, or other fields related to climate change mitigation and financing • At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in the climate change field, including experience with developing and implementing large GEF projects and with international environmental agreements and conventions • Strong knowledge and practical project expertise in one or more of the key field relevant for climate change mitigation, including clean energy, energy efficiency, energy access, low carbon transportation, industry decarbonization and nature-based climate solutions, including in the forestry and low carbon agriculture systems • Understanding of principles of design, implementation, safeguarding, and monitoring of projects and programs, particularly in the fields relevant to climate change planning and financing • Working knowledge of GHG methodologies, transparency and institutional arrangements under the Paris Agreement • In depth understanding of the climate finance landscape and experience with UNFCCC negotiations is preferred • Demonstrated experience building national, sub-national and private sector GHG emissions inventories, and designing and implementing measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems is preferred • Experience in developing countries, particularly in the development and execution of climate change projects and/or related environmental sectors • Demonstrated ability to effectively engage and develop appropriate and sound relationships with a range of stakeholders, international organizations, development agencies, scientific and technical bodies, private sector entities, developing country counterparts, and NGOs • Excellence in written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of other UN languages, especially French, Spanish, Russian and/or Arabic is desirable. • Understanding of the GEF's policies, procedures, and operational modalities • Willingness to frequently travel to global, regional and national GEF related events.
Competencies • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills • Ability to work independently and as part of a team • Excellent organizational and time management skills • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills • Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment
Note:
This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered.
WBG Culture Attributes:
1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders. 2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact. 3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.
Job #: req35282
Organization: World Bank
Sector: Environment
Grade: GG
Term Duration: 2 years 0 months
Recruitment Type: International Recruitment
Location: Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s): English
Preferred Language(s): French, Spanish, Russian and or Arabic: desirable
Closing Date: 1/26/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a multilateral family of funds dedicated to confronting biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution, and supporting land and ocean health. Its financing enables developing countries to address complex challenges and work towards international environmental goals. The partnership includes 186 member governments as well as civil society, Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth, with a focus on integration and inclusivity. Over the past three decades, the GEF has provided more than $27 billion in financing and mobilized over $150 billion for country-driven priority projects.
The GEF's Climate Change Mitigation Focal Area (CCM) team develops and finances projects to address climate change mitigation priorities at national and global level, and to support the implementation of national climate change commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The CCM team oversees the provision of financing for the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions and Long-Term, Low-Emission Development Strategies. In addition, the CCM team provides financing for Enabling Activities for developing countries to meet reporting requirements under the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement, including those related to the Enhanced Transparency Framework. The GEF also supports capacity building for climate reporting through the Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT).
The GEF is seeking an expert and experienced environmental specialist to serve as a Senior Climate Change Specialist, coordinating the CCM team in the GEF Programming Division.
Duties and Accountabilities The Senior Climate Change Specialist will coordinate a multi-disciplinary technical team of climate change specialists and will actively participate in UNFCCC related events, supporting eligible countries in programming GEF resources. S/He will provide timely review and processing of projects proposals submitted by GEF-accredited agencies and provide sound upstream guidance to project proponents to foster coherence with GEF programming strategies. The selected candidate will play a key role in coordinating the pipeline of UNFCCC Enabling Activities (EA) and Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) projects financed with the CCM set aside windows.
The Senior Climate Change Specialist will work with Regional Teams on functions that require cooperation and collaboration related to the programming of CCM resources. S/he will also support regional and country-level engagement with clients and stakeholders to ensure that GEF recipient countries optimize their CCM investments to achieve global environmental benefits.
The Senior Climate Change Specialist will report to the Manager of the Programming Division.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Provide effective operational coordination and technical oversight of the CCM team's successful execution of the climate change mitigation strategy and objectives • Lead strategic planning and adaptive management of the CCM portfolio with the climate change mitigation team and with relevant GEFSEC colleagues in developing priorities, objectives and orientations for projects and regional and global programs • Lead collaboration with GEF Agencies in the development and oversight of CCM projects and programs • Effective and timely support in the fulfillment of GEF Council engagements, including Work Program development and presentation, response to reviews, engagement of Council bodies and partners in technical discussions • Effective, efficient, and collegial coordination of duties with GEFSEC team and colleagues responsible for focal area and integrated program project and program development, review and clearances • Represent the GEF in external partnerships, professional engagements, communications related to the Focal Area and broad GEF interests • Contribute to the review of GEF programs and projects, including in relation to the estimation of carbon emission reductions. • Contribute to the continuous improvement of technical guidelines related to CCM engagements, including in the context of the GEF's Integrated Programs. • Contribute to effective execution of GEF's engagement and negotiations strategies related to the UNFCC • Ensure timely and effective climate change mitigation focal area inputs in GEFSEC UNFCCC efforts • Ensure focal area programming follows UNFCCC guidance • Lead the preparation of major reports and GEF Council documents (e.g. GEF report on the Relations with Conventions and Other International Institutions, GEF annual report to the UNFCCC COP, etc.). • Oversee climate change transparency and reporting expertise and advice on CBIT and EAs initiatives, in light of CCM programming directions and project review criteria, and in coordination with relevant Program Managers. • Oversee CBIT and EAs proposal review procedures that align with the Paris Agreement's evolving enhanced transparency requirements and contribute to improving the efficiency of the operational processes for project clearance, as needed. • Contribute to effective GEF participation in major meetings related to CBIT and EAs, including through preparation of briefing, presentations, talking points and outreach materials. • Proactively participate in knowledge management, results-based management, monitoring, and other operational activities such as providing content for website and CCM publications. • Support the CCM team in effective collaboration with other Focal Areas, Integrated Programs, and regional teams, particularly through participation in Extended Constituency Workshops and National Dialogues. • Effective and timely contribution to regional teams work on developing and supporting the effective execution of regional and country-level project portfolios and programs • Effective technical engagement and relationship building through country engagement activities (national dialogues, extended constituency workshops, OFP training, and regular engagement, communications) • Participate in and support Regional Coordinators in the engagement with country focal points and other national/regional constituencies or stakeholders. • Contribute to the preparation of relevant outreach activities and knowledge products in coordination with the GEF's communications team, including online communications and publications. • As directed, provide inputs to the CEO and senior management on country and thematic briefings, talking points, speeches, analytical/strategic documents, etc. • Strengthen communication, collaboration, and collegiality within GEFSEC and with the broader the GEF Partnership • Conduct work duties, relationships, communications and collaboration with integrity and respect for colleagues, partners and stakeholders. Build a GEF culture of honor, decency, fairness, transparency and kindness.
Selection Criteria
• Master's Degree in climate change, environmental economics, natural resource management, sustainable development, or other fields related to climate change mitigation and financing • At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in the climate change field, including experience with developing and implementing large GEF projects and with international environmental agreements and conventions • Strong knowledge and practical project expertise in one or more of the key field relevant for climate change mitigation, including clean energy, energy efficiency, energy access, low carbon transportation, industry decarbonization and nature-based climate solutions, including in the forestry and low carbon agriculture systems • Understanding of principles of design, implementation, safeguarding, and monitoring of projects and programs, particularly in the fields relevant to climate change planning and financing • Working knowledge of GHG methodologies, transparency and institutional arrangements under the Paris Agreement • In depth understanding of the climate finance landscape and experience with UNFCCC negotiations is preferred • Demonstrated experience building national, sub-national and private sector GHG emissions inventories, and designing and implementing measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems is preferred • Experience in developing countries, particularly in the development and execution of climate change projects and/or related environmental sectors • Demonstrated ability to effectively engage and develop appropriate and sound relationships with a range of stakeholders, international organizations, development agencies, scientific and technical bodies, private sector entities, developing country counterparts, and NGOs • Excellence in written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of other UN languages, especially French, Spanish, Russian and/or Arabic is desirable. • Understanding of the GEF's policies, procedures, and operational modalities • Willingness to frequently travel to global, regional and national GEF related events.
Competencies • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills • Ability to work independently and as part of a team • Excellent organizational and time management skills • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills • Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment
Note:
This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered.
WBG Culture Attributes:
1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders. 2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact. 3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.