GCF Concept Note Developer

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and malnutrition. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Scaling-up Public-Private Co-Investments for Climate Action in Agrifood Systems Project

Climate change poses significant risks to Zambia’s agrifood systems, manifesting through rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. These challenges threaten agricultural productivity, food security, and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Zambia’s rural economy. Agrifood systems are also a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for 21-37% of global emissions, while agriculture-dependent communities – home to 70% of the world’s poor – remain highly vulnerable to climate shocks. Despite over 95% of updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) incorporating agriculture into adaptation and mitigation strategies, global climate finance for the sector has declined from 40% in 2000 to just 22% in 2020. This financing gap underscores the urgent need for innovative investment models that align with the Paris Agreement and prioritize support for smallholder farmers, agri-SMEs, and underserved regions.
The Government of Zambia, in collaboration with development partners, is implementing the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness and Preparatory Support Programme, titled “Scaling-up Public-Private Co-Investments for Climate Action in Agrifood Systems.” This initiative aims to enhance climate-resilient agrifood systems by fostering strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors.
The main goal of the project globally is to enhance countries’ readiness to attract climate finance for agrifood systems transformation. Under Output 4.3.2 (Pipeline identified and prioritization assessments), the project supports private sector actors to develop bankable project ideas for climate action in agrifood systems. These ideas are appraised (Activity 4.3.2.2) and refined and validated with stakeholders (Activity 4.3.2.3), resulting in project idea notes (PINs). Building on this pipeline, Activity 4.3.2.4 supports the development of a full GCF Concept Note, the next stage required to advance the highest-priority project idea towards GCF funding.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Zambia and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative Programmes and while working closely with the Project Coordinators, and with technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and the Climate Change and Private Sector Specialist (OCBD) at the FAO headquarters level, the incumbent will carry out the following tasks:

Technical Focus

Building on the project idea note(s) developed and validated under Activities 4.3.2.2 and 4.3.2.3, the incumbent will lead the development of a full GCF Concept Note, using the official GCF Concept Note template, ready for submission to the GCF Secretariat.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Lead the development of a full Green Climate Fund (GCF) Concept Note for the priority project idea generated under the Readiness Programme, using the official GCF Concept Note template, through to a version validated and ready for submission to the GCF Secretariat.
• Provide technical expertise and advice on GCF requirements, investment criteria and project design standards to the FAO Country Team, the National Designated Authority (NDA) and participating private sector proponents.
• Coordinate and facilitate the technical consultations, stakeholder engagement and validation processes required to secure country ownership and endorsement of the proposed project.
• Review the validated project idea note(s) developed under Activity 4.3.2.3 and, in consultation with the NDA and FAO Country Team, confirm the project idea to be advanced into a full GCF Concept Note.
• Identify and fill any remaining technical, financial, market or safeguards data gaps needed to develop the Concept Note, including additional consultations with private sector proponents and relevant stakeholders as required.
• Develop the project’s theory of change and results framework, and articulate its alignment with Zambia’s NDC, NAP and national development priorities.
• Draft the GCF Concept Note using the official GCF template, covering, at a minimum: project/programme summary; background and context; project/programme description; expected impact and alignment with GCF’s investment criteria (impact potential, paradigm shift potential, sustainable development potential, needs of the recipient, country ownership, and efficiency and effectiveness); financing information and indicative budget; implementation arrangements; and preliminary risk and environmental and social safeguards (ESS) considerations.
• Under the supervision of the LTO and Budget Holder, and in close coordination with the NDA team, prepare an indicative budget and financing structure for the proposed project, including anticipated GCF financing and any co-financing sources.
• Validate the draft Concept Note with the NDA, FAO Country Team, LTO and OCBD, and with relevant stakeholders and private sector proponents.
• Revise and finalize the GCF Concept Note based on comments received from FAO and the NDA, ensuring the document is technically sound and ready for GCF submission.
• Support the FAO Country Team and NDA in any follow-up consultations with GCF on the submitted Concept Note.
• Perform any other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University Degree in Agricultural, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in climate finance and project/programme design, planning and monitoring.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English
• National of Zambia or resident of the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical and Functional Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of international climate finance, specifically the Green Climate Fund (GCF) project cycle and requirements, and the adaptation and mitigation agendas of the UNFCCC.
• Proven track record of developing GCF Concept Notes, Funding Proposals, or comparable project documents for multilateral climate or environmental funds.
• Demonstrated understanding of GCF’s investment criteria and results management framework, and experience articulating a project’s theory of change and results framework.
• Practical experience working in Zambia or Africa on issues related to climate change adaptation/mitigation, agrifood systems, and private sector engagement
• Strong experience in project/programme design, results-based management, and donor engagement.
• Ability to work independently and in harmony with other project staff for an effective delivery of project objectives and expected results, and within the limits of the budget of the project.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and in preparing project budgets and financing structures.
• Ability to translate technical and stakeholder inputs into a coherent, fundable project concept.
• Excellent report writing and strategic communication skills.
• Specialized training in Climate Finance, Investment Appraisal, or Project/Programme Design is a distinct advantage.
• Knowledge of one or more local languages spoken in Zambia is an advantage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION