Compliance Specialist

Job Description

Introduction

The Green Climate Fund is the world’s largest dedicated multilateral climate fund and invests in impactful, innovative, catalytic programs and projects in developing countries across the globe. The GCF has a portfolio of 314 projects across 133 countries, with a total commitment of USD 18.0 billion to date.

In 2023, an additional USD 12.8 billion was pledged, to support our new strategic and programming cycle from 2024-2027; our ambition is to grow to become at least a USD 50 billion fund by 2030. Rooted in the core objectives of impact and efficiency, access and a focus on the most vulnerable, and mobilizing a much higher scale of public and private sector financial flows for climate action we have an unparalleled scale of resources, which, together with our risk appetite and flexibility allows us to bring together different partners and stakeholders in innovative partnerships for profound impact.

GCF is seeking a top-tier individual with a demonstrable track record of harnessing experience, energy and networks to tackle complex global climate change challenges.

You will be committed to making a positive, measurable difference through a mission-driven role, and thrive in a fast-paced, diverse environment.

You will be a nurturer of people: recognizing and growing the talent around you, exemplifying values of transparency, respect and innovation.

You will be committed to learning, knowledge-sharing, convening and communicating with partners to work together to ideate, develop and implement climate action initiatives that make a profound difference to people and planet.

You will join a team of talented, committed individuals representing almost 80 nationalities contributing skills and experience from academic, scientific, private, government and nonprofit backgrounds. Together, we work with governments, communities and civil society, technical agencies, and the private sector across the world.

Interested in more information?
Learn about working for GCF: https://www.greenclimate.fund/about/careers
View current vacancies: https://jobs.greenclimate.fund/

About the Green Climate Fund (GCF)

Set up in 2010 by the 194 countries who are Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), GCF takes its responsibility as the world’s largest dedicated multilateral climate fund to heart. GCF funds transformative climate projects across the developing world, supporting countries in their responses and actions to tackle climate change while fostering sustainable development within their communities.

Our country-driven approach ensures that our actions are tailored to the unique circumstances and national aspirations of each nation we support. Besides channeling public and private sector investment through a broad range of financing instruments, GCF builds the capacity of developing countries to take climate action through an extensive Readiness Programme ensuring countries are increasingly well-equipped and financed to manage their climate futures.

Headquartered in the Republic of Korea, GCF operates with a diverse and talented workforce of over 300 people.

Position Objective

The Department of Risk Management and Compliance (DRMC) comprises the Risk and Compliance units. As the second line of defense, DRMC’s function is to: (a) develop, manage and update comprehensive risk and compliance frameworks, policies and processes; (b) identify, prioritize, monitor and manage actual and potential risks affecting the GCF; and (c) review proposed and actual GCF investments to ensure that they are comply with the Fund’s compliance and integrity policies. This role sits within the Compliance Unit.

The Compliance Specialist will provide subject matter expertise to strengthen related ex-ante risk management measures at project design as well as during implementation. Under the guidance of the Compliance Manager, s/he will mainly be responsible for leading the review of GCF proposals for funding and related concept notes, as well as providing high quality project-level compliance risk assessments, related integrity due diligence, and proposed mitigation measures.

The Specialist will work closely with other Compliance team members and Risk Specialists in DRMC, regional/interdivisional teams, and the Independent Integrity Unit (IIU). In addition, s/he will contribute to the GCF’s knowledge management and capacity building efforts.

This role requires a strong foundation in two or more technical areas such as integrity due diligence, fraud-prevention, anti-corruption, economic sanctions, or AML/CFT compliance, ideally with private sector experience in financial institutions or global NGOs.

Purpose

• Within the Secretariat, lead integrity risk management (including AML/CFT) for GCF financed activities assigned. Conduct risk-based specialized due diligence on funding proposals to identify and evaluate compliance/integrity risk exposure and propose mitigations.
• Partner with project leads to provide expert guidance on compliance risk adaptive measures and crisis management, to facilitate effective project execution.
• Advise the Director of Risk Management and Compliance and the Compliance Manager on high risk projects before approval and during implementation.

Engagement

• Deliver well-reasoned risk assessments and mitigation strategies, providing clear justifications to assure senior management, Board members, and other stakeholders.
• Propose and negotiate meaningful solutions to project level challenges.
• Represent the Compliance unit in key discussions on concept notes, funding proposals, and legal agreement provisions, influencing decision-making processes.
• Serve as trusted subject matter expert on integrity risk identification and mitigation within the Secretariat, proactively guiding Project Leads to embed best practices and drive a culture of compliance across all GCF-funded activities.

Delivery

• Deliver high-quality, tailored expert advice to enhance ex-ante integrity risk management across the project cycle, ensuring the effective application of GCF’s policy framework.
• In partnership with other stakeholders including the IIU, design and implement targeted stakeholder training to strengthen AML integrity risk management at all stages of project execution.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products that drive the adoption of new policies and procedures, ensuring seamless integration into operational processes.
• Working with other stakeholders including the IIU, provide valuable structured insights on GCF public and private sector portfolio identifying key risk indicators for management information, and advise on proactive measures to mitigate emerging AML/CFT and other compliance risks.

Requirements (Education, experience, technical competencies required of the job)

• A postgraduate university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Business, Law, Accounting, Auditing, International Relations, Political Studies or other related discipline required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of a postgraduate university degree.
• A minimum of 7 years progressively responsible experience in at least two of the following areas: integrity due diligence, fraud-prevention or investigation, anti-corruption, economic sanctions, and/or AML/CFT compliance.
• Proven track record in providing technical AML/CFT, sanctions and other integrity risk management advice in an international setting.
• Clear, concise, and cogent writing skills and ability to provide concrete and convincing recommendations on complex issues.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to details.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate sound judgment on what to escalate.
• Ability to build effective client relationships and work with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Hands-on crisis management experience on compliance matters is desirable.
• A proven track record in managing complex risk issues including procurement or economic sanctions is desirable.
• Relevant professional certification or professional qualification as a lawyer, auditor, or equivalent is a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English is essential for this position. Working knowledge of another United Nations language is preferred.

The closing date for application is 31 October 2025. Applications submitted after the deadline may not be considered.