Job Description

2602031

GCF Concept Note Developer

Job Posting

: 29/Sep/2026

Closure Date

: 13/Oct/2026, 9:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit: FRZAM - FAO Representation in Zambia

Job Type

: Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition: NPP (National Project Personnel)

Grade Level: N/A

Primary Location

: Zambia-Lusaka

Duration: 40 days

Post Number: N/A

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal deviceFAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and cultureQualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to applyEveryone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's valuesFAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checksAll applications will be treated with the strictest confidentialityFAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations. Organizational SettingThe 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 ProjectClimate 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 LinesUnder 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 FocusBuilding 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 INFORMATIONFAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)Applications received after the closing date will not be acceptedPlease note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/ For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/ Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions. HOW TO APPLY• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills

• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/cspFAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT