The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has announced an exciting executive leadership opportunity for an experienced global professional to serve as its next Chief Strategy and Impact Officer (CSIO).
Based at the Fund’s headquarters in Incheon, Republic of Korea, this high-profile position offers the opportunity to shape the future of one of the world’s largest climate finance institutions while driving global climate action and sustainable development.
As a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the successful candidate will lead GCF’s strategic planning, impact measurement, policy development, resource mobilization, communications, and partnerships.
The role is ideal for a visionary leader with extensive experience in climate finance, international development, public policy, and organizational leadership.
Applications are open until 17 August 2026.
About the Green Climate Fund (GCF)
Established in 2010 by the 194 Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Green Climate Fund is the world’s largest dedicated multilateral climate fund.
Its mission is to help developing countries respond to climate change by financing transformative projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening resilience to climate impacts. Through its country-driven approach, GCF partners with governments, development institutions, civil society, and the private sector to deliver climate solutions tailored to national priorities.
Today, GCF has grown into one of the most influential climate finance institutions globally, with:
- A portfolio of 360 projects.
- Investments across 134 countries.
- Total commitments of USD 20.5 billion.
- An additional USD 12.8 billion pledged during its 2024–2027 replenishment cycle.
- An ambitious vision of becoming a USD 50 billion fund by 2030.
Headquartered in Songdo Business District, Incheon, the organization employs professionals from nearly 80 nationalities, creating a truly multicultural and collaborative working environment.
About the Chief Strategy and Impact Officer Role
The Chief Strategy and Impact Officer serves as one of GCF’s most senior executives and reports directly to the Executive Director.
The position is responsible for ensuring that GCF remains at the forefront of global climate finance by developing forward-looking strategies informed by the latest scientific evidence, policy developments, and emerging global trends.
The successful candidate will also oversee how the organization measures, evaluates, communicates, and continuously improves its development impact while strengthening partnerships and mobilizing financial resources for climate action.
This role forms part of the Executive Leadership Team alongside the Executive Director, Chief Investment Officer, Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel, Director of the Office of Governance Affairs, and Chief of Staff.
Key Responsibilities
The Chief Strategy and Impact Officer will provide leadership across several critical institutional functions.
Strategic Leadership
The successful candidate will:
- Lead the development and implementation of GCF’s Strategic Plan.
- Monitor emerging global trends in climate science, economics, innovation, and sustainable development.
- Align organizational strategy with budgets, operational priorities, and institutional objectives.
- Ensure the latest scientific evidence informs decision-making across the organization.
Policy Development
The CSIO will oversee the development of institutional policies by:
- Ensuring high-quality policy recommendations for the GCF Board.
- Promoting policy coherence across departments.
- Supporting evidence-based decision-making throughout the organization.
Results, Monitoring and Learning
A major responsibility of the role involves strengthening GCF’s culture of accountability and impact by overseeing:
- Monitoring and evaluation systems.
- Impact assessments.
- Knowledge management.
- Organizational learning.
- Results reporting.
The successful candidate will ensure that evidence generated from GCF-funded programmes informs future investments and institutional learning.
Resource Mobilization
As GCF continues expanding toward its ambitious 50by30 vision, the CSIO will play a central role in mobilizing financial resources by:
- Leading replenishment strategies.
- Building strategic partnerships.
- Engaging sovereign and non-sovereign donors.
- Supporting fundraising efforts during major global climate events, including Conferences of the Parties (COP).
Communications and External Engagement
The role also includes oversight of GCF’s communications strategy to strengthen its global visibility and influence.
Responsibilities include:
- Developing institutional communication strategies.
- Promoting GCF’s achievements internationally.
- Strengthening media engagement.
- Representing GCF at high-level international events.
- Building relationships with governments, development partners, civil society, and the private sector.
Candidate Profile
GCF is seeking an accomplished executive with a strong record of leading strategy and organizational transformation within international development or climate-related institutions.
Applicants should possess:
- At least 20 years of relevant professional experience.
- A minimum of 10 years in senior leadership positions.
- Extensive experience in climate finance, climate policy, sustainable development, or related fields.
- Demonstrated success in designing and implementing large-scale organizational strategies.
- Strong expertise in monitoring, evaluation, knowledge management, and organizational learning.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
- A relevant postgraduate qualification.
Experience working with institutions such as the UN system, UNFCCC, IPCC, or international development organizations will be considered an advantage.
Knowledge of private-sector climate investment and sustainable finance is also desirable.
Leadership Competencies
The Green Climate Fund is looking for a leader who can inspire teams while driving institutional excellence.
Key competencies include:
- Strategic vision and forward thinking.
- Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Innovation and creative problem-solving.
- High ethical standards and integrity.
- Strong interpersonal and diplomatic abilities.
- Proven experience mentoring and developing high-performing teams.
- Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and sustainable development.
The successful candidate will be expected to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning across the organization.
Working at the Green Climate Fund
Joining GCF means becoming part of one of the world’s leading institutions tackling climate change through innovative finance.
Employees work alongside experts from nearly 80 nationalities, representing backgrounds in government, academia, science, civil society, international organizations, and the private sector.
The Fund offers an opportunity to influence global climate policy while supporting transformative investments that improve lives in developing countries around the world.
Professionals passionate about climate action, sustainable finance, and international development will find an intellectually stimulating and mission-driven work environment.
Application Process
Please note that recruitment for this position is being managed by the executive search firm Korn Ferry.
Qualified candidates will be contacted directly by Korn Ferry throughout the recruitment process.
Applicants who previously submitted an application for this position do not need to reapply, as their existing applications remain under consideration.
Application Deadline
Interested candidates should submit their applications before:
Application Deadline: 17 August 2026
Late applications may not be considered.
Why This Opportunity Matters
As climate change continues to pose unprecedented challenges globally, institutions like the Green Climate Fund play a critical role in mobilizing resources, supporting vulnerable countries, and accelerating the transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient development.
The Chief Strategy and Impact Officer will help shape the future direction of one of the world’s most influential climate finance institutions, ensuring its investments deliver measurable impact while strengthening partnerships and innovation across the global climate landscape.
For experienced leaders with a passion for sustainable development and international climate action, this represents a rare opportunity to influence global policy and contribute to transformative change at scale.
