About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is seeking a GCF Concept Note Developer in Lusaka, Zambia. Under the project ‘Scaling-up Public-Private Co-Investments for Climate Action in Agrifood Systems’, the incumbent will lead the development of a full Green Climate Fund (GCF) Concept Note using the official GCF template. The role involves providing technical expertise on GCF requirements, coordinating stakeholder consultations, filling data gaps, developing the theory of change and results framework, and preparing indicative budgets to advance priority project ideas towards GCF submission.
Salary and benefits
- Short-term professional engagement with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
- Opportunity to contribute directly to international climate finance initiatives and agrifood systems transformation in Zambia.
Who can apply?
- 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.
Required documents
- Online profile containing employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Letter of motivation
When to apply
- Application opening date: 29 September 2026.
- Application deadline: 13 October 2026 at 9:59 PM UTC.
How to apply
- Visit the FAO recruitment website and complete your online profile with accurate records of employment, education, and language skills.
- Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile.
- Submit your application through the FAO recruitment portal before the deadline.
Additional information
- This is a non-staff opportunity under a National Project Personnel (NPP) requisition with a duration of 40 days.
- Higher educational qualifications must be obtained from an institution accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
- Appointment is subject to medical clearance, accreditation, visa or residency requirements, and security clearances.
- FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Ideal for senior climate finance professionals or project designers with extensive experience developing Green Climate Fund (GCF) concept notes or funding proposals.
- A strong match for experts with a deep understanding of Zambia's agricultural and climate change landscape, agrifood systems, and private sector engagement.
- Well-suited for independent consultants who can quickly synthesize stakeholder inputs and draft fundable project documents within a tight 40-day timeframe.
What should you think carefully about?
- Restricted to nationals or residents of Zambia who hold a valid work permit.
- Short 40-day duration requires rapid delivery and intensive engagement with stakeholders and national authorities.
- Requires meeting strict educational recognition standards via the World Higher Education Database (WHED).
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This short-term consultancy provides an excellent opportunity for experienced climate finance specialists to deepen their track record with multilateral funds like the GCF while directly supporting national climate adaptation and mitigation goals in Zambia's agrifood sector.
Our take
Experienced climate finance and project design professionals who are nationals or residents of Zambia should seriously consider applying before the October 13, 2026 deadline. Applicants without prior GCF concept note development experience or the required 10 years of background will find this role less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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