Dispute Resolution Specialist

Grade: E
Deadline: 22 June 2026 - Extended (11:59 PM KST)

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 As we celebrate 10 years of climate action, our portfolio has grown to over USD 20.1 billion across more than 354 projects in over 130 countries — demonstrating the transformative power of strategic climate finance at scale. 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 unprecedented public and private sector financial flows for climate action we have unparalleled scale and resources. Our risk appetite and flexibility enable us to bring together diverse partners and stakeholders in innovative partnerships for profound impact.

GCF is seeking talented individuals with a commitment to tackling 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 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 over 83 nationalities and bringing 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.

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. Over the past decade GCF has funded 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. Beyond channeling public and private sector investment through diverse financing instruments, GCF builds the capacity of developing countries to take climate action through an extensive Readiness Programme equipping countries to increasingly manage their climate futures.

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

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

Position Objective
The Independent Redress Mechanism (IRM) is the accountability mechanism of the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The IRM responds to complaints from people who believe they have been adversely affected by GCF projects or programmes. Once a new complaint is submitted to the IRM, it undergoes an eligibility screening process. Complaints that are found eligible, may enter a problem-solving or a compliance review process. More information on the mandate and functions of the IRM are available at https://irm.greenclimate.fund/.

To complement its dispute resolution team, the IRM is looking for a professional with knowledge and experience resolving disputes in the context of international development projects and/or within environmental and social safeguards-related work.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Dispute Resolution and Capacity Building Lead to execute tasks regarding the handling of cases at initial steps, problem solving and agreement monitoring stages. The Dispute Resolution Specialist is also expected to help parties in a dispute to design a process that would meet their needs and expectations in line with the IRM’s Procedures and Guidelines. In addition, the Dispute Resolution Specialist will support the implementation of dispute resolution processes so that agreements can be reached and implemented in line with relevant GCF policies.

The Dispute Resolution Specialist will work full time, located in the IRM office in Songdo, South Korea and will requires some case related travel as necessary.

• Deliver case related activities at the initial steps and problem solving stages in close coordination with the supervision of with the Dispute Resolution and Capacity Building Lead.
• Support the Dispute Resolution and Capacity Building Lead in identifying and contracting case mediators and consultants and ensure proper delivery of services.
• Maintain accurate case-related files and documentation.
• Develop, implement, and participate in agreement monitoring activities and make policy-related recommendations where observations so warrant to support IRMs’ advisory role within the GCF.
• Assess allegations of harm underlying disputes and identify the relevant stakeholders with interest in resolution.
• Manage complex environmental and social disputes under the guidance of the Dispute Resolution and Capacity Building Lead. Exercise sound judgment to propose resolution pathways and avoid escalating conflicts.
• Engage with case related parties to secure their participation in dispute resolution, update them on case progress and address any relevant challenges under the guidance of the Dispute Resolution and Capacity Building Lead.
• Support the Dispute Resolution and Capacity Building Lead in delivering in-reach and capacity building activities for the GCF secretariat and partner institutions. Adapt learning materials and propose innovative learning tools.
• Liaise with GCF counterparts and professional networks to share experience and learn from others.
• Support the Dispute Resolution and Capacity Building Lead in planning problem solving case related activities as well as budget implications to align with IRM work plan and budget.
• The incumbent anticipates unique resource needs and operational dimensions, ensuring that documents and work outputs are tailored to support efficient project and service delivery.
• Contributes to the preparation of periodic IRM reports to the Board, the EAC and the general public, collect statistics and analyze case trends.
• Draft case-related reports, agreements and other deliveries for the GCF Board and for public disclosure in line with IRM TOR/PGs/SOPs.
• Drafts, edits, and refines specialized documents, including IRM correspondence, procedures, publications, and other relevant materials.

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

• Master’s degree in a subject relevant to conflict resolution, social and environmental matters, compliance, law, public administration, governance, political science or other related areas; A Bachelor's degree in relevant fields with an additional two years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of the Master’s degree requirement.
• Formal mediation training and/or experience in managing (convening and/or facilitating) collaborative dispute resolution processes.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience is required;
• Experience working in conflict resolution, social and environmental accountability or grievance redress is an advantage;
• Experience in the handling of environmental and social safeguards-related matters (e.g. review and monitoring of resettlement action plans, stakeholder engagement plans etc.) would be a strong advantage.
• International work experience ideally in a multi-cultural environment is desirable;
• Deep knowledge of dispute resolution techniques in sensitive contexts.
• Strong advocacy and liaison skills and proven ability to communicate with peers as well as to communicate with GCF stakeholders.
• Excellent command of the English language, both written and spoken, together with excellent English drafting skills.
• Familiarity with other UN languages is a strong advantage.
• Hands-on experience in stakeholder engagement, including public consultation, would be an advantage.
• Experience with the approval, monitoring, and implementation process of development projects financed by international finance institutions is considered an advantage.
• Demonstration of having worked as part of a team and independently with impartiality and integrity.
• Effective team player with strong interpersonal skills and sensitive to cultural diversity.
• Capacity to work effectively with a range of stakeholders, including project affected communities, NGOs, GCF partner entities, the private sector and government.
• Committed to the mission of the GCF, including its multicultural environment.
• Proficient in the use of training tools and platforms like Zoom, MS Teams, and other digital tools.

For details on grade levels, salary scales and benefits, please refer to: https://www.greenclimate.fund/document/staff-regulations

The closing date for application is 22 June 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline may not be considered.

*The person assessed by the Selection Panel as most suitable for the position will be proposed for appointment. Selection among short-listed candidates will also take into account performance at interview, appropriate testing, and references.

Applications from women and nationals of developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply.

#LI-KO1