CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Global Shield Secretariat Director

Launched at COP27 by the Vulnerable Twenty (V20) Group and the Group of Seven (G7), the Global Shield against Climate Risks (GS) aims to increase protection for vulnerable people and countries and contribute to effectively responding to loss and damage from climate change.

The GS promotes an inclusive, gender-responsive, and demand-driven process led by the governments of vulnerable countries. Within the initiative, the GS Secretariat serves all Global Shield governance bodies. It facilitates knowledge management and tracks progress in achieving the objectives of the GS. It also enhances its visibility.

The GS Board has mandated Frankfurt School of Finance & Management to host the GS Sec. The Frankfurt School is an EQUIS, AACSB, and ABMA internationally accredited, research-orientated business school with university status. We offer comprehensive educational and advisory services to students, executives, graduates, participants, clients, and partners from all over the world.

For the 3-year duration of the project, FS is looking for a full-time working GS Sec Director:

  • Location:  Frankfurt
  • Starting Date:  01.01.2026
  • Contract Type:  Full-time

TASKS

Lead the Global Shield Secretariat

  • Manage the GS Sec, including its financial resources (budgeting and reporting);
  • Responsible for the GS Sec’s internal organisation in coordination with the GS Team Lead responsible for the Country Support;
    • Plan and allocate work assignments, team mentoring, and personnel development);
    • Oversee the setting and regular review of policies and guidelines.

Country Engagement

  • Supervise the engagement with GS Countries.

Strategic Development of the Global Shield 

  • Responsible for the continuous strategic development of the GS, including regular review and refinement of the GS’ Ambition Framework, its objectives and goals, the monitoring, evaluation and learning strategy, and the strategies to ensure effective implementation.

Fundraising, Donor and Public Relations 

  • Establish and maintain relationships with GS partners, including governments, development partners, private sector, civil society organisations, and academia. This involves regular communication, outreach, and collaboration;
  • Lead the further development and implementation of a fundraising strategy to meet the financial needs of the GS. This will involve engaging with potential donors and partners, leading and overseeing the development of fundraising proposals, and meeting fundraising targets;
  • Oversight of regular reporting to contributors/donors and the public, including setting up and maintaining respective tools and channels.

Representation and engagement in the international Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance policy arena

  • Represent and position the GS in international policy processes, conferences, and events. This involves engaging with policymakers and other relevant stakeholders to promote the GS and drive its objectives.

Requirements

Education

  • MSc, MBA or PhD in a relevant academic discipline, such as economics, social sciences, environmental sciences, geography, or another relevant field.

Experience

  • At least fifteen years of professional work experience with increasing levels of responsibility related to climate risk management, climate policy and insurance in an international setting is required;
  • Strong track record in the leadership and management of projects in a multicultural environment, preferably related to on-the-ground experience with climate change impacts, climate risk management, climate risk solutions (e.g., developing international standards, convening high-level actors and relevant organisations) is required;
  • Work experience in private sector organizations is desire;
  • Strong network in the global community of climate risk management and insurance actors; experience in engaging/ working for with developing country institutions, developing country financial institutions, multilateral development banks as well as private sector is a distinct asset;
  • Demonstrated experience with climate policy at the international and regional level; partner organisations in the Global South and wider network, and practical experiences in managing public-private partnerships is a significant advantage;
  • Excellent track record in securing third-party funding;
  • Proven ability to establish and maintain close relationships with donors;
  • Previous experience with and exposure to the Global Shield is an advantage;
  • Working experience in a non-OECD country is desired; and
  • Experience in building collaborative, innovative partnerships in research-to-action.

Skills & Languages

  • Understanding of critical issues and linkages in sustainable development, international climate change policy, and climate finance;
  • Experience in strategy and governance development;
  • Experience in project implementation in risk financing;
  • Flexibility and willingness to travel regularly, also to non-OECD countries;
  • Ability to write reports and produce briefing materials for high-level officials;
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Google Suite;
  • Strong organisational skills, including the ability to identify clear objectives, prioritise effectively, and use time efficiently;
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills;
  • Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, as well as individually in a multicultural environment;
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines; 
  • Excellent proficiency in English is required; 
  • Other desirable skills: excellent networking, communication skills; initiative, strong conceptual abilities; sound judgment; resilience; excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; excellent team spirit.
Learn more about this position and apply here