Green Climate Fund Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group 2027–2030: Call for Nominations for Indigenous Peoples Representatives

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has opened a call for nominations for its Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group (IPAG) for the 2027–2030 term, providing an opportunity for Indigenous Peoples’ representatives to contribute to dialogue, coordination, and engagement between Indigenous Peoples, the Green Climate Fund, and its partners on climate action and climate finance.

For the 2027–2030 term, the GCF is seeking nominations to fill one vacancy in each of four regions: Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Pacific. The nomination process is specifically designed as an Indigenous Peoples-led self-selection process, meaning nominations are expected to come through relevant Indigenous Peoples’ institutions, bodies, organizations, networks, and regional Indigenous Peoples’ caucuses.

The call is particularly relevant to Indigenous Peoples’ organizations and representatives working on climate action, environmental issues, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, sustainable development, climate finance, community development, and related areas.

Nomination deadline: 9 October 2026

About the Green Climate Fund Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group

The Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group (IPAG) was established under the Green Climate Fund’s Indigenous Peoples Policy to strengthen coordination and engagement between Indigenous Peoples and the Green Climate Fund and its partners.

The group provides a mechanism through which Indigenous Peoples’ perspectives can be brought into the GCF’s work. Its membership consists of Indigenous Peoples’ representatives from regions of developing States where the Green Climate Fund may fund activities.

Rather than being an ordinary employment position, IPAG membership is part of the GCF’s broader institutional approach to Indigenous Peoples’ participation and engagement.

The current call follows recommendations arising from the eighth meeting of the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group, after which the GCF Secretariat began the process of filling vacancies for the next 2027–2030 term.

What Is the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group?

The Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group is a mechanism for strengthening interaction between the Green Climate Fund and Indigenous Peoples.

This is particularly significant in the context of climate action because Indigenous Peoples and their communities are frequently closely connected to land, forests, water, biodiversity, natural resources, and ecosystems that are affected by climate change and climate-related interventions.

Through IPAG, Indigenous Peoples’ representatives can participate in a structured advisory mechanism connecting Indigenous Peoples’ perspectives with the GCF and its partners.

The group therefore provides an avenue for Indigenous Peoples’ institutions and representatives to contribute perspectives relevant to climate action, inclusion, environmental sustainability, and the interests and concerns of Indigenous Peoples in developing regions.

Regional Vacancies for the 2027–2030 Term

For the 2027–2030 IPAG term, the Green Climate Fund has identified four regional vacancies.

There is one vacancy in each of the following regions:

1. Africa

Indigenous Peoples’ institutions, bodies, organizations, networks, and regional Indigenous Peoples’ caucuses in Africa may submit nominations for the African regional vacancy.

The nominee should be an Indigenous Peoples’ representative from a developing State where the GCF may fund activities.

2. Eastern Europe and Central Asia

The second vacancy is for the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region.

Relevant Indigenous Peoples’ institutions and organizations in this region may nominate an appropriate Indigenous Peoples’ representative who meets the requirements and considerations established in the IPAG Terms of Reference.

3. Latin America and the Caribbean

The third vacancy covers Latin America and the Caribbean.

Indigenous Peoples’ institutions, organizations, networks, and regional caucuses may participate in the self-selection process by submitting qualified nominations for this regional position.

4. Pacific

The fourth vacancy is for the Pacific region.

Indigenous Peoples’ organizations and institutions from eligible developing States in the Pacific may submit nominations for consideration.

The GCF notes that where no eligible nomination is received from one of these four regions, the Secretariat may consider eligible nominations from underrepresented sub-regions or groups, consistent with advice from the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group.

Who Can Be Nominated?

This opportunity is specifically focused on Indigenous Peoples’ representatives rather than applicants from the general public.

The nominee should be a representative from an Indigenous Peoples’ institution, organization, body, network, or related structure in an eligible developing State where the Green Climate Fund may fund activities.

Importantly, individuals do not simply submit a personal application independently. The nomination must come through an appropriate Indigenous Peoples’ institution, body, or organization.

The nominating organization must also formally confirm that the individual has been nominated or endorsed by the organization’s head or designated focal point.

This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to individuals who already have an established connection with Indigenous Peoples’ organizations or representative structures.

What Experience Should the Nominee Demonstrate?

The nomination must include a statement demonstrating how the nominee satisfies the criteria and factors for IPAG membership contained in the group’s Terms of Reference.

The nomination should also include a short CV or biography highlighting the nominee’s experience and contributions that are relevant to areas such as:

• Indigenous Peoples’ issues
• Climate action
• Environmental issues
• Climate-related development
• Community-level initiatives
• Indigenous Peoples’ participation
• Related areas of relevance to the work of the Green Climate Fund

The GCF specifically requests that the nominee’s relevant experience and contributions be clearly presented.

This means that a generic CV may not be sufficient on its own. The information submitted should help demonstrate the nominee’s connection to Indigenous Peoples’ issues and/or climate action and explain why the person is appropriate for representation on the Advisory Group.

Nomination Must Come From an Indigenous Peoples’ Organization

One of the most important aspects of this call is that it is an organization-led nomination process.

Individuals interested in being considered should therefore first establish whether an eligible Indigenous Peoples’ institution, organization, body, network, or regional caucus is able and willing to formally nominate or endorse them.

The nominating organization is responsible for providing information about itself and the nominee and for confirming that the nomination is formally supported.

The organization must identify the region for which the nomination is being submitted.

Information Required From the Nominating Organization

The Green Climate Fund has specified the information that must accompany each nomination.

1. Information about the nominating organization

The submission should include:

• The name of the Indigenous Peoples’ institution, body, or organization.
• Contact details of the organization.
• The region for which the nomination is being submitted.

This information allows the GCF to establish the institutional source of the nomination and the relevant regional context.

2. Information about the nominee

The submission must provide:

• The nominee’s full name.
• The nominee’s contact details.
• Email address.
• Telephone number.

The nominee’s information should be accurate and current because the nomination process may involve subsequent communication with the individual and the nominating organization.

3. Formal confirmation of nomination or endorsement

The nomination must include confirmation from the head or designated focal point of the nominating Indigenous Peoples’ institution, body, or organization.

This confirmation should establish that the nominee has been formally nominated or endorsed by the organization.

This is an important distinction because the opportunity is not structured as an open individual application.

4. Statement demonstrating eligibility and suitability

The nominating organization must provide a statement demonstrating how the nominee meets the criteria and factors to be considered for IPAG membership as established in the Terms of Reference.

This statement should therefore go beyond simply saying that the person is experienced.

It should connect the nominee’s experience, knowledge, representation, and contributions to the requirements and considerations for IPAG membership.

5. Short CV or biography

The nomination should include a short CV or biography of the nominee.

The GCF specifically asks that this document highlight the individual’s:

• Experience relating to Indigenous Peoples’ issues;
• Contributions to Indigenous Peoples’ communities or organizations;
• Experience in climate action;
• Relevant experience in related areas.

A strong biography should therefore make the nominee’s relevant experience immediately clear rather than focusing primarily on unrelated professional achievements.

6. Additional endorsements

Endorsements from other Indigenous Peoples’ institutions, bodies, or organizations within the respective region are highly encouraged.

Although the GCF does not state that these additional endorsements are mandatory, they can form part of the regional self-selection process and demonstrate broader institutional support for the nominee.

Organizations considering a nomination may therefore wish to explore whether additional Indigenous Peoples’ organizations within their region are willing to provide endorsements.

How the Indigenous Peoples-Led Self-Selection Process Works

The call is based on an Indigenous Peoples-led self-selection process.

This means that the selection mechanism is designed to involve Indigenous Peoples’ institutions and representative structures in identifying nominees for the regional vacancies.

The process is therefore different from a conventional recruitment exercise in which individuals compete for a job by submitting applications directly to an employer.

The GCF is specifically asking relevant Indigenous Peoples’ institutions, bodies, organizations, networks, and regional Indigenous Peoples’ caucuses to submit nominations.

The regional dimension is also important. Each of the four listed regions has one vacancy, and nominations should identify the region for which the nomination is being submitted.

What Do IPAG Members Do?

The detailed IPAG Terms of Reference describe the group’s role and functions, membership arrangements, competencies and factors to be considered, the self-selection process, working arrangements, and provisions relating to revision and termination of the Terms of Reference.

The Terms of Reference therefore provide the principal framework for understanding the responsibilities and expectations associated with IPAG membership.

Potential nominees and nominating organizations should review the Terms of Reference carefully before preparing a submission.

The GCF’s announcement specifically directs prospective nominators to the Terms of Reference when demonstrating how a nominee meets the criteria and factors considered for IPAG membership.

Is IPAG Membership a Paid Position?

No.

IPAG members serve on a voluntary and non-remunerated basis.

This means that the opportunity should not be treated as a salaried employment position or paid consultancy.

However, the GCF indicates that where in-person participation is required, travel-related arrangements may be supported in accordance with applicable GCF policies and procedures.

This distinction is important: the membership itself is voluntary and unpaid, but certain travel-related arrangements associated with required in-person participation may receive support under applicable GCF rules.

How Often Do IPAG Members Meet?

IPAG members can expect to participate in:

• Two in-person meetings each year
• Monthly online meetings
• Additional online meetings where specific activities require them

The frequency of participation means that nominees should be prepared to make a sustained commitment throughout the 2027–2030 term.

The opportunity is therefore not simply an honorary designation. It involves ongoing participation in the group’s work.

Working Language

The working language of the Green Climate Fund is English.

Consequently, nominees should be able to participate in the group’s activities within this working-language environment.

Organizations preparing nominations should take this into account when identifying and supporting nominees.

Duration of the Appointment

The call concerns the 2027–2030 term of the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group.

This means that nominees are being considered for participation in the Advisory Group during this multi-year period rather than for a short-term event or one-time consultation.

The expected meetings and activities described by the GCF indicate that members should be prepared for continued engagement throughout their term.

Important Deadline

The deadline for submitting nominations is:

9 October 2026

Nominations must be sent to:

IPAGnomination@gcfund.org

The Green Climate Fund’s official announcement specifies that nomination submissions must reach this email address no later than 9 October 2026.

Organizations should therefore allow sufficient time to identify the nominee, obtain the required organizational confirmation, prepare the supporting statement, compile the nominee’s CV or biography, and obtain any additional endorsements they wish to include.

How to Prepare a Strong Nomination

Organizations interested in submitting a nomination should carefully organize their materials before sending them.

Step 1: Identify the relevant regional vacancy

First determine whether the nomination relates to:

• Africa;
• Eastern Europe and Central Asia;
• Latin America and the Caribbean; or
• the Pacific.

The nominating organization should clearly identify the region for which the nomination is being submitted.

Step 2: Identify an appropriate Indigenous Peoples’ representative

The nominee should have a clear connection to Indigenous Peoples’ representation and relevant experience.

Organizations should consider the individual’s experience with Indigenous Peoples’ issues, climate action, environmental matters, community engagement, and other areas relevant to the IPAG mandate.

Step 3: Review the IPAG Terms of Reference

Before preparing the nomination statement, the organization should review the official IPAG Terms of Reference.

The Terms of Reference explain the role and functions of IPAG, membership, competencies and factors to be considered, the self-selection process, working arrangements, and other institutional provisions.

This review is particularly important because the GCF requires the nomination to include a statement demonstrating how the nominee meets the relevant criteria and factors.

Step 4: Prepare the nominee’s CV or biography

The CV or biography should focus attention on experience and contributions relevant to:

• Indigenous Peoples;
• climate action;
• environmental issues;
• community development;
• Indigenous representation; and
• related areas.

Relevant achievements should be presented clearly and in a way that demonstrates the nominee’s connection to the purpose of the Advisory Group.

Step 5: Obtain formal organizational endorsement

The organization’s head or designated focal point should formally confirm the nomination or endorsement.

This confirmation should be included in the submission.

Step 6: Consider additional regional endorsements

The GCF highly encourages endorsements from other Indigenous Peoples’ institutions, bodies, or organizations in the relevant region.

Where appropriate, organizations may therefore seek additional endorsements to demonstrate broader regional support.

Step 7: Submit before the deadline

The completed nomination should be sent to IPAGnomination@gcfund.org no later than 9 October 2026.

Organizations should avoid leaving the submission until the final day because obtaining organizational confirmation and additional endorsements may require coordination with multiple people.

Why This Opportunity Is Significant for Indigenous Peoples’ Representatives

The IPAG nomination process provides a structured avenue for Indigenous Peoples’ representatives to participate in engagement with one of the major international institutions working on climate finance.

The Green Climate Fund is focused on mobilizing and delivering climate finance for developing countries, and its work includes climate-related investments and partnerships across developing regions. The Fund currently reports activities across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

The IPAG mechanism specifically recognizes the importance of Indigenous Peoples’ participation in this broader climate-finance context.

For Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, therefore, the nomination process is an opportunity to put forward representatives who can contribute perspectives and experience relating to Indigenous Peoples and climate action.

Who Should Consider This Opportunity?

This call is particularly relevant to:

• Indigenous Peoples’ institutions;
• Indigenous Peoples’ organizations;
• Indigenous Peoples’ representative bodies;
• Indigenous Peoples’ networks;
• regional Indigenous Peoples’ caucuses;
• Indigenous Peoples’ representatives with experience in climate action;
• Indigenous Peoples’ representatives working on environmental issues;
• Indigenous Peoples’ advocates involved in climate and sustainable-development discussions; and
• eligible Indigenous Peoples’ representatives from developing States where the GCF may fund activities.

It is important to emphasize that the call is not a general application opportunity open to anyone interested in climate change.

The nomination must come through a relevant Indigenous Peoples’ institution, body, or organization, and the nominee must be an Indigenous Peoples’ representative from an eligible developing State.

Regional and Geographic Eligibility

The call specifically identifies four regions:

Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Pacific.

The nominee should come from a developing State where the Green Climate Fund may fund activities.

This means that geographic eligibility is tied to both the four regional vacancies and the GCF’s framework concerning developing States where it may finance activities.

The GCF’s announcement provides a link to its countries and regions information for determining the relevant geographic context.

Key Facts at a Glance

Opportunity	Details
Opportunity	Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group (IPAG) 2027–2030
Organization	Green Climate Fund (GCF)
Opportunity type	Indigenous Peoples advisory/governance nomination
Term	2027–2030
Vacancies	Four regional vacancies
Africa	One vacancy
Eastern Europe and Central Asia	One vacancy
Latin America and the Caribbean	One vacancy
Pacific	One vacancy
Nominees	Indigenous Peoples’ representatives
Geographic focus	Developing States where GCF may fund activities
Who submits	Indigenous Peoples’ institutions, bodies and organizations
Selection approach	Indigenous Peoples-led self-selection process
Membership	Voluntary and non-remunerated
Meetings	Two in-person meetings annually and monthly online meetings
Working language	English
Travel	Travel-related arrangements may be supported for required in-person participation under applicable GCF policies
Additional endorsements	Highly encouraged
Deadline	9 October 2026
Submission email	IPAGnomination@gcfund.org

Important Documents to Review

The Green Climate Fund has published two principal documents associated with this call:

1. Main Call for Nominations – provides the details of the 2027–2030 nomination process, regional vacancies, nomination requirements, and submission deadline.
2. IPAG Terms of Reference – provides the framework covering the role and functions of IPAG, membership, competencies and factors to be considered, self-selection, working arrangements, and other provisions.

Potential nominators should review both documents carefully before preparing their submission.

Conclusion

The Green Climate Fund Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group 2027–2030 call for nominations provides an institutional pathway for Indigenous Peoples’ representatives to contribute to engagement between Indigenous Peoples, the Green Climate Fund, and its partners.

The opportunity is particularly distinctive because it is not structured as a conventional job, fellowship, scholarship, or individual application. Instead, it uses an Indigenous Peoples-led nomination and self-selection process, with relevant Indigenous Peoples’ institutions, bodies, organizations, networks, and regional caucuses playing a central role.

Four regional vacancies are available for the upcoming term, covering Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Nominees should be Indigenous Peoples’ representatives from developing States where the GCF may fund activities and should be able to demonstrate relevant experience and contributions, particularly in relation to Indigenous Peoples’ issues, climate action, or related fields.

IPAG members serve on a voluntary, non-remunerated basis, but the role involves ongoing participation, including monthly online meetings and two in-person meetings each year. Travel-related arrangements for required in-person participation may be supported in accordance with applicable GCF policies and procedures.

Organizations intending to nominate a representative should begin the process early, carefully review the IPAG Terms of Reference, prepare the required organizational and nominee information, develop a clear statement addressing the membership criteria, and consider obtaining additional regional endorsements.

The deadline for nominations is 9 October 2026, and submissions should be sent to IPAGnomination@gcfund.org.

For the official announcement and supporting documents, visit the Green Climate Fund’s official call for nominations.

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