PROJECT ASSOCIATE, Fiji

INTRODUCTION TO GGGI

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. To learn more please visit about GGGI web page. 

GGGI is an implementing partner for several regional programs in the Pacific, as well as country targeted interventions, across a variety of sectors and programmatic solutions ranging from capacity building, technical support for climate action to national and subnational /policy development and strategic planning. These regional and national initiatives reflect a growing portfolio of partnerships.  Some of the key regional programs are: the Regional Pacific NDC Hub, which was established as a response to calls from Pacific leaders to have a regional facility to support countries to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement; the Low Emissions Climate Resilient Development (LECRD I & II) programs, with a focus on policies, standards and regulations that enable green growth and climate finance and the Climate Finance Access Network (CFAN) for green and climate finance.

With financial support from KOICA, Canada, Qatar, Germany, Australia, the UK, Luxemburg, and New Zealand governments, the EU, as well as through UN Environment Program (UNEP), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and others, GGGI delivers technical support through these programs for Fiji and other Pacific Island Countries (PICs), with a growing network of local partners in government and other sectors, which are essential for a successful delivery.

Fiji, as a Small Island Developing State, faces significant challenges in achieving sustainable energy access, particularly in rural and remote areas. To address these challenges and enhance resilience against climate change impacts, GGGI plans to implement a project to build the capacity of rural communities to adopt renewable energy. This project supports the Fiji Rural Electrification Fund (FREF) by equipping local stakeholders with the skills and knowledge to implement and manage renewable energy systems effectively.

The project will focus on enhancing technical expertise to empower communities and strengthen their capacities to promote sustainable and inclusive rural electrification. By fostering the adoption of innovative renewable energy solutions, the program aims to ensure to build knowledge on maintenance for reliable electricity for underserved communities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and align Fiji’s energy sector with its climate resilience and sustainable development goals.

 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Project Associate will play a key role in supporting the implementation of renewable energy capacity-building programs under a KOICA-funded initiative and the Fiji Rural Electrification Fund (FREF), alongside broader climate resilience and adaptation efforts. This position will assist in coordinating training programs, managing stakeholder engagement, and supporting the design, delivery, and monitoring of renewable energy systems and community-based initiatives that align with Fiji’s green growth and rural electrification goals.

The Project Associate will also provide support in hiring and managing consultants, coordinating capacity-building activities, and ensuring the quality of outputs related to renewable energy training, community empowerment, and institutional strengthening. Additionally, the role involves maintaining effective reporting and communication to meet GGGI corporate standards and supporting collaboration between GGGI, KOICA, and the Department of Energy to achieve timely and impactful project outcomes. Reporting to the Senior Energy Officer based in Suva, the Project Associate will work closely with the Fiji Department of Energy, other national stakeholders, and the broader GGGI Pacific team.

 

PURPOSE

For the KOICA Renewable Energy Capacity Building Project

• Assist in coordinating and supporting operational tasks related to hiring consultants and managing external contractors for renewable energy capacity-building activities under the program.
• Support technical reporting and monitoring, ensuring alignment with GGGI's systems, standards, and project objectives for effective implementation.

For the Fiji Rural Electrification Fund (FREF)

• Assist in organizing and coordinating stakeholder consultations and training sessions focused on renewable energy technologies, with the goal of strengthening local capacity for energy system design, installation, and management.
• Support the development and delivery of renewable energy solutions in rural and remote communities, ensuring alignment with Fiji's national electrification and climate resilience goals.
• Collaborate with the GGGI team, KOICA, and the Department of Energy to support timely progress and delivery of successful outcomes for rural electrification projects.

For the Project Reporting and Financial Management

• Assist in tracking the progress of renewable energy initiatives, ensuring high-quality reporting and communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Track and manage financial budgeting and expenditures in line with the grant agreement, ensuring proper utilization of funds for renewable energy initiatives.
• Ensure adherence to GGGI’s financial management systems, and grant agreement.

 

ENGAGEMENT

• Advise the team on the procedures, policies, and tools of all operational transactions for project/output delivery
• Identify issues and risks that will affect consistent program and delivery and report to the Senior Energy Officer
• Identify issues from across project activities and workstreams and advise project staff on remedial measures in order to maintain integrity of delivery.
• Communicate program needs to service providers/suppliers and ensure that services/products are delivered in line with established agreements.

 

DELIVERY

• Develop and manage detailed budget execution plans and schedules in line with yearly work programs and budget lines.
• Develop and monitor procurement plans and requisition procedures in line with yearly work programs and budget lines.
• Support the development of project hiring plan.
• Place initial screening and controls on project spending, procurement requests and contract issuance.
• Verify data and ensure data entry and document consistency from spending and expenses of specific project/output management.
• Maintain program filing system and safeguard standards of reporting/documentary quality to support reporting to donors and program stakeholders.
• Consolidate financial documentation for the project and ensure accuracy of project financial reporting.
• Coordinate logistical arrangements for all project related events including consultations and validation meetings and workshops, capacity building activities. 

REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in management & public administration, project management, finance, sustainable development or other related field.
• Preferably 3 years of project experience in the development sector in Fiji.
• Good working knowledge of Fiji Government and institutions.
• Certifications in financial management, project management, human resources management, procurement, database management, information technology systems, knowledge management/communications welcome.
• Minimum 3 years of professional work experience relevant to this position,
• Experience working with an international or regional organization will be an advantage.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Fiji Nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

FUNCTIONAL

• Demonstrates strong organizational skills, time management, multi-tasking.
• Proficiency in budgeting, and expense tracking, with a strong understanding of donor-funded project regulations and reporting standards.
• Experience in procurement planning, vendor sourcing, and contract issuance, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and funding requirements.
• Proficiency in maintaining program filing systems, verifying data consistency, and organizing events such as workshops and trainings.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in project documentation, financial tracking, and reporting.

 

CORPORATE

• Demonstrates a high level of integrity in handling privileged information and in stewardship of public resources.
• Demonstrates ability to take on significant responsibilities in the workplace.
• Demonstrates initiative in problem-solving.
• Values the importance of promoting environmental sustainability within the workplace and green growth within society as a whole.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

The PROJECT ASSOCIATE is an X6 national grade level in GGGI's salary scale. Determination of base salary is subject to candidate's experience, academic background, and internal equity. GGGI provides 15% of base salary towards retirement plan/long-term savings, 27 days of annual leave, and private health insurance that covers dental and vision.

GGGI is committed to providing a work environment that is sufficiently flexible to accommodate diverse life-cycle challenges and assist Staff members to achieve a better balance between work and personal/family commitments, thus ensuring high performance, long-term productivity, and well-being of Staff members.

Appointment of this position is subject to GGGI securing funding.

 

 

Child protection – GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGI’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.