Senior Associate, Finance and Operations - SPAR6C Program

Please note that the deadline is based on Korean Standard Time Zone (KST, UTC+9)

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. 

The Paris Agreement provides a comprehensive framework for signatory Parties to reach an ambitious commitment to limit the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C, and to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C in a cooperative manner. This framework covers a number of instruments including cooperative approaches under Article 6 which allow signatory countries (and private sector entities authorized by these countries) to engage in international carbon transactions. The Carbon Finance Department (CFD) of GGGI is a global leader in Article 6 international carbon trading technical assistance, implementing several programs since 2019.

The Supporting Preparedness for Article 6 Cooperation (SPAR6C) Program, funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German government, is a five year, 20 million Euro technical assistance program. Its objective is to use Article 6 to engage the private sector in NDC implementation and to raise ambition. This will enable cost-efficient, flexible, high-integrity carbon markets with positive sustainability impacts. Transformative design of A6 pilots for real transactions of internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs) will be enabled by research-based capacity building in four partner countries: Colombia, Pakistan, Thailand and Zambia.

SPAR6C is implemented through a consortium led by GGGI and consisting of UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC), Carbon Limits AS, GFA Consulting Group GmbH, and Kommunalkredit Public Consulting GmbH (KPC).

POSITION SUMMARY

GGGI is seeking a Senior Associate Finance and Operations to support the SPAR6C Project Manager and the wider team in successful implementation of the program across its four countries (Colombia, Pakistan, Thailand, Zambia) and global activities. S/he will be part of the Carbon Finance Department (CFD) in Seoul HQ and will report directly to the SPAR6C Project Manager.

The position focuses on the administration of the SPAR6C program budget (financial planning and controlling) and on operational aspects, including the coordination of procurements and management of related contracts as well as of GGGI’s agreements with the SPAR6C consortium partners and IKI.

The role requires close collaboration with other GGGI units (Procurement, Financs, HR) and members of GGGI’s Carbon Finance Department (CFD) as well as with numerous external stakeholders, most notably members of the SPAR6C consortium.

PURPOSE 

Provide financial and operational coordination to ensure SPAR6C is delivered in compliance with donor requirements and GGGI procedures. Administrate the program budget, ensuring sound financial controlling and alignment of expenditures with approved workplans and compliance with the grant agreement and IKI rules. Ensure program resources are effectively planned, monitored, and aligned with approved workplans to enable smooth and timely delivery of program activities in line with operational requirements. This includes planning and initiation of procurements of services that are outsourced by SPAR6C to external firms and individual consultants, in close coordination with SPAR6C consortium partners and the Project Manager. 

ENGAGEMENT

• Report to the Project Manager on SPAR6C finances and operations; Identify issues and risks that will affect consistent program and delivery
• Coordinate with SPAR6C country teams, consortium partners as well as with external firms and individual consultants contracted under SPAR6C to ensure timely execution of financial and operational activities and to keep up-to-date and accurate records of the project’s financial position.
• Collaborate with various internal units of GGGI (Finances, Procurement, HR) and with members of GGGI’s CFD, most notably the CFD Operations Team to ensure adherence to institutional processes and identify issues affecting program delivery.

DELIVERY

• Conduct ongoing budget monitoring and forecasting and prepare reports on the project’s expenditure as needed
• Lead the preparation of (bi-)annual budget revisions
• Prepare annual financial reports and grant disbursement requests to IKI

• Compile and keep up-to-date a procurement plan and initiate procurement processes accordingly
• Prepare for and support the financial and administrative closure at the end of the program term

• Manage outsourcing contracts as well as GGGI’s agreements with consortium partners and IKI, including the respective invoicing processes
• Support logistics occasionally required under SPAR6C, including events and travel

REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree or equivalent in business administration, finance, accounting, human resources, or other related field of study required
• Preferably 3 years of program experience in the development sector
• Certifications in procurement, project management, human resources management, database management, information technology systems, knowledge management/communications, is an advantage
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of professional work experience relevant to this position
• Experience playing a key role in the financial administration of a large project preferred
• Experience working for an IKI-funded project a strong advantage
• Experience working with an international organization preferred
• Excellent written and spoken English

FUNCTIONAL

• Demonstrated experience in procurement, project or contract management, and human resources management
• Demonstrates strong organizational skills, time management, multi-tasking
• Practical experience with MS Office, particularly Excel

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 SPAR6C Senior Associate Finances and Operations is a X7, Korean national grade level in GGGI’s salary scale. For an X7 national grade, the base salary starts from USD 58,452. Determination of base salary is subject to candidate’s experience, academic background, and internal equity. Terms and conditions are to be reviewed in a case-by-case situation.
• 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. 

• 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. 

• The chosen candidate is expected to be based in GGGI’s Seoul headquarters and will report directly to the SPAR6C Program Manager.