SUSTAINABLE TERRITORIAL PLANNING SENIOR ASSOCIATE

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. 

Guided by its Strategy 2030 (2026–2030), GGGI focuses on six key priorities, including climate and green growth policy frameworks, sustainable finance, institutional capacity building, green technologies, thought leadership, and the advancement of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI). Its work is further structured around cross-cutting themes such as adaptive and resilient landscapes, sustainable agri-food systems, and just and inclusive transitions. 

In Colombia, GGGI has supported national and subnational governments for over a decade, contributing to policy development, project structuring, capacity strengthening, and climate finance mobilization. As a trusted partner of the Government of Colombia, GGGI supports the country’s commitments under the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement, promoting climate-smart agriculture, sustainable landscapes, green jobs, and a just transition toward a low-carbon economy.

In 2026, with the support of the Government of Canada, GGGI initiated the implementation of a project in the department of Cesar that seeks to promote the transition from a mining-based economy to one focused on ecosystem-based solutions. This initiative aims to foster the proper use of nature, the adoption of adaptation measures, and the generation of income opportunities, especially for women and youth in the region.

To ensure its proper implementation, GGGI is seeking a professional based in Bogotá to support the development of sustainable territorial planning instruments at both the central and subnational levels (specifically in Cesar). The Senior Associate will coordinate and provide technical inputs to support the integration of climate change adaptation and gender considerations into public policy and local frameworks, primarily through Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA).

POSITION SUMMARY

As part of the Canada-funded project “Gender-Responsive Ecosystem-Based Adaptation”, the Sustainable Territorial Planning Senior Associate will contribute to identify institutional and technical barriers to updating and formulating sustainable territorial planning instruments, integrating climate change adaptation, risk and damage assessment, and early warning systems into public policy and local frameworks. Furthermore, the position will directly accompany subnational processes across the municipalities of Cesar, supporting the EbA and gender-responsive strategies of the Project and broader national adaptation agendas.

The role will provide technical assistance to national and subnational counterparts in the identification,  and implementation of EbA measures and climate-resilient interventions, considering ecosystem services, biodiversity, climate risks, and the socioeconomic characteristics of prioritized rural value chains, and coordinate the collection, organization, analysis, and interpretation of primary and secondary information required for climate-risk, ecosystem, territorial, and value-chain assessments, and contribute to the preparation of technical recommendations and decision-support products.

PURPOSE

The primary objective of this position is to coordinate technical processes and provide inputs to the preparation, implementation, updating and monitoring of sustainable territorial planning instruments at both the central and subnational levels (specifically in the department of Cesar), fostering inclusive and climate-resilient development.

ENGAGEMENT 

Under the supervision of the Sustainable Landscape Officer, the Senior Associate will work closely with key governmental authorities, particularly the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the Governor's Office of Cesar, the mayors of the prioritized municipalities in the department, and the Cesar Regional Autonomous Corporation (CORPOCESAR), as well as local communities, vulnerable populations, especially women and young people, rural producers, and other regional entities. In this regard, the Senior Associate will: 

  • Coordinate with the Sustainable Production Models Associate, the Subnational GESI and Adaptation Associate, and the GESI Senior Associate to identify regional needs and the elements to be included within the planning instruments.

  • Coordinate technical exchanges with counterparts in Cesar to strengthen institutional capacities for climate adaptation planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, supporting alignment among multi-level governance and effective coordination among stakeholders.

  • Provide technical inputs to the Country Program Manager and project managers to support stakeholder mapping, engagement planning, and maintain assigned working-level relationships with relevant government and partner entities with whom GGGI can collaborate in delivering the set targets and scope of work at the national level, particularly Ministries, governmental organizations, and private sector allies relevant to the project´s objectives.

  • Identify implementation bottlenecks, stakeholder risks, and emerging opportunities that may affect project delivery, and provide timely recommendations to the project management team. 

DELIVERY 

  • Coordinate the preparation and review of assigned technical deliverables and project outputs to meet GGGI quality standards, agreed scopes of work, donor requirements, and established timelines.

  • Monitor project progress, resource use, activity schedules, indicators, risks, and evidence, provide timely inputs to internal and donor reporting.

  • Prepare and coordinate technical inputs for implementation of EbA interventions and climate-resilient solutions for prioritized productive landscapes and value chains in Cesar, including drafting and review of technical specifications, methodologies, work plans, and implementation arrangements for review and approval by the supervisor or Project Manager.

  • Coordinate technical inputs to support the identification and prioritization,  of subnational and local plans, programs, projects, and investment initiatives in the Department of Cesar that contribute to climate change adaptation and strengthen the resilience of the municipalities prioritized by the project.

  • Provide technical support for the identification and assessment of territorial governance mechanisms in Cesar and prepare recommendations regarding their selection to improve coordination among public institutions, productive sectors, communities, and other relevant stakeholders, and strengthen territorial capacities for climate change adaptation.

  • Review the alignment of project interventions, territorial initiatives, and governance mechanisms with relevant national climate change adaptation policies, strategies, guidelines, and planning instruments, prepare recommendations to strengthen their articulation with applicable departmental and municipal planning and climate management instruments.

  • Draft and review terms of reference and other technical documentation required for the engagement of firms, consultants, and service providers supporting project activities for approval by the Project Manager.

  • Coordinate day-to-day technical inputs from firms and consultants when assigned, review deliverables against approved terms of reference, and escalate quality, scope, or timeline issues to the supervisor or Project Manager that require contractual or project-management decisions.

  • Contribute with preparation of technical inputs for project results reporting, knowledge products, lessons learned, and internal and external communications, maintaining accurate documentation of technical achievements and supporting evidence.

  • Coordinate technical exchanges, workshops, consultations, field activities, and working sessions with project stakeholders, consolidating agreed technical inputs and documenting agreements, , risks, and follow-up actions. 

REQUIREMENTS 
QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Must be a Colombian citizen or have a valid Work Visa.

  • Bachelor’s degree in  Forest Engineering, Environmental Engineering, , Ecology, Biology or related fields.

  • A postgraduate or Master's degree in Territorial Planning, Environmental Management, Climate Change, or a related field is preferred.

  • At least 4-5 years of relevant professional experience in sustainable territorial planning, land-use planning, climate change adaptation, and risk management, with a strong background in public policy, local institutional frameworks, and coordination with subnational governments (particularly departmental or municipal levels).

  • Proficiency in Spanish and English is mandatory.

  • Certified courses in geospatial analysis tools (QGIS, ArcGIS) or spatial databases are a plus.

  • Strong background in development projects and programs within international cooperation, public sector, or non-governmental organizations; experience working with environmental authorities (such as CARs) or rural development sectors is a plus.

  • Familiarity and understanding of EbA, climate-resilient livelihoods, vulnerability assessments, early warning systems, and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) integration into public policy.

  • Relevant experience in supporting government entities, technical capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and facilitating multi-level governance processes. 

FUNCTIONAL 

  • Ability to deliver high-quality results on time and within budget, with strong planning, prioritization and cost-efficiency skills.

  • Capacity to anticipate risks, recommend mitigation strategies, and adapt to rapidly changing project environments.

  • Strong analytical, coordination and technical support skills, with the ability to provide guidance to partners and tailor approaches to their capacities and needs.

  • Excellent communication skills (oral and written), with the ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences.

  • High attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, and quality control in documentation and reporting.

  • Ability to work under pressure, manage competing demands, and remain constructive in challenging contexts.

  • Solid understanding of sustainable production frameworks, agroecological and climate-smart practices, and ecosystem-based management.

  • Ability to translate technical concepts into actionable recommendations for producers, associations, and government counterparts.

  • Strong teamwork and collaboration skills in multidisciplinary environments.

  • High ethical standards, sensitivity to conflict dynamics and do-no-harm principles.

  • Proactive learning attitude and continuous improvement mindset. 

CORPORATE 

  • Demonstrates commitment to GGGI’s values of integrity, boldness, excellence, inclusiveness and transformational.

  • Promotes the optimum use of public resources. 

  • Promotes an organizational culture of trust, transparency, respect, and partnership.

  • Processes and shares information effectively.

  • Manages emotions and stress positively, builds rapport, and resolves conflict constructively.

  • Promotes creativity and innovation among staff. 

  • Demonstrates the ability to lead where needed and provide solutions to project-level challenges. 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

The Sustainable Territorial Planning Senior Associate is an G7 grade level in GGGI’s Colombia national salary scale. The salary range for the position starts at USD 23,239 per annum, depending on qualifications, experience 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 in achieving a better balance between work and personal/family commitments, thus ensuring high performance, long-term productivity, and well-being.

 
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.
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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.