HQ: Consultant on Nature-Based Solutions
The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), based in Seoul is an intergovernmental organization founded to support and promote a model of economic growth known as "green growth", which targets key aspects of economic performance such as poverty reduction, job creation, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. GGGI works with countries around the world, building their capacity and working collaboratively on green growth policies that can impact the lives of millions. The organization partners with countries, multilateral institutions, government bodies, and private sector to help build economies that grow strongly and are more efficient and sustainable in the use of natural resources, less carbon intensive, and more resilient to climate change.
GGGI has a diverse portfolio of programs in developing countries around the world. These in-country programs, together with global products and services, focus on delivering results through an integrated approach of evidence-based green growth planning and implementation aligned to countries’ development priorities. The organization also focuses on knowledge development and management activities that build a strong theoretical and empirical basis for green growth, while providing concrete options and guidance for policymakers; as well as building the conditions for public and private green infrastructure investments.
BACKGROUND
GGGI is in the process of expanding its adaptation and resilience portfolio and is increasing its support to its members, in particular to rapidly developing lower and middle-income nations. In this context, the organization has received a grant from the Korea International Development Agency (KOICA) to support the development of GCF project pipelines in both Indonesia and Ethiopia, with the thematic focus of these projects focused firmly on climate change resilient and nature-based infrastructure for rapidly developing urban areas. Conceptual level hypotheses for both country concept notes have already been identified with Nature Based Solutions seen as the primary strategic approach for both contexts but taking quite different entry-points.
The person hired under this project will support the undertaking of studies for both countries, one that will focus on the prefeasibility of urban forestry interventions in Ethiopia, and the other that will support the development of a water resilient “Sponge City” concept for cities in Borneo, Indonesia. The consultant will also support the anchoring of this work within GGGI’s adaptation and resilience Community of Practice (CoP), thereby supporting the development of tools that will consolidate and enhance the organization’s capacity in the area overall.
- Project: Pre-feasibility Studies for the Application of Nature Based Solutions for Cities in Indonesia and Ethiopia
- Category: Specialist/Advisor Level 4 or 5 depending on candidate's crendentials
- Duty Station: GGGI Headquarters, Seoul, South Korea (preferred). Remote or Hybrid considered.
- Total fees: up to USD 68,000 depending on candidate's credentials
SCOPE OF WORK
The Urban Nature Based Solutions consultant will work on the following tasks:
1. Analyse the Enabling Environments and Potential for Innovation in Urban Resiliency Financing for NBS in Cities in Indonesia and Ethiopia.
- Work with GGGI HQ and country teams of Indonesia and Ethiopia in order to develop a report for each country on the opportunities for land based, blended financing tools in support of urban resiliency. This report will contribute to the rationale for the GCF concept notes being developed for Ethiopia and Indonesia and will be co-developed with GGGI staff and the firm procured to lead the studies in each country.
2. Co-Lead the elaboration of urban nature-based solutions (NBS) project components in Indonesia and Ethiopia, together with GGGI Staff and the private sector company selected to conduct the study.
- In conjunction with GGGI staff, establish criteria for the selection of cities. Validate project and city selection with host government counterparts.
- Support GGGI HQ and country teams of Indonesia and Ethiopia to develop analyses (focusing on spatial, quantitative and qualitative entrypoints) that support the rationale for water resilient project development in Indonesia and for urban forestry projects in Ethiopian cities.
- Work with GGGI’s adaptation and resilience team to support the definition of project outcomes and outputs for final GCF concept notes. Monitor and guide PFS analysis development (supporting quality control and technical guidance) and to ensure that project outcomes under development are in line with GCF impact areas.
- Be responsible for the design and drafting of nature-based project components (with inputs from the consulting firm)
3. Support the design of project elaboration and public engagement processes. Co-lead the undertaking of the public co-design process.
- Based on preexisting methodologies, work with GGGI Staff and the contracted firm to determine a simple methodology for participatory resilience project design, to support the development of a project pipeline for urban resilience and NBS projects in these countries.
- Deploy the project development tool/methodology together with project staff in order to identify community based/responsive nature-based project approaches and design elements. In Indonesia this will focus on enabling tools for water resilient infrastructure; in Ethiopia it will focus on urban forestry/greening infrastructure.
- Be responsible for the creation of a stakeholder engagement plan for both proposals.
4. Support the elaboration of a financing tool for nature based urban resiliency investments in Indonesia and Ethiopia.
- Work with GGGI staff and the contracted firm to design a high-level approach to a blended financing mechansim that can support the financial viability of the nature based urban investments in Indonesia.
- Provide backstopping support to GGGI staff and the private firm in Ethiopia in the design of the financial viability for the project concepts identified for concept note preparation.
- Be responsible for the final concept notes delivery at the end of the contract.
5. Co-author GCF Concept Notes.
- Draft and provide support to GGGI staff in the composition of 2-3 final GCF concept notes based on the studies.
- Participate and prepare content for project development discussions and reporting meetings with the donor.
All reports must be in English (United States usage), prepared in accordance with GGGI's formatting requirements, and submitted in electronic format along with complete sets of raw data, research materials, and related information.
If the consultant is required by GGGI to travel on official business to a location other than the consultant's duty station, such travel will be at the expense of GGGI in accordance with GGGI's travel policy and guidelines.
QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE / EXPERTISE
- Advanced degree (Masters) in a relevant field, such as Environmental Studies, Forestry, Water Management, Engineering, Urban Planning, Urban Design, Sustainable Development or Finance.
- Exceptional analytical skills, alongside strong synthesis and strategic thinking ability.
- Skills in spatial design and an ability to work across multiple design scales (preferred).
- Good knowledge of sustainable infrastructure financing practices particularly in the areas of energy, municipal waste management, sanitation, transport or infrastructure.
- Experience designing bankable projects for donors.
- Demonstrated experience in Resilient Cities Project Development
- 8-10 years of experience working on nature-based resilience or adaptation approaches, preferably as applied to urban areas.
- Experience working on project design methods and on the alignment of adaptation projects with investment and bankability concerns.
- Experience with the investment criteria of the Green Climate Fund (preferred)
- Project delivery experience, including managing the delivery of results on time and on budget.
- Demonstrated experience in organizing and leading workshops, trainings and consultation meetings with stakeholders.
- Ability to apply sufficient analytical and technical skills to acquire relevant information/knowledge from a variety of sources which are often difficult to access, in support of delivery of a good quality outputs.
- Proven experience in establishing and maintaining working relations with government officials and the private sector.
- Demonstrated experience and success in the engagement of, and working with both the public and private sector.
- Excellent written and spoken communications skills in English.
Documents to be submitted (Online application)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
- Proposed one-page work plan, indicating applicant's understanding of the TOR; approach for the completion of the assignment
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.