SENIOR OFFICER – PACIFIC NDC IMPLEMENTATION

PURPOSE

The Senior Officer assists countries to develop investment plans and design, develop, write concepts or full proposals for and carry out financial/economic analysis for projects in the NDC sectors which result in emission reductions, possibly resilience and sound economic, environmental and social returns.  S/he is expected to be technically competent in at least one of the sectors featured in the Pacific NDCs or likely to be added into future NDCs (e.g. energy, transport, forestry, agriculture, oceans, adaptation, etc.) and be able to engage the private sector to become project partners, co-developers, investors, etc.;

Tasks include:

• Assess issues and opportunities for investment planning and project pipeline development relating to NDC implementation in various Pacific SIDS
• Following the Hub work plan, formulate projects/activities within the context of the NDC Hub and GGGI Pacific Regional Program;
• Implement specific projects, including budget, project monitoring and reporting
• Develop scalable business models and work on strategies and models to advance the implementation of projects that contribute to NDC/SDG implementation.
• Analyze dynamic contexts and evolving needs & priorities of the Hub countries and integrate them into design and implementation of the Hub/GGGI plans and activities
• Promote partnerships for targeted technical or financial assistance and develop project proposals that align with national development priorities and can be promoted to the donor community.

ENGAGEMENT

The Senior Officer builds support and understanding by working closely with Hub country focal points and further nominated national counterparts for implementation of Hub activities. He/she establishes close relationships with the private sector engaged in economic activities in NDC sectors. He/she focuses on methods, strategies and instruments to develop NDC investment plans, formulate projects (and concepts), develop project pipelines and support countries to scale-up projects. The Senior Officer provides technical advice and guidance to the NDC Hub and the countries and prepares analytical inputs where needed. S/he supports the countries in project origination and preparation. The Senior Officer plays a critical role in building, maintaining, and strengthening partnerships with private sector while working with closely with countries and NDC Hub.

Tasks include:

• Advise the Hub Team Leader and other staff, partner countries and the Pacific Regional Representative with evidence and data driven substantive inputs and analyses
• Collaborate with the other Hub partners and GGGI teams to ensure integrated delivery
• Maintain active professional relations with partner governments and other key stakeholders to capture and integrate their changing needs and manage “client” expectations.
• Promote green growth, the Pacific NDC Hub and GGGI’s work with the donor community and other stakeholders;
• Advise GGGI and the Hub on opportunities for engagement in the national context.
• Ensure support provided by the Hub responds to an identified country need and prioritize in-country activities and capacity building.
• Engage in a socially-inclusive manner, across government, private sector, and civil society.
• Strengthen existing regional initiatives, engagement, and cooperation by NDC Hub partners, NDCP members as well as other stakeholders in the region.
• Promote dialogue and knowledge exchange for NDC implementation, enhancement, and financing across the region and beyond.

DELIVERY

In this role, the Senior Officer shall:

• Conduct analysis (i.e. market intelligence, business requirements, etc.) as required for investment planning and collaborate with countries to understand private sector constraints;
• Conduct analysis as required for the successful development of NDC implementation projects which support countries meet NDC and SDG targets;
• Provide technical advice to the Hub and to countries;
• Collaborate with the HCGs members existing and new initiatives that are relevant for NDCs;
• Initiate, maintain, strengthen relationships with local and international development banks, local and international private sector interested in becoming NDC project developers;
• Strengthen in-country capacity to formulate projects from origination to proposal preparation on an on-demand basis from countries;
• Ensure effective coordination of project activities and resources to ensure attainment of objectives against established timeframes.
• Organize a program activities including policy consultation and validation meetings & workshops, capacity building programs in consultation with the Hub, its partners and GGGI
• Assess country requests for support relating to investment planning and project formulation;
  • Review and/or develop policies; gap analyses; investment plans;
  • Carry out results reporting of Hub program activities and facilitate internal and external communications
  • Capture lessons learned in project management to support refinement/improvement of existing policies and procedures for the Hub and GGGI.

REQUIREMENTS

Brings knowledge and passion to the role: someone who is proactive, dynamic, and able to work together with multiple partners under minimal supervision. The successful candidate is a skillful team member with an ability to interact within and beyond GGGI and the Hub, a thoughtful communicator, a deep thinker, and a diplomatic change agent who understands the dynamics of the climate change sector in the Pacific.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters Degree (or PhD) in Finance, Economics, Business or an area related to the relevant NDC sectors (energy, transport, agriculture, forestry, etc.)
• Minimum 7 years of total experience with significant applied experience in at least one of the main NDC sectors (energy, transport, forestry)
• At least 2 years of experience working in the Pacific
• Demonstrated experience in project formulation, design and development leading to projects attracting public or private financing
• Demonstrated know-how in business case development, financial and/or economic analysis for projects (such as cost-benefit analysis or least cost analysis)
• Demonstrated experience of requirements and procedures of international financing institutions, bilateral donors/organizations or multilateral organizations (such as GCF, GEF, EU, DFAT, ADB, WB, etc.)
• Experience in day-to-day engagement with Government ministries and agencies
• Experience in engaging with private sector in particular and also other stakeholders (academia, NGOs, development partners, etc.)
• Experience in assisting in investment planning, evidence-based decision-making, research and analysis;
• Demonstrated ability to build and strengthen partnerships
• Strong technical advisory, analytical and problem-solving skills relating to investment planning and project formulation
• Experience in organizing policy consultations, validation meetings, workshops and capacity building events at the national and regional level would be an advantage
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communications skills in English are essential as well as excellent team building and interpersonal skills

FUNCTIONAL

• Overall understanding of the concept of climate change mitigation and resilience in the context of small island developing countries
• Experience in project cycle management and formulating partnerships
• Experience applying social and environmental safeguards is an asset
• Existing network with investors /financial institutions is an asset
• Ability to work independently while following agreed work plans and instructions
• Excellent multi-cultural literacy and interest in being a part of an international team working in an evolving and entrepreneurial environment
• Excellent communication (both written and oral) and facilitation skills.
• Problem solver, able to find and implement solutions
• Innovative thinker, able to see opportunities across different sectors/disciplines
• Anticipate and provide necessary technical and content-based support
• Attention to detail
• Willingness and ability to travel

CORPORATE

• Able to thoroughly understand and actively supports GGGI’s mission, vision and values and the Hub’s mission and objectives.
• Able to lead where needed and support the Hub Team Leader and the Pacific Regional Representative to make sound decisions.
• Excellent in knowledge development and knowledge sharing
• Able to handle complex multi-stakeholder relationships and work effectively with other teams of a high degree of cultural/ professional diversity
• Maintains a high degree of professional integrity and stewardship of public resources
• Pro-active and able to effectively communicate, listen to others, and create and promote an environment for team work and open communication
• Promote an organizational culture of trust, transparency, respect and partnership.
• Manage emotions and stress positively, builds rapport and resolves conflict easily.