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.

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CONTEXT

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 (of the Paris Agreement) which allows for the potential development of international carbon transactions.

The Carbon Pricing Unit (CPU) of GGGI is implementing several programs related to scaling up international carbon trading, now covered by the Paris Agreement Rulebook finalized in Glasgow at COP26. By opening up these markets and the resultant flow of transactions it is envisaged a robust and reliable global price for carbon can be establish, something many areas of the private sector have long called for as a way to motivate the transformational change needed to achieve the ambitious goals of Paris. GGGI’s Article 6 programs provide technical assistance and capacity building to government counterparts to improve their readiness for Article 6 engagement. These programs support the design of projects and policies for pilot transactions and strengthening of institutional frameworks required for their implementation.

One such program, the Mobilizing Article 6 Trading Structures (MATS) Program, funded by the Swedish Energy Agency (SEA) supports countries to prepare for and pilot transactions under the cooperative approaches offered by Article 6. A multi-country program, it is currently active in Nepal, has worked in Cambodia and is shortly to add further countries.

In October 2022 the governing body of GGGI (the Council) approved a proposal to establish the Carbon Transaction Facility (previously referred to as the Carbon Transaction Platform). The aim of this facility, a collection of single and multi-donor trust funds, is to have a single point of funding for potential ‘seller’ countries under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to access Readiness funding to help them prepare for participation in international cooperative approaches; as well as creating a fair and equal access to the potential buyers. This will be done initially through capacity building, knowledge sharing and transaction support. Further to the readiness these sellers will be able to access multiple potential buyers, select partners with whom they feel they have compatible trading terms to then agree a transaction to sell Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs). For buyers, the facility allows a pooling of readiness funding maximizing their funding to access opportunities to purchase ITMOs. In addition, the Carbon Trust Funds enable buyers to purchase such ITMOs under specific terms they may nationally require as well as receive ongoing support for transactions based in GGGI countries in terms of monitoring and reporting oversight.

The Carbon Transaction Facility (CTF) is currently going through fund raising and set up phase and expects to be fully operational in Q1 or Q2 2024. At this time most of the current CPU programs are expected to fold into the CTF.

POSITION SUMMARY

GGGI is seeking a deputy head of unit to lead the MATS Program and further take a leading role in the development and management of the Carbon Transaction Facility (CTF). Further, s/he will take a key role as the HQ based immediate intermediary between CPU team and senior management in Seoul.

As a senior level Program Manager s/he will lead and direct the overall management of the MATS Program, in addition to contributing expertise to further country led carbon programs. S/he will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of program implementation by GGGI including the monitoring and reporting of delivery progress. This will include developing a strong and trusted working relationship with the relevant donors and stakeholders. S/he will provide technical and strategic guidance internally as well as externally to ensure timely delivery of program outputs across multiple countries, including the MATS implementation countries, with the support of country-based project staff.

As a Principal of CPU s/he will support the Head of Unit in design and management of the emerging Carbon Transaction Facility. Design of project cycles, program/portfolio management, governance and suitable reporting tools / mechanisms will be the initial requirements. Once operational this will develop into ongoing oversight of operational day-to-day activities related to the CTF including readiness implementation, budget management and program cycle/approval processes.

As deputy head of CPU s/he will be the first contact point for liaison with Seoul based business units including management team, Partnerships, Strategy and technical expert staff within Green Investment Services (GIS) and Climate Action and Inclusive Development (CAID unit). Thus s/he will need to coordinate closely between the head of the unit and these groups – providing clear guidance and support where necessary.

The ideal candidate will have a deep knowledge of processes and requirements under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and have experience in design and management of multi-country programs and multi-project portfolios.

PURPOSE

The Deputy Head of CPU will be part of the Carbon Pricing Unit (CPU) team, ensuring synergy and alignment of program activities and overseeing effective and efficient planning, delivery and reporting of program outputs. This will include designing new and/or adapting current program management cycles to ensure efficient and effective coordination between programs and activities across the unit. S/he is also responsible for operational aspects of programs including effective management of internal and external resources, consultants, and partners, and for providing oversight to financial and administrative processes, ensuring compliance with donor agreement and GGGI regulations. S/he will also need to communicate and coordinate the cross pollination of ideas and knowledge between programs under their management including MATS, CTF and other programs being implemented by the Carbon Pricing Unit.

As a member of the program managers group of CPU, s/he is expected to take the lead role in helping to expand the unit and the Carbon Transaction Facility both through outreach and visibility activities such as creating partnerships as well as leading resource mobilizing proposals, both independently and with country teams. The aim of these activities is to expand the experiences and reach of the unit’s knowledge in carbon markets which will benefit all programs within it. S/he will be expected to teach and mentor junior members of the unit in order to support their growth and knowledge in carbon and program management.

ENGAGEMENT

The CPU Lead shall report to the Head of the Carbon Pricing Unit, building effective networks with the other program managers in CPU, country teams, donors, and partner organizations to sustain relationships and build frameworks for expanded collaboration. As the deputy head of CPU and program lead for MATS and CTF, s/he is expected to lead or direct stakeholder engagement by collaborating with the government agencies, development partners, NGOs and relevant private sector players to ensure effective delivery of the program outputs. S/he will advise management about opportunities, risks, and new technologies to improve design and effectiveness of the program. In addition, the CPU Deputy Head will ensure that experiences and best practices are documented and shared across the organization, to enable effective collaboration and alignment with other business units.

DELIVERY

The Deputy Head of CPU is expected to organize work outputs to support optimal delivery through designing and/or adapting procedures and his/her responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Design, develop and manage overall program workplans and budgets for the MATS Program
• Complete the design and operationalization of the Article 6 Readiness Facility under the CTF.
• Deliver high quality program outputs on time and within budget and build credible program reputation.
• Manage a range of stakeholders, particularly donors, to maintain and enhance GGGI’s position as a trusted delivery partner.
• Design guidelines, templates, methods, and processes for country programs reports.
• Oversee program teams to ensure accurate and timely reporting of program status, aligning to donor requirements and priorities across all programs managed.
• Coordinate activities in each country and across different Work Packages.
• Manage quality of outputs generated by GGGI internal focal points, and external resources.
• Ensure outputs delivered conform to CPU &GGGI outputs format.
• Analyze program risks and design/develop mitigation plans.
• Lead communication/outreach efforts aligned with the whole program priorities.
• Identify and pursue potential further funding streams to assist delivery of program and unit outcomes.
• Actively participate and lead initiatives to raise the profile of CPU both internally and externally.
• Contribute to further activities related to GGGI’s Carbon Pricing work.

REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s or doctoral degree relevant to climate action, carbon markets, and/or environmental policies design.
• Minimum 11-15 years of experience in international and country-level work experience.
• Proven track record in project management, including planning, reporting and financial management.
• Strong experience in multi-county coordination and management.
• Experience in fund / portfolio management including project cycle design including risk management.
• Deep knowledge of carbon markets, and international carbon pricing/trading, particularly under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
• Well established networks among key individuals and organizations related to carbon pricing, capacity building and mitigation project origination.
• Sound managerial skills with proven capacity to recruit, manage and motivate project team members. in complex, highly decentralized and matrixed organizational settings.
• Experience in GHG Accounting an advantage.

FUNCTIONAL

• Understanding of carbon markets, differing market constructs such as domestic trading schemes and international carbon trading as governed by Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, as well as the potential use of voluntary standards.
• Understanding of international climate policy negotiations and related agreements (Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, CORSIA) and related concepts (additionality, environmental integrity, carbon budgets) and how these relate to Nationally Determined Contributions to ensure environmental integrity.
• Strong knowledge on co-benefits estimation and the establishment of social and environmental safeguards.
• Ability to initiate, review, synthesize information and produce high quality written reports (in English).
• Independent, with ability to establish priorities in a time-sensitive environment and meet deadlines with strong attention to detail.
• Convincing written and oral communication and presentation skills in English, to prepare material for the governments both in written format and in person.
• Solid skills using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• An excellent command of spoken and written English. Knowledge of Spanish/French or other relevant languages is an asset.
• Calm, diplomatic, positive, able to effectively work under pressure in a challenging context with a diverse and dispersed set of stakeholders.

CORPORATE

• Project management: Proven ability to independently design, plan and complete projects that deliver quality outcomes in a timely and inclusive manner.
• Proactive nature: Demonstratable ability to produce initial guiding material to lead a project and share knowledge.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver products or presentations that are concise, easy to understand and influential.
• Innovative: Ability to apply knowledge and experience in new contexts and environments.
• Influencing change: Track record of engaging effectively to secure buy in, underpinned by strong listening, trust building, influencing, facilitation and negotiation skills.
• Team player: Capacity to be selfless team member, to operate across organizational boundaries, and maintain a resilient, positive, and results-focused mindset in a dynamic environment.
• Promotes an organizational culture of trust, transparency, respect, and partnership.

WORKING ARRENGEMENTS

The position is an X11, international grade level in GGGI’s salary scale. For an X11 International grade, the base salary starts from USD 112,176. 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. In addition, GGGI provides ex-pat benefits such as ex-pat allowance – equivalent to 20% of the base salary, educational allowance, and other benefits (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.