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 Green Climate Fund (GCF) is the world’s largest climate fund supporting developing countries to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhance their ability to respond to climate change. It was set up by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2010. The GCF has a key role in serving the Paris Agreement by providing climate finance to developing countries. The GCF liaises with individual countries through a nominated national institution known as the National Designated Authority (NDA).

In Ethiopia, the Government nominated the Ministry of Planning and Development (MOPD) to be its NDA. The GCF’ Readiness Program supports country driven initiatives by developing countries to strengthen their institutional capacities, coordination mechanisms, and planning and programming frameworks towards a transformational long-term climate action agenda. The Readiness Program provides grants and technical assistance to National Designated Authorities (NDAs) and/or focal points. Readiness funding can also be deployed to strengthen Direct Access Entities. The objective is to enhance the capacity of national institutions to efficiently engage with GCF. Granted readiness funding assist countries in undertaking adaptation planning and developing strategic frameworks to build their programming with GCF.

In line with this, Ethiopia has obtained a Readiness Support from the GCF with focus on enhancing capacity building, pipeline development to access climate finance, knowledge sharing, strategic framework development including Country Program Framework, Entity work program and No-objection procedure to serve as a reference for end users. Whereas the Entity Work Program (EWP) highlights the pipeline of projects/programs to be implemented by the Ethiopia Ministry of Finance.

The NDA, as part of its mandate, is expected to develop the three strategic documents (Country program framework, Entity Work Plan and No-objection procedure) for Ethiopia. The Country Program and the entity work plan will be the cornerstone of Ethiopia’s pipeline development with the GCF. The process of developing a Programs will be used for prioritizing the most impactful projects or programs to be funded by the GCF. Such projects and programs enable the country to achieve its ambitious, long-term climate change strategies and plans, particularly those contained in Ethiopia’s latest national climate change initiatives and strategies, including LT-LEDS, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). The Programs shall be consistent with the goals of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Programs will also identify approaches whereby the GCF’s financing and risk-taking ability in partnership with its Accredited Entities can mobilize higher amounts of climate investment from a wide range of financial sources across the globe.

OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

This assignment aims to enrich the draft country program framework in alignment with the updated GCF guidebook. Develop no-objection procedure and Entity Work program for the MoF. These frameworks set out the criteria and modalities for prioritizing climate change project needs and intervention.

SCOPE OF SERVICE

The consultant undertakes this assignment in close consultation with the project manager and the NDA, and NIEs. The scope of work requires a thorough examination of existing initiatives, options, criteria and modalities on climate change project selection in the country, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Conduct desk review of relevant documents relating to Climate Change, National Development Plan, Sectoral Strategies etc.
2. Develop Projects/Programs selection prioritization criteria
3. Work with the NDA to develop and to deliver workshop(s) to create sense of ownership from stakeholders on the prioritization producers
4. Update Ethiopia Country Program Document
5. Develop no-objection procedure vi) develop entity work program for the MoF
6. Validate the Country Program Document, No-objection procedure and entity work program and obtain feedback appropriate Government authority

The Consultant shall make the above submissions under the direct supervision of the Project Lead – GCF Readiness Project. The Consultant will provide weekly updates on progress of the assignment.

QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE / EXPERTISE

1) Education

An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in finance, climate change, sustainable development, Business Administration, development economics, statistics, engineering, environmental science, international development, law and policy, or other disciplines related to sustainability, development, environmental management, or green growth.

2) Experience

1. At least 5+ years of operations and a minimum of 3 contracts of similar value, nature and complexity implemented over the past year.
2. At least 5+ years of experience in climate finance and sustainable finance instruments, policies and strategies.
3. Prior experience designing projects and developing concept notes for international organizations and/or MDBs and prior experience in the region.
4. Prior experience working with the NDA and familiarity with GCF’s mission and investment criteria is desirable.
5. Demonstrated experience in the design and development of climate change mitigation and adaptation projects, specifically oriented towards obtaining (international) donor funding.
6. Experience supporting national, regional or international / financing institutions with building capacity to apply international best practice standards to increase access to finance for sustainable development and/or climate change (such as GCF accreditation, ISO Certification, etc.).
7. A good understanding of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and GCF investment criteria is highly desirable.
8. An extensive knowledge on climate investment landscape in Ethiopia.
9. Previous experience in conducting institutional gap analysis is an advantage.