Consultant: Identify Impactful Pipeline of Climate Change Projects

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.

Project background
To guide a shift towards sustainable recovery across the African continent, the African Union (AU) developed the Green Recovery Action Plan (GRAP 2021-2027) which provides a framework for sustainable economic recovery from the pandemic. Development of the AU-GRAP took into consideration the African Union Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) which encompasses matters concerning economic empowerment, particularly ensuring that women’s voices are amplified, and their concerns are fully addressed through effective implementation of legislation and proper financing of gender equality work. This process also considered other regional protocols to ensure alignment with AU member states’ commitments.

The AU Transformative Climate Finance program, which is part of the AU-GRAP, specifically focuses on Five (5) key thematic areas: Climate Finance, Clean Energy, Nature Based Solutions, Sustainable Agriculture and Green and Resilient Cities with a focus on Water. In collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), the Global Green Growth Initiative (GGGI) will take a gender-responsive approach to help operationalize the GRAP through the ‘Transformative Climate Finance Program of The AU GRAP aimed at operationalizing the implementation of the AU-GRAP.

For effective and successful delivery of the AU TCFP and increase the flow of climate finance in the African member states, there is a need to develop a comprehensive pipeline of climate change projects from all relevant partners in Ethiopia. Additionally, address the comments of GCF secretariate on the Country Programme and GCF handbook of Ethiopia.

Objectives of the assignment
Ethiopia faces significant challenges posed by climate change, including increased droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events, it is imperative to assess our current strategies and initiatives aimed at mitigating and adapting to these challenges. The Ministry of Planning and Development, has mandated to coordinate and follow up environment and climate actions. The Ministry of Planning and Development (MoPD) is NDA for GCF, AF, GEF and others. 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.

Developing those projects 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 projects shall be consistent with the goals of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Assignment Objective
The objective of this assignment is twofold:

To collect, assess, and compile all climate change-related project ideas, concept notes, and funding proposals from selected line ministries, departments, ensuring their alignment and prioritization based on national development goals.
To enhance the quality of the draft GCF Country Program and GCF Guidebook by addressing comments from the GCF Secretariat and refining both documents to meet international standards.

Scope of Work
Under the guidance of the AU-GRAP team and in close coordination with the National Designated Authority (NDA) and National Implementing Entities (NIEs), the Consultant will undertake the following tasks:

i. Collect and assess all climate change-related project ideas, CNs, FPs, and pipeline initiatives from the selected line ministries, departments,
ii. Develop and apply prioritization criteria based on national development goals and sectoral strategies.
iii. Coordinate the consolidation and validation of project inputs across the line ministries and departments
iv. Conduct a desk review of key national documents, including climate change strategies, the National Development Plan, and relevant sectoral frameworks.
v. Develop a robust framework for prioritizing projects and programs for climate projects/programs.
vi. Review and revise the draft GCF Country Program and Guidebook by incorporating and addressing feedback from the GCF Secretariat to improve overall quality and alignment with GCF expectations.

Deliverables and Payment schedule
The expected deliverables of the Consultant are as follows:

Pipeline of projects: A strategic pipeline of climate change projects aligned with national objectives, which will tackle urgent climate issues while advancing broader sustainable development goals.
Investment Briefs: As part of this delivery, detailed investment briefs will be prepared for the prioritized strategic (06-07) projects identified within the with pipeline. Each investment brief will provide a comprehensive overview of the project, including its objectives, expected outcomes, financial requirements, and potential returns on investment.
Presentation: Prepare a presentation that will be developed to effectively communicate the pipeline projects, and investment opportunities to relevant stakeholders and decision-makers.
GCF validation on Country Program and Guidebook: GCF validated Ethiopia Country program and GCF Guidebook.

All reports and outputs must be in English, in accordance with GGGI’s formatting requirements, and submitted in hard copy and electronic formats along with complete sets of raw data, research materials, and interview notes. 

Expertise required
QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s Degree or equivalent in Finance, Strategy, Economics, Environment Studies, International Development/Affairs, Public Policy, Urban Management/ Planning.
A total of 8 to 15 years of relevant professional experience, including:
(a) reviewing projects within integrated and multi-sectoral contexts;
(b) coordinating and implementing adaptation and livelihoods projects in Ethiopia;
(c) reviewing and evaluating agricultural development projects in Ethiopia;
(d) compiling GDP estimates for key sectors such as investment, urban development, construction, agriculture (crops and livestock), forestry, water, and energy;
(e) working with climate finance and sustainable finance instruments, including policy and strategy development.
Demonstrated experience in project design and concept note development for international organizations, with relevant experience in the region.
Strong background in designing and developing climate change mitigation and adaptation projects aimed at securing international donor funding.
Experience supporting national, regional, or international financing institutions in building capacity to apply international best practices for increased access to climate and sustainable finance.
In-depth knowledge of the climate investment landscape in Ethiopia and speak Amharic and English fluently

FUNCTIONAL
Experience in climate finance, strategy development, policy formulation, capacity building and multi-stakeholder engagement
A strong track record in undertaking research, analyzing country trends, and drawing lessons learned
A solid understanding of climate finance at the international level
Well-grounded in matters of public services delivery from a public and private sector perspective with an understanding of Ethiopian Government policy and strategy formulation/implementation mechanisms at national and sub-national levels within a multi-sectoral context.
Highly developed technical and strategic knowledge of planning, policy and strategy, infrastructure services, alternative financing, institutional reforms, and governance.
Excellent understanding and experience in institutional capacity support.
Demonstrated understanding of principles of green climate financing
Experience in participating in the development/preparation of pipeline projects.

CORPORATE
Excellent ability to leverage diversity as an asset in collaboration across divisions and in multi-disciplinary and culturally diverse teams.
Strong commitment to GGGIs organizational values, and excellent ability to advocate organizational values and accountability within and outside the organization.
Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements.
Demonstrated ability to think critically and synthetically across fields and topics.
Open to change and flexible in a fast-paced environment.
Always pursues continuous improvements.
Demonstrated commitment to GGGI’s core values
Demonstrated ability to work in team environments and cultivate productive partnerships across a diversity of stakeholders to achieve organizational goals.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to read, analyze and interpret government, multilateral and organization rules and regulations.
Excellent oral and written communication skills including ability to summarize the GCF program rules and give constructive feedback.
Excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with all levels of staff and partners from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Capability to develop and implement effective strategies and tactics for accomplishing assigned duties.
Strong ability to work independently and/or remotely, while maintaining productivity.

Administrative information
The followings may be included in this section:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Proposed one‑page work plan, indicating applicant’s understanding of the TOR; approach to the assignment; the indicative timeline to achieve deliverables.
Presentation
The following text should be added for all TORs.

Date to close is Korean Standard Time (KST). Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered Application. Cover Letter, and CV must be sent in English. A consortium, or a firm may not be engaged for the individual consultant assignment.