INTRODUCTION
The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is an intergovernmental organization established in 2012 to advocate, facilitate and help countries transition to green economic growth that targets a reduction of greenhouse gases and incorporates key aspects of economic performance such a poverty reduction, job creation, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. GGGI currently works with 27 member countries around the world. The organization partners with countries, international and national organizations, and government entities working across the sphere of public and private sectors to help transform economies towards efficient and sustainable use of natural resources which is less carbon intensive and more resilient to climate change. GGGI supports member countries through complementary and integrated work streams – Green Growth Planning & Implementation and Investment and Policy Solutions – that deliver comprehensive products designed to assist in mainstreaming green growth in national economic development plans and mobilize resources and innovative financing for implementation.
The Investment and Policy Solutions Division (IPSD), based at GGGI's Seoul headquarters, works with programs in countries and projects across four thematic areas comprising clean cities, energy, water, and land use. Program teams work embedded in government ministries drawing on specific technical and financial expertise from Seoul.
GGGI is in the process of a grade realignment exercise. Implementation of the grade realignment may result in a change in the grade and title of this position
POSITION SUMMARY
The energy thematic area is one of the largest sectors in GGGI’s portfolio and is expected to continue to expand. GGGI’s priority areas in the energy sector include sustainable energy access, energy efficiency and integration of renewable generation. To meet increasing demand from member countries IPSD is recruiting a Principal to lead energy sector dialogue across a wide range of public and private stakeholders and provide technical support for the implementation of sustainable green energy solutions in member countries. The Principal is expected to lead and contribute to global knowledge sharing of good practices and sustainable business models across the three energy priority areas. The Principal will contribute to expanding GGGI’s network, lead energy thematic work and serve as a mentor to junior staff. He/she is expected to work across the thematic areas and provide hand-on support to country teams.
The Principal will work in close collaboration with GGGI’s country teams and Green Investment Services (GIS) teams across thematic areas and leverage a network of experts and organizations to enhance in-country dialogue with ministries, utilities, private sector to assist client countries to facilitate and implement green growth strategies and projects.
The Principal for energy will be responsible for managing and overseeing project deliverables and provide expert independent advice to country teams and government entities. S/he will be responsible for promoting team work across thematic areas and with country teams and is expected to mentor junior staff to enhance their capacity to undertake policy dialogue and manage projects in-country. S/he is expected to contribute to GGGI’s knowledge products through technical briefs and working papers. The Principal will represent GGGI in national and international forums and other key meetings and events, to advocate for the adoption of green growth policies and technologies, and build and maintain partnerships with governments, development agencies, leading research institutions, and the private sectors working in energy arena.
PURPOSE
GGGI supports client countries and counterparts in taking an integrated approach to solve major energy issues through a combination of finance, policy, and knowledge sharing. The role of this position is to advocate for such an approach through innovative projects/programs that influence a new way of thinking on Energy and green growth.
GGGI has an expanded global portfolio in developing countries managing a diverse set of programs and projects focused on four key thematic areas of energy, green cities, water, and land-use, which hold significant potential in achieving green growth in developing countries. Accordingly, the Policy Solutions department is divided into four thematic streams, with each stream delivering policy advice to projects and programs in countries; conducting sector assessments, designing relevant models, assessing technology options where relevant; engaging with the GIS and country teams at the time of project identification, design, preparation and structuring; and leading the content side of GGGI knowledge sharing programs. The thematic streams also strive to contribute to the global debate on issues related to green growth and to that extent engages with global partnerships on an as-relevant basis.
The Principal of Energy will oversee the thematic stream’s primary mandate by working closely with GGGI’s in-country teams and producing outputs that catalyze implementation and are immediately deployable/applicable. The Principal shall also contribute to the expansion of GGGI’s international role and presence by presenting its outputs at international events, building relationships with other development/research organizations, and participating in joint partnerships/initiatives.
ENGAGEMENT
By partnering with in-house and external experts or organizations who have contributed to mainstreaming green growth in the energy sector, the role of the Principal is to leverage that knowledge and expertise, as well as the unique culture GGGI has built globally, and serve as the ultimate trusted advisor to our partner countries.
S/he shall oversee and guide relevant projects and activities on energy with GGGI country operations while effectively communicating with other relevant staff to collaborate in translating thematic agenda into innovative service offerings and in-country initiatives.
S/he shall originate knowledge sharing programs concerning energy to contribute towards the building of a knowledge sharing program.
S/he will represent GGGI in national and international forums and other key meetings and events, as designated/appropriate to advocate for green growth, and build and maintain partnerships with governments, development agencies, leading research institutions, and the private sectors working in the energy sector.
DELIVERY
The deliverables comprise (i) prioritization of focus areas and projects based on sound due diligence, including the preparation of planning and least cost analysis and technical feasibility assessments and preparation of proposed projects, (ii) building and managing effective team work and mentoring of junior staff, and (iii) contribute to expanding GGGI knowledge management and technical “know-how”. The Principal will work closely with GGGI’s Green Investment Services (GIS) and be responsible for technical aspects. The specific tasks include (but are not limited to):
(i) Initiate and undertake planning and least cost studies to identify priority focus areas and outputs for GGGI engagement in specific countries in accordance with GGGI’s corporate objectives outlined in GGGI Strategic Plan 2015-2020 and Work Program and Budget 2017-18.
(ii) Identification, scoping, and planning of projects, including technical scoping and costing, resulting from least cost planning studies, in consultations with stakeholders and country teams.
(iii) Design, manage, review and recommend appropriate bidding processes to achieve quality and value for money, and ensure that appropriate technical specifications are incorporated in bid documents and evaluated. This may include conducting assessments of the experience and technical and financial capacity of potential market actors and bidders.
(iv) Planning, leading and developing applied knowledge products and project outputs within the key energy priority areas.
(v) Generally, take active responsibility for technical quality control of GGGI’s energy portfolio and outputs. In this respect, the Principal will be the “go-to-person” for ensuring technical quality of services and projects in member countries.
(vi) Undertake and arrange internal and external training and capacity building programs and workshops within areas of integration of renewables and grid stability.
(vii) Establish and maintain a data base of reference prices for equipment, supplies, and services.
(viii) Be responsible for the identification and preparation of technical briefing notes, market assessments on technology developments and pricing and general working papers. The Principal is expected to present and participate on conferences.
(ix) Provide hands-on mentoring of staff in project management and policy dialogue at senior levels of government and contribute to technical skills development.
REQUIREMENTS
(i) Advanced academic degree in the field of engineering, energy planning and/or a combination of engineering and economics or finance.
(ii) A minimum of 7 years of operational experience in the energy sector comprising project management, procurement, energy planning or working with the distribution subsector on integration of variable energy. At least 2 years in a developing or emerging market in the context of renewable energy development and/or integration.
(iii) Knowledge of global developments and markets for renewable technologies
(iv) Experience of requirements and procedures of international financing institutions, bilateral donors/organizations or multilateral organization.
(v) Documented project management and team leader skills in a multicultural environment.
(vi) Documented experience in managing procurement processes is essential.
(vii) Fluent in English; knowledge of Portuguese, Spanish or French is an asset.
FUNCTIONAL
Comprehensive understanding of the application of green growth concepts in the energy sector in developing countries and an understanding of policy and regulatory aspects affecting the energy sector and integration of renewables and other green investments in developing and emerging countries, and recent global developments in technology enhancement in green energy investments.
CORPORATE
The successful candidate is dedicated to promoting green growth and a skillful coach with an ability to diagnose challenges in an organization and a team, an innovator, a decision-maker, a powerful advocate, and a diplomatic change agent who understands the dynamics and tensions in this kind of diverse, global landscape. S/he should be:
(i) excellent in knowledge development
(ii) able to handle complex multi-stakeholder relationships
(iii) keen on maintaining high degree of professional integrity with a stewardship of public resources
(iv) proactive in providing mentorship and guidance to staff
(v) able to effectively communicate, listen to others, and create and promote an environment for open communication
(vi) able to work effectively with other teams of a high degree of cultural/ professional diversity