Environmental Competitiveness and Ecological Footprint - Individual Consultant
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The competitiveness of economies globally is currently faced with a daunting reality of climate change as well as resource constraints (global overshoot). Additionally, the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution has been attributed to the increasing global resource use[1]. For natural resource-strained economies like the UAE, the concept of resource use efficiency and reduction of ecological and carbon footprint is critical as it affects not only its existence, but also the ability to stay competitive and productive. In addition to the declining resource base, the world population is growing constantly and exerting additional pressure on the planetโs resources which already exceeds what the earth can renew by over 75%[2]. By pursuing business as usual, cities, economies, and investments that continue to rely on excessive resource use will inevitably lose value over time. It is critical to set the right policies and strategies that contribute to the reduction of the ecological and carbon footprint. The ability to contribute to ecosystems regeneration, and subsequently the capacity of the economy to absorb carbon emissions is a critical aspect to consider in shaping a future environmental competitiveness strategy.
NOTES:
[1] Global Resources Outlook 2024, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
[2] Global Footprint Network (2019)
GGGI is supporting the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) in its pursuit of assessing various avenues through which the Ministry can contribute to the reduction of UAEโs ecological footprint. The Ministry, working with other partners, has identified initial entry points focusing on ecological footprint reduction and biocapacity strengthening. MOCCAE intends to start with an assessment of the impacts of biocapacity limitation to the UAEโs competitiveness including the following key areas:
Undertaking a detailed study to establish the importance of biocapacity for the UAE including the key footprint intensity of key economic activities. Assessing UAEโs biocapacity, its usage and depletion rate. Assessing the economic implications of the UAEโs biocapacity balance. Identifying and outlining ecological footprint reduction opportunities, prioritizing and recommending the best opportunities.To support this work GGGI is seeking to recruit the services of an expert individual consultant to guide and deliver on the key aspects of this assignment.
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.
OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT
To following are the key objectives of the assignment
Review the deliverables and final report previously prepared under the UAEโs โEcological Footprint Initiative (EFI)โ, compare the findings of that work with the current state and prepare a state of play report and highlight major gaps in the implementation of the EFI recommendations. The consultant shall also review the IMD competitiveness reports which utilize the ecological footprint indicator to establish the status of UAE. The review shall assess the performance of the UAE over the years, highlighting the key changes since the completion of the EFI initiative. In collaboration with other stakeholders in UAE and globally, undertake the verification of national ecological footprint and biocapacity accounts, identifying areas and years of discrepancy between national and international data sources, and suggest improvements to ensure consistent data across these databases. Identify the opportunities to apply ecological footprint accounting to economic opportunities that can strengthen the UAEโs competitiveness, including approaches and metrics that help key actors to respond to the ecological resource-base of the UAE. Lead the development of an updated ecological footprint reduction roadmap that considers the existing national plans and propose high impact initiatives that can be pursued to reduce the ecological footprint across key sectors. Arrange and lead workshops with relevant national stakeholders to share proposed approaches, build capacity and consensus on the best approach. Strengthen thematic knowledge and understanding of the subject through at least 1 capacity building workshops. The stakeholders will be selected in consultation with MOCCAE. Provide technical input to related topics on an as-needed basis during the duration of the assignment.SCOPE OF WORK AND PROJECT ACTIVITIES
In consultation with MOCCAE and GGGI, the expert consultant shall lead the implementation of the activities outlined below. Where indicated, the consultant shall closely collaborate with other technical organizations identified by UAE in the delivery of some of these activities.
Output
Deliverable
Output 1: Workplan proposing an approach to undertake the outlined tasks.
Approved workplan.
Output 2: Review the UAEโs EFI outputs and produce a state of play report, including performance of the UAE and gaps in the implementation of the EFI.
EFI performance assessment report.
Output 3: Comparative report of national and international data sources, identifying discrepancies and recommendations for ways to increase consistency between datasets.
Data source analysis report.
Output 4: Updated ecological footprint reduction roadmap, covering key initiatives across the main sectors.
Footprint reduction roadmap.
Output 5: Capacity building workshop of selected stakeholders on the ecological footprint methodologies, limitations and opportunities for UAE.
Workshop material and capacity building report.
Output 6: Implementation plan for the updated roadmap recommending the necessary institutional arrangement to facilitate its successful implementation.
Implementation plan.
Output 7: Final report summarizing the activities and recommending the next steps.
Final summary report.
DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Deliverable
Due Date
Payment (Percentage)
Deliverable 1:
Work Plan approved by GGGI and MOCCAE
7 days after contract signing
10%
Deliverable 2:
EFI performance assessment report
15 August 2025
15%
Deliverable 3:
Data sources analysis report
15September 2025
15%
Deliverable 4:
Footprint reduction roadmap
30 September 2025
10%
Deliverable 5:
Workshop material, delivery of workshop and post workshop report
30 October 2025
20%
Deliverable 6:
Implementation plan
15 November 2025
10%
Deliverable 7:
Final assignment report
15 December 2025
15%
Cross-cutting through all deliverables:
Technical support as needed
15 December 2025
5%
TOTAL
100%
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION AND EXPERTISE REQUIRED
A masterโs or higher degree in environmental or natural science, climate change science, environmental engineering, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of cumulative experience in environmental or natural sciences, climate change science, environmental engineering, or a related discipline is required, with preference given to candidates with 6 to 8 years of experience. At least 3 years out of the minimum 8, dedicated to experience in carbon footprint assessments, analysis and accounting, carbon footprint management, ecological footprint or biocapacity assessments and other assignments of similar nature. Experience collecting, assessing, analyzing, and interpreting scientific data from diverse sources is required. Experience preparing reports, presentations, and delivering in-person and virtual workshops and knowledge events is a must. Applicants must submit a writing sample within the captioned subject matter. Experience in organizing and facilitating workshops, meetings, and stakeholder consultation with government agencies is required. Ability to work well with diverse, fluid teams. Multi-lingual skills (English and Arabic) will be an advantage. Excellent planning and coordination skills with keen attention to detail.FUNCTIONAL
Self-motivated, team player, with creative problem-solving abilities. Interest in being a part of a multi-cultural team within a dynamic fast-paced environment. Experience working in an international development agency with cross-functional departments and across multiple country contexts. Excellent oral and written communication skills.CORPORATE
Understand and actively support GGGIโs mission, vision, and values. Promote an organizational culture of trust, transparency, respect, and partnership. Process and share information accurately and transparently. Positive team player attitude builds rapport and resolves conflict easily. Promote creativity and innovation among staff. Able to support the project management team in executing the necessary consultations and meetings with key stakeholders, especially the key government counterpart.ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Total contract value will be up to forty thousand United States Dollars (USD 40,000). Individuals based in UAE are preferred for this post as this position requires that the consultant will be based at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in Dubai. Closing date and time is on 24 June 2025, 11:59pm 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 this individual consultant assignment. All applications must be submitted online; those submitted through other channels will not be considered.
Child protection โ GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGIโs Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.