ETHIOPIA: OFLP TRANSACTION AND PROJECT COORDINATOR
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.
BACKGROUND
The engagement of the GGGI in Ethiopia started in 2010 by supporting the Government of Ethiopia in developing its CRGE Strategy and advising on the implementation and integration of its concepts and objectives into the Countryโs Development Plans. GGGI has supported the implementation of the CRGE Strategy through deployment of Senior Advisors funded by GGGI at key CRGE sector ministries (MoF, MoP, MoA, EDRI, MoWE). GGGI has significantly contributed to the establishment and operationalization of the CRGE Facility and the successful mobilization of climate finance from GCF and AF. GGGI closely works with Ethiopian Institutions in the development of the Updated NDC, LT-LEDS, National Adaptation Program (NAP), National MRV Framework, and development of sector specific Climate Resilient Strategy documentaries. Furthermore, it has led the technical team, which oversaw the CRGE Implementation progress review work for the period 2011-2019[1].
PROJECT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
The Global Green Growth Institute, in partnership with the Ethiopian Forestry Development (EFD) and the Ministry of Finance (MoF), is supporting the implementation of the Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Degradation plus (REDD+) Investment Program Phase Two (RIP-II), a flagship national initiative designed to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and enhance carbon stock in Ethiopia. The RIP II program builds on the success and lessons learned from RIP-I, and it aims to deliver transformative change across forest landscapes by strengthening participatory forest management, restoring degraded forests, and promoting sustainable forest-based livelihoods. GGGI, alongside the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR,) serves as a Technical Assistance Partner (TAP) to EFD for the implementation of RIP II. Central to the RIP-II Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) framework is the establishment of a modern digital infrastructure to support transparent safeguards monitoring, carbon accounting, and data sharing-facilitated by the systems to be developed under this assignment.
At the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Cancun, 2010, a set of seven safeguards principles were adopted, which are to be promoted and applied when undertaking REDD+ actions. These safeguards principles aim to ensure that REDD+ actions do not cause negative social or environmental impacts.
PROJECT CONTEXT
Ethiopiaโs Oromia Forested Landscape Program (OFLP) is a key part of the countryโs plan to tackle deforestation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 14% by 2030. Covering 32 million hectares, including 9 million hectares of forests, this World Bank supported program is on track to produce high-quality emissions reduction (ER) credits. By mid-2025, the program is expected to verify its initial tranche of carbon credits, which will become available for sale for the first time to buyers outside of the World Bank. This creates a significant opportunity for Ethiopia to generate carbon finance to scale and accelerate financing for forest conservation, improved land management practices, and sustainable development for program beneficiaries.
To capitalize on this opportunity, the government of Ethiopia via Norway's International Climate and Forests Initiative (NICFI) has requested transaction advisory and legal support from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) to establish a go-to-market strategy for these credits, engage buyers, negotiate fair contracts, and execute deals.
OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY
GGGI seeks a Transaction and Project Coordinator to support this project and work directly with Ethiopiaโs Transaction Team leading the commercialization of these ER credits. This team is comprised of individuals from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation, Ethiopian Forestry Development (EFD), and the Oromia Environmental Protection Authority.
In this role, the consultant will serve as the primary day-to-day interface with the Ethiopian government and EDFโs global experts, leading in project management, facilitating decision-making, and advancing key transaction deliverables. The consultant will play a pivotal role in ensuring effective project management, augmenting government capacity, and driving the successful conclusion of a landmark carbon market transaction.
SCOPE OF WORK
The Transaction and Project Coordinator will lead the
Project Coordination and Management Serve as the day-to-day liaison between Ethiopiaโs Transaction Team, other key government stakeholders, EDFโs global experts, and contracted legal counsel. Proactively monitor and mitigate risks, identifying and resolving bottlenecks in the transaction process. Facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among stakeholders. Track progress across all aspects of the transaction, ensuring deadlines are met and processes are aligned with project objectives. Prepare progress reports and updates for government stakeholders and EDF as required. Local Expertise and Decision Facilitation: Facilitate effective decision-making, ensuring alignment with Ethiopiaโs carbon market goals and transaction realities. Leverage local knowledge to provide context-sensitive advice on transaction priorities and strategies. Advise on strategies to improve collaboration across stakeholders to ensure effective execution and alignment. Commercial strategy and execution Establish, manage, and monitor buyer engagement CRM tools and processes to create repeatable, scalable sales processes, and transparent communication. Support in engaging potential carbon credit buyers. This may include preparing communications materials and analysis for meetings, coordinating calendars across stakeholders, joining buyer calls and providing relevant insights, and conducting follow-up communications Support in communication across government stakeholders about the progress of buyer engagement and transactions Capacity Augmentation Provide technical and strategic analysis and written materials to strengthen the governmentโs ability to manage and engage in carbon market transactions. More broadly, the ideal candidate will be adept at plugging in across various workstreams as needs arise to ensure overall project execution. We are looking for someone who is excited to roll up their sleeves to deliver high-quality and timely work products
WORKING ARRANGEMENTS
The project is delivered in collaboration between GGGI and EDF, therefore the consultant will be working jointly with GGGI and EDF task team assigned on this project both globally and in Ethiopia Day-to-day working arrangement: The role will be embedded full-time within the Transaction Team, comprised of members from the Ministry of Finance and Ethiopian Forestry Development and will report directly to a designated lead or team within the Transaction Team. Strategic oversight: The consultant will provide regular updates (e.g., regular check-ins, joint workplans etc.) to EDF's global project leads. EDF will guide strategic priorities, transaction processes, and technical expertise to ensure alignment with project objectives in collaboration with the Transaction Team. As needed, this role will engage with EDFโs global pool of carbon experts and contracted counsel to ensure seamless communication to Ethiopiaโs Transaction Team.[1] This work was commissioned by the World Bank and conducted by Pegasys Global Consulting
QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE
1) Education:
Masterโs degree in economics, Business Administration or a related field. Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects and ability to navigate complex structures with a strong attention to detail. Self-motivated, with a high sense of ownership, and drive. Capable of taking initiative and working with minimal supervision while aligning with strategic goals. Strong business acumen and problem-solving skills, with an eagerness and capacity to operate in a dynamic environment across a cross-functional and multi-cultural team. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Ability to quickly get up to speed on carbon markets and transactions (if there is limited prior experience)2) Preferred:
Existing relationships with relevant Ethiopian government officials and insight into decision-making priorities and consultation preferences. Experience in management consulting, investment banking, top tier law firm, or similar fast-paced environment. Experience in transactions, investment attraction, or climate finance. Knowledge of global carbon markets and jurisdictional forestry programs3) Skills and Competencies:
Advanced quantitative and analytical skills, including financial forecasting, risk assessment, and return-on-investment analysis. Strong competence in preparing well-structured, high-quality reports that meet the documentation standards of multilateral climate funds. Deep understanding of Ethiopiaโs climate and development policy frameworks, including: The Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) Strategy The Updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) The Long-Term Low-Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) GGGI will provide transportation and DSA for authorized travels. Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, including government officials, donors, consultants, and civil society stakeholders. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of Oromifa /Amharic or other local languages is an asset. 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.