INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT - CONCEPT NOTE DEVELOPMENT EXPERT
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
Fiji, as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), faces extreme climate vulnerability. The country is already experiencing the negative impacts of climate change, through changing weather patterns, including droughts and flooding events, and increasingly damaging natural disasters. The current average asset losses due to tropical cyclones and floods are estimated at more than FJD 500 million per year, representing more than 5% of Fijiโs GDP. Climate change will affect all areas of life for the people of Fiji, and the expected impacts include reduced agricultural and fisheries productivity, declining health outcomes, eroding shorelines and riverbanks, shortage of water and higher infrastructure costs.
In tackling these challenges, which is a common concern in many developing economies, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) partners with countries, multilateral institutions, government bodies, and private sector to help grow robust economies that are more efficient and sustainable in the use of its natural resources, are less carbon intensive, and more resilient to climate change.
Based in Seoul, GGGI is an intergovernmental organization founded to support and promote a model of economic growth known as \"green growth\", which targets key aspects of economic performance such a poverty reduction, job creation, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. GGGI works with countries around the world, building their capacity and working collaboratively on green growth policies that can impact the lives of millions.
Fiji became a member of GGGI in 2014, and the GGGI office in Fiji was established in 2015. GGGI is currently supporting the Climate Change Department (CCD) of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) , which is Fijiโs secretariat for the Nationally Designated Authority (NDA) to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), in the delivery of a GCF Readiness grant: โMainstreaming Adaptation Planning at the Local Level in Fijiโ. This grant aims to improve the countryโs climate resiliency and facilitate implementation of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) by mainstreaming adaptation at the local level focusing on four sectors: coastal resilience, resilient infrastructure including for water, coastal fisheries, and climate smart agriculture.
A key component of this project is the conceptualization and preparation of investment-ready projects that align with Fijiโs National Adaptation Plan (NAP), sectoral strategies, and financing opportunities with the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation Fund, bilateral donors, and/or development banks.
Therefore, this Terms of Reference (ToR) aims to recruit a Concept Note Developer who will prepare two (2) high-quality concept notes focused on:
OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
As part of the objective on proposal preparation to secure investments as described above, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is seeking an experienced and qualified consultant with expertise in climate adaptation, disaster risks, coastal resilience, flood mitigation, nature-based solutions to support the development of two(2) concept notes for submission to appropriate climate finance mechanisms.
The consultant will support the CCD and GGGI team by:
Developing 2 concept notes for submission to appropriate climate finance mechanisms (e.g., GCF, Adaptation Fund, bilateral donors, development banks). Ensuring integration of environmental and social safeguards (ESS), gender equality, and robust theories of change aligned with international climate finance standards. Building on existing assessments, feasibility studies (including the Tavua ridge-to-reef work), and national priorities to ensure strong country ownership and alignment.DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Reporting to the Project Manager, the Concept Note Development Expert will be tasked with leading and supporting the implementation of the following key deliverables and activities:
1) Concept Note Development
For each CN (river flooding / coastal erosion):
a) Conduct targeted consultations with key stakeholders (government, communities, technical experts, private sector, gender/ESS focal points).
b) Prepare a problem statement with baseline climate risk analysis and socio-economic implications.
c) Define project objectives, components, activities, and outputs.
d) Develop a Theory of Change and a results framework with measurable adaptation indicators.
e) Estimate costs and investment requirements
f) Design the proposed implementation arrangement structure (roles, responsibilities, and delivery partners) based on consultations with stakeholders.
g) Integrate ESS screening, risk categorization, and mitigation measures.
h) Conduct a gender analysis and embed gender-responsive interventions.
i) Ensure alignment with national priorities and climate finance investment criteria.
2) Validation and Finalization
a) Present draft CNs to CCD, GGGI, and stakeholders for review.
b) Incorporate feedback and finalize CNs for official submission.
3) Prepare a GCF PPF
a) Prepare a draft Project Preparation Facility (PPF) request to support further development of one CN (to be selected jointly by GGGI and CCD), including justification, budget, and activities in line with GCF requirements.
Deliverable
Output
Percentage of Max Amount
Duration/Due Date
1. Draft Concept Notes
Two (2) draft CNs (river flooding & coastal erosion), including ToC, ESS & gender integration, indicative budgets.
40%
End of Week 8
2. Final Concept Notes
Two (2) finalized CNs incorporating stakeholder feedback, ready for official submission.
40%
End of Week 10
3. Draft GCF PPF Request
Draft PPF request prepared for one selected CN, with activity plan, budget, and justification aligned with GCF requirements.
20%
End of Week 12
EXPERTISE REQUIRED
The individual consultant is expected to posses the following qualifications and experience:
Advanced degree (Masterโs/PhD) in climate science, environmental management, natural resource management, engineering, or related field. 8โ15 years of professional experience in climate adaptation, nature-based solutions, flood risk reduction, hydrology, coastal resilience, and project development. Proven experience preparing concept notes/proposals for GCF, AF, or multilateral/bilateral donors. Expertise in coastal resilience, catchment management, flood risk reduction, and sustainable landscape management approaches. Strong knowledge of ESS, gender policies, and integration in project design. Demonstrated ability to engage with government, communities, private sector, and technical experts. Excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills.ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Should you wish to apply for this position, kindly submit a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, along with your CV, no later than 30 October 2025, Korean Standard Time (KST). Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Please ensure that your application, cover letter, and CV are provided in English.
Total Fees: USD 22,000
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. 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.