Individual Consultant - Training on ESG and Green Finance Implementation
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.
Terms of Reference
General Information
Position: Individual Consultant โ Training on ESG and Green Finance Implementation for Financial Institutions in Samoa
Project: Greening the Pacific Financial Systems (GPFS) Programme
Duty Station: Apia, Samoa
Contract Duration: September 2025 โ January 2026
Contract Value: USD24,000
Consultant Level: Level 4
Project Background
Based in Seoul, Republic of Korea, the Global Green Growth Institute (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 and projects that can impact the lives of millions. The organization partners with countries, multilateral institutions, government bodies, and private sector to help build economies that grow strongly and are more efficient and sustainable in the use of natural resources, less carbon intensive, and more resilient to climate change.
The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), with funding from the Agence Franรงaise de Dรฉveloppement (AFD), is implementing the Greening the Pacific Financial Systems (GPFS) Programme. The initiative seeks to enhance the resilience and sustainability of financial systems across Pacific Island Countries (PICs) by encouraging the uptake of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and green finance practices. In Samoa, the Central Bank of Samoa (CBS) has prioritized finalizing and implementing ESG Guidelines for banks and insurance providers as part of a broader Sustainable Finance Roadmap.
The CBS aims to:
Train commercial banks and insurance providers to implement ESG Guidelines and the Principles of the Sustainable Finance Roadmap. Standardize definitions and data reporting across financial institutions as a precursor to developing a national green taxonomy.Objectives of the assignment
The primary objectives of this consultancy are to:
Assist CBS with review of the ESG Guidelines for the banking and insurance industry. Build the capacity of Samoaโs financial institutions to implement the proposed ESG Guidelines and Sustainable Finance Principles. Provide practical training on risk assessment, standards for lending, and development of green finance products and services. Support the standardization of green finance data and disclosure practices across financial institutions in Samoa.
Deliverables and Payment schedule
The consultant will perform the following tasks, with support from GGGIโs Climate Finance Access Network (CFAN) Advisor for Samoa on Tasks 1, 2, 3 and 4:
Task 1: ESG Guidelines Review
Provide a review of the Sustainable Banking Guidelines developed by CBS for the banking and insurance industry Provide recommendations and best practices for the uptake of the Sustainable Banking Guidelines.Task 2: Stakeholder Engagement and Needs Assessment
Engage with CBS and key stakeholders (e.g., commercial banks and insurance providers) to identify training needs. Develop a stakeholder engagement plan to ensure effective collaboration. CFAN Advisor Support: Assist in identifying key capacity gaps in ESG implementation and green finance practices within Samoaโs financial institutions.Task 3: Training Program Development
Design training materials and modules tailored to the specific needs of Samoaโs financial institutions. Focus areas include ESG risk assessment, lending standards, and green finance product development. Include case studies and practical exercises to ensure applied learning. CFAN Advisor Support: Provide expertise in green finance risk assessment methodologies and ensure training content aligns with best practices in green financial policy and regulation.Task 4: Capacity-Building Workshops
Conduct in-person and/or virtual workshops for the 4 commercial banks and 5 insurance providers in Samoa. Topics to cover: Implementation of ESG Guidelines Risk assessment for green financing Standards for lending to green projects Development of green finance products and services CFAN Advisor Support: Co-facilitate training sessions, particularly on green finance product development and aligning ESG lending with sustainable finance goals.Task 5: Support on Data and Disclosure Practices
Provide guidance on standardizing definitions and classifications for green finance. Train stakeholders on data reporting and disclosure practices aligned with ESG principles.Task 6: Reporting and Knowledge Sharing
Prepare a comprehensive report on the training delivered, including key outcomes, challenges, and recommendations. Develop a toolkit or guide summarizing the training content for future reference by financial institutions
Deliverables and Payment Schedule
Deliverable
Timeline
Payment (% of Total)
Inception Report and Stakeholder Plan
Month 1
15%
Reviewed ESG Guidelines and Training Materials and Modules
Month 2
25%
Capacity-Building Workshops Delivered
Month 3
30%
Standardization and Data Disclosure Guide
Month 4
20%
Final Report and Training Toolkit
Month 5
10%
The consultant will be responsible for making their own travel arrangements from their home country to Suva, Fiji, and for covering all related costs. This includes, but is not limited to, airfare, accommodation, ground transportation, and daily expenses, as required for the successful candidate.
INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT
The consultancy requires working in Apia over the duration of the contract with a desk space offered at CBS. GGGIโs CFAN Advisor for Samoa will provide technical support for Tasks 2, 3, and 4, ensuring alignment with best practices in green finance. Travel and accommodation, if needed, is considered as included in the consultant rate.
The consultant will work under the guidance of the GGGI Senior Economist and in close collaboration with the GPFS programme team. The CBS Financial Supervision Department will act as the focal point, facilitating coordination with financial institutions and providing context-specific insights to support the consultancy. The consultant will organize weekly meetings with GGGI and CBS.
Expertise Required
The description of required expert may be split into following parts:
Masters degree in Finance, Economics, Sustainable Development, or a related field. At least 5-8 years of experience in ESG implementation, green finance, or financial sector capacity building. Proven experience designing and delivering training programs for financial institutions. Strong knowledge of data standardization and disclosure practices in green finance. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.Administrative information
Date to close is 28th July, 2025 11:59PM Korean Standard Time (KST). Applications submitted after the
The deadline will not be considered. Application, Cover Letter, and CV must be sent in English.
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.