Project Officer: REnew Pacific
OVERVIEW
The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in Vanuatu is seeking a Senior Officer to lead the implementation of the 'Empowering Rural Communities of Vanuatu through Renewable Energy Solutions' project in Vanuatu, funded by the Australian government, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), through the REnew Pacific fund and co-financed by the British High Commission (UK FCDO).
The project aims to improve energy access in rural communities by installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that provide essential services: Solar Water Pump Systems (SWPS) will deliver affordable, clean water without emissions, while solar PV stand-alone systems will power schools and health centers, improving education outcomes and enhancing healthcare services. The project will incorporate Gender, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles throughout its lifecycle to ensure vulnerable groups are included. Previously, GGGI Vanuatu successfully implemented Phase I (Enhancing Resilience to climate change through solar power-driven access to water in rural areas of Vanuatu's Outer Islands) and Phase II (Scaling-up Climate Resilience through Solar Power-Driven Access to Water) of the Project which resulted in the installation of 37 SWPS in the rural areas that enabled over 20,000 beneficiaries from rural areas in Vanuatu to access water through SWPS.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Project Officer will play a crucial role in coordinating and supporting the implementation of this projects and its deliverables. This position involves providing analytical and technical support to ensure the successful delivery of various project outputs. The Project Officer will manage budgets, schedules, procurement, and implementation plans, and supervise the Administrative Associate in handling accounting and financial matters for the project.
PURPOSE
Reporting to the Senior Officer (Project Lead), the Officer coordinates project activities, manages budgets, schedules, procurement, and implements project plans. Key Responsibilities will include to:
Support the Project Lead to develop and maintain project schedules, ensuring all milestones are met. Coordinate project activities to ensure timely and efficient delivery of project outputs. Provide analytical and technical support to the Project team. Manage project budgets, ensuring all expenditures are tracked and reported accurately. Supervise the Administrative Associate overseeing all financial aspects of the project. Support Project Lead to develop and manage procurement plans, ensuring all project resources are acquired in a timely and cost-effective manner. Engage with project stakeholders, including development partners, and team members, to ensure their needs and expectations are met. Identify and manage project risks, developing mitigation strategies as needed.
ENGAGEMENT
Works closely with the Deputy Country Representative, Project Lead and the project team to ensure effective program delivery. Liaises with the donors and government counterparts in ensuring effective communications and fostering positive relationships. Liaises with country team, and partners to ensure compliance with GGGI processes and monitor project/program delivery progress.
DELIVERY
Support Project Lead to develop detailed work plans with clear milestones and deliverables for each project outcome. Liaise with project stakeholders to ensure effective communication and collaboration. Provide analytical and technical support to the project team, such as development of technical documents, reporting and presentations. Prepare financial reports and monitor financial performance against budgets. Oversee the implementation of project plans, ensuring all activities are executed according to schedule and budget. Facilitate meetings, workshops, and other project-related events. Monitor and report on project progress, highlighting any issues or challenges. Ensure compliance with GGGI and donor reporting requirements and support Project Lead to develop project progress and financial reports. Contribute to implementation of the independent project evaluation and audit processes Contribute to the preparation of the next phase of the project through proposal design, donor coordination, and resource mobilization.
REQUIREMENTS
QUALIFICATIONS
A Masters in Business/Public Management, International Development, Climate Change, or a related field. At least 3-5 years of experience in support/coordination of the project implementation, ideally in climate change, sustainable development, or a related area. Proven experience in implementing projects funded by international organizations or donors is preferred. Minimum 2 years of professional experience outside of home country Proven experience in engaging with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, international donors, private sector actors, and local communities.
FUNCTIONAL
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with a demonstrated ability to prepare high-quality project documents, presentations, and reports. Excellent command of additional UN languages is desirable. Basic knowledge in Bislama is desirable. Ability to anticipate challenges, propose solutions, and adapt plans to evolving circumstances. Must be proactive, with strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Ability to lead cross-functional teams, facilitate effective collaboration, and foster a supportive and inclusive working environment.
CORPORATE
Understand and actively support GGGI’s mission, vision and values. Promote an organizational culture of trust, transparency, respect and partnership. Excels at problem solving, asks questions and seeks support when needed, shares easily information and knowledge with others both internally as externally. Manage emotions and stress positively, builds rapport and resolves conflict easily. Strong ability to work independently and/or remotely, while maintaining productivity. Excellent English oral and written communication skills; including public speaking.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This is an X8, international grade level in GGGI's salary scale. Determination of base salary is subject to the candidate's experience, academic background, and internal equity. GGGI provides 15% of base salary towards retirement plan/long-term savings, 27 days of annual leave, and private health insurance that covers dental and vision. GGGI is committed to providing a work environment that is sufficiently flexible to accommodate diverse life-cycle challenges and assist Staff members to achieve a better balance between work and personal/family commitments, thus ensuring high performance, long-term productivity, and well-being of Staff members.
The chosen candidate is expected to be based in Port Vila, Vanuatu and will report directly to the Deputy Country Representative and Project Manager (also based in Port Vila). Please note that the commencement of this position is contingent upon the availability of funding and that the role is for a period of two years, with the potential for extension by an additional year, subject to funding. Child protection – GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGI’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.