SUBNATIONAL GESI & CLIMATE ADAPTATION ASSOCIATE

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.

GGGI has a unique in-country presence and prominent role as an independent, trusted advisor and strategic development partner embedded in Member and partner governments. This special arrangement or positioning enables GGGI to serve the role of an enabler and facilitator, providing policy advice and technical support in the development of green growth plans, policies and regulations, mobilization of green investments, implementation of green growth projects, and development of sub-national, national, regional capacities and knowledge.

The update for 2026–2030 has streamlined Strategy 2030’s architecture to focus on six Key Priorities that align with GGGI’s vision of a low-carbon, resilient world of inclusive and sustainable growth. The six key priorities are:

Climate and Green Growth Policy Frameworks Strengthened;

Sustainable and Innovative Finance Mobilized;

Institutional and Human Capacity Enhanced;

Green Technologies and Solutions Deployed;

Climate and Green Growth Thought Leadership Advanced;

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Advanced.

Additionally, four Themes guide GGGI’s work in country, addressing systemic change needed to deliver green growth: Just and Inclusive Energy Transitions; Adaptive, Resilient Landscapes and Oceans; Sustainable Agri-Food Systems; Green, Resilient and Circular Cities and Infrastructure.

GGGI works as a trusted advisor for the Government of Colombia (GoC) and key stakeholders to allow the country to address strategic commitments that contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Here, GGGI partners with donor countries, multilateral institutions, government agencies and the private sector to deliver a diverse portfolio of programs through an integrated evidence-based green growth planning and implementation approach, aligned with national and subnational priorities.

Over the past 12 years, GGGI has accompanied government agencies at the national and subnational level. This support has focused on mainstreaming green growth by facilitating the creation and implementation of public policy. GGGI has also supported the development and financial structuring of bankable projects and financial instruments, while improving capacity and knowledge development. GGGI also serves the role of an enabler and facilitator of Colombia’s just transition into a low-carbon economy. It contributes by generating green jobs, promoting nature-based tourism and forest economy, and scaling up renewable energy. GGGI also fosters climate-smart agricultural production models and halts deforestation, while advocating sustainable development and mobilizing climate finance.

In 2026, thanks to the Government of Canada, GGGI will begin implementing a project in the department of Cesar that seeks to promote the transition from a mining-based economy to one focused on ecosystem-based solutions with the aim of promoting the proper use of nature, the adoption of adaptation measures, and the generation of income opportunities, especially for women and youth in the region.

To ensure its proper implementation, GGGI is seeking a person based in the department of Cesar, ideally in Valledupar, to coordinate the project at the subnational level and ensure the proper execution of the gender equity and social inclusion (GESI) strategy and the identification and implementation of ecosystem-based solutions for adaptation, both in policy instruments and by the private sector.

POSITION SUMMARY

As part of the Canada-funded project “Gender-Responsive Ecosystem-Based Adaptation” the Subnational GESI and Climate Adaptation Associate will support all aspects related to the inclusion of GESI aspects and ecosystem-based solutions for adaptation within local planning tools; the identification of potential beneficiaries and local partners; facilitating the adequate participation of the local community in policy development; and supporting all information gathering required for the development of reports to donors and partners.

Under the supervision of the Climate Adaptation Senior Officer, the Associate will be responsible for inter-institutional coordination in the region, supporting the subnational government and the local environmental authority requirements with the aim of maintaining good relations and ensuring the appropriate involvement of local actors in the development of the project.

PURPOSE

The primary objective of this position is to support the inclusion, adoption, and monitoring of aspects related to GESI and climate adaptation within Cesar's policy and planning instruments, particularly for the municipalities of Bosconia, Agustin Codazzi, Becerril, Chiriguaná, El Paso, and La Jagua de Ibiricó.

ENGAGEMENT

The Associate's principal objective is to maintain good relations with the various local stakeholders. Under the supervision of the Climate Adaptation Senior Officer, the Associate will work closely with the Cesar Regional Government, the mayors of the municipalities listed above, the Cesar Regional Autonomous Corporation (CORPOCESAR), the financial sector and the private sector. Similarly, they must have a good relationship with foundations, associations, corporations, and other entities that represent vulnerable populations in the area, particularly women and young people. In this regard, the Associate will:

Coordinate territorial activities and deliverables closely with the Sustainable Production Models Associate, GESI Senior Associate, MEL Officer, and Climate Finance Advisor to ensure coherent integration of adaptation and GESI workstreams.

Provide tailored technical inputs to municipal authorities, CORPOCESAR, community organizations, MSMEs, and producer associations on opportunities to integrate gender, youth and inclusion criteria in policy and ecosystem-based adaptation initiatives.

Conduct and update stakeholder mapping across the six municipalities, maintaining strong relationships with local governments, environmental authorities, civil society, ethnic organizations, women and youth groups, and private sector actors.

Facilitate structured dialogue spaces—including roundtables, workshops and multi-stakeholder forums—ensuring inclusive participation, safe environments, and actionable follow-up.

Represent GGGI locally when delegated, supporting alignment between field activities and national-level strategies on climate adaptation, governance, and inclusive development.

DELIVERY

The Associate will perform the following core functions:

Support the integration of Ecosystem-Based Adaptation and GESI approaches within subnational policy and planning instruments, including Comprehensive Territorial Climate Change Management Plans (PIGCCT), Departmental Plan for Disaster Risk Management (PDGRD), municipal development plans (PDM), climate risk management tools, and early warning systems.

Support municipal and departmental authorities to incorporate ecosystem-based adaptation and GESI criteria into at least 6 policies and planning instruments, including PIGCCT, PDGRD, PDM, risk management plans and early warning systems.

Support territorial coordination among public agencies, community-based organizations, and private sector actors to advance inclusive and climate-resilient development.

Provide field evidence to strengthen multi-level governance mechanisms and decision-making processes.

Assist in the co-design and field execution of ecosystem-based adaptation -compatible productive initiatives and climate-resilient value chains.

Facilitate participatory co-design of climate adaptation and ecosystem-based livelihood initiatives, ensuring meaningful engagement of women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendant communities, and other vulnerable groups by climate impacts.

Support technical assistance to community organizations and women- and youth-led MSMEs on resilient livelihoods.

Apply intersectional, human-rights-based, participatory methodologies to ensure inclusion of women, youth and marginalized populations in adaptation actions.

Identify and document barriers to participation, access to resources, and agency in climate processes.

Collect quantitative and qualitative field data aligned with MEL requirements, including disaggregation by sex, age, ethnicity, SOGIESC, victimization status, and other relevant variables.

Generate high-quality Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) inputs—including GESI-responsive and disaggregated data—to inform adaptive management and reporting to the donor.

Prepare stories of change, case studies, and lessons learned for adaptive management and donor reporting.

Contribute to the development and validation of MEL tools and reporting inputs for GAC.

Support the design and delivery of training programs on adaptation, EbA, GESI, climate governance and climate finance opportunities.

Prepare briefs, PPTs, technical notes, and community-oriented materials.

Organize field missions, workshops, consultations, and multi-stakeholder engagements in alignment with GGGI rules and donor requirements.

Support drafting of ToRs, scopes of work, and documentation for service providers and consultants.

REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

Must be a Colombian citizen or hold a valid working visa.

Bachelor’s degree in: environmental engineering, biology, agronomy, ecology, natural sciences, territorial planning, sociology, anthropology, development studies, or related disciplines.

(Desirable) A postgraduate degree in Gender Studies or Social Inclusion, Climate Change Adaptation or Environmental Management, or Public Policy or Territorial/Sustainable Development, with interdisciplinary training combining GESI and climate adaptation considered a strong asset.

Minimum 3-4 years of experience in climate adaptation, ecosystem-based approaches, community-based resilience, GESI mainstreaming or related fields.

Demonstrated experience working with local governments or environmental authorities and with rural or vulnerable communities.

Experience working with international organisations is desirable

Experience in participatory approaches, facilitation, and community engagement with women, youth and minority groups.

Familiarity with national climate and GESI frameworks and national gender policies).

Experience in MEL, RBM or donor reporting (preferably GAC, GCF, GEF) is a strong asset.

English and Spanish proficiency required.

Availability to travel within Cesar is required; periodic travel to Bogotá may be requested.

The position requires strong coordination capacity, familiarity with climate adaptation processes, understanding of GESI principles, and the ability to translate technical concepts into actionable territorial work.

Functional Competencies

Strong understanding of climate adaptation, risk management and ecosystem-based adaptation /nature-based solution approaches.

Solid knowledge of gender equality, intersectionality, human rights-based approaches and culturally appropriate methodologies.

Ability to analyze institutional and policy frameworks and generate practical recommendations.

Strong communication and facilitation skills, including preparation of technical content for diverse audiences.

Ability to manage multiple tasks with high-quality delivery under tight deadlines.

Sound judgment, problem-solving and adaptive management skills.

Corporate Competencies

Commitment to GGGI’s values of integrity, boldness, excellence, inclusiveness and transformational.

Strong teamwork and collaboration skills in multidisciplinary environments.

Ability to deliver results in a timely, cost-efficient manner.

High ethical standards, sensitivity to conflict dynamics and do-no-harm principles.

Proactive learning attitude and continuous improvement mindset.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Subnational GESI and Climate Adaptation Associate is an X6 grade level in GGGI's Colombia Salary Scale, with a full-time commitment (100% FTE) for the duration of the appointment, based in Valledupar, Colombia. The salary range for the position starts at USD 17,757. Determination of base salary is subject to the candidate's experience, academic background, and internal equity.

In addition to the base salary, the contract includes a 15% contribution toward a retirement or long-term savings plan, 27 days of annual leave, and private health insurance coverage (including 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 deadline for applications will follow the official announcement and is based on Korean Standard Time (KST). Shortlisted candidates may be invited to submit a writing sample or attend a technical interview.

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. 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.