UGANDA: INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANCY ON REGIONAL COOPERATION ON CARBON MARKETS IN EAC
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
Carbon markets, including those under the voluntary carbon market and Article mechanisms, can help bridge the financing gap for implementing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in Eastern Africa, while also fostering transformative socio-economic development. As such, many Eastern African countries have clearly outlined the use of carbon market mechanisms to meet their updated NDCs. Some countries have made intentional efforts to amend existing climate and environmental laws to incorporate carbon market mechanisms, thus galvanizing the role of carbon markets within their broader climate policy mix. Further to this, several countries have been leading the way in developing National carbon market regulations and frameworks, albeit carbon markets under Paris Agreement were yet to be fully operational.
In this context, and with host countries poised to take on a more active role in the Article 6 regime than before, interest in carbon markets has been growing among East African governments in recent years. The East African Climate Finance Director level meetings (EACFDLM) have also highlighted the role of carbon markets in mobilizing climate finance needed to meet regional climate targets. This momentum is seen to further increase following the landmark decision on the full operationalization of Article 6 at COP29 in Baku. However, carbon markets are still a relatively new concept in Eastern Africa and capacity gaps remain apparent, with countries at different levels of carbon market readiness.
While a few regional initiatives exist to foster a shared vision and understanding of carbon markets, potentially addressing this gap, there remains limited insight into the actual role, potential, and comparative advantage of regional collaboration over unilateral actions. In addition, information on regional readiness for carbon markets is scanty
The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in collaboration with Ugandaโs Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (a pioneer country under the Task Force on Climate Finance), with funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is implementing a project to establish a transitional Climate Finance Unit in Uganda. As part of the project, Ugandaโs Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development initiated the East Africa Climate Finance Director Level Meeting with an aim to share lessons learned, facilitate continuous knowledge exchange and leverage opportunities through a collaborative approach to climate finance mobilization.
Against this backdrop, GGGI is seeking the services of an individual consultant to undertake an assessment on carbon market preparedness, the appetite, role and potential of regional cooperation in advancing carbon markets in Eastern Africa.
OBJECTIVE / PURPOSE
The primary objective of this assignment is to assess carbon market preparedness, the role, potential and appetite for regional cooperation in advancing carbon markets in Eastern Africa. The study will help identify capacity gaps and match country needs and priorities to ensure a better coordinated approach to capacity building. In addition, the study shall provide insights that will substantiate the role and potential of regional cooperation in building a functional carbon market in Eastern Africa.
SCOPE OF ASSIGNMENT
The Consultant shall, under the supervision of GGGI, undertake the following:
- Assess carbon market preparedness: Evaluate the current state of readiness for carbon market development in Eastern Africa, including existing climate policies, carbon market frameworks, institutional arrangements, carbon market profiles and pipelines, uptake of recent developments on carbon markets under the UNFCCC and the VCM, and market dynamics.
Output: Desk review report- Needs assessment and capacity gaps identification: The consultant will carry out a needs assessment to identify the current requirements of each country, assess the capacity gaps within the region, and, where relevant, provide guidance on aligning these needs and priorities to facilitate effective capacity building for a regional carbon market.
Output: A capacity gap analysis and needs assessment- Evaluate the role of regional cooperation: The consultant shall assess the appetite for regional cooperation and investigate whether the approach can enhance the development and functionality of a carbon market in Eastern Africa, highlighting potential benefits, opportunities and challenges for collaboration over unilateral actions. In doing this, the consultant shall engage with experts in the field of carbon markets, climate finance, and regional cooperation to ensure the study reflects the latest trends and best practices.
- Report preparation and presentation: Report preparation and presentation: The consultant will prepare a detailed report and slides and present the study findings to key stakeholders.
Output: Final Report
DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE
The deliverables shall be submitted as indicated below.
S/N
Deliverable
Scope of Deliverable
Timeline
Payment
1
Inception Report
This shall include:
1.1 An inception report should be prepared to detail the tasks understanding and show how each task will be met, proposed methods, sources of data and data collection procedures, a detailed work plan, and delivery schedule.
Within 2 weeks after contract signing
50%
2
Develop a study report on carbon market preparedness, the role and potential of regional cooperation in advancing carbon markets in Eastern Africa
This shall include:
2.1 A desktop review report on the state of carbon market readiness in the EAC region, carbon market regulatory landscape, new developments in carbon markets, carbon market profiles and pipelines, and carbon market trends in Eastern Africa
2.2 Gathering, analyzing and compiling information from various sources (including that which is presented in NDCs) on the current and proposed use of market mechanisms for climate finance mobilization.
2.3 Conduct consultations and interviews with national carbon market focal points and other key stakeholders in the carbon sector within the respective countries. The consultations may further investigate what areas of carbon markets countries may prefer to collaborate and those where they prefer to work independently.
2.4 Identification and detailed analysis of capacity needs across different countries in the region.
2.5 Prioritize, and align capacity needs in consultation with country carbon market focal points to identify key capacity gaps at the regional level.
2.6 Assess the appetite across countries for cooperative solutions to capacity building and carbon market implementation
2.7 Compare the benefits, opportunities and challenges for collaboration over unilateral actions. This assessment may draw from examples of regional collaboration in EAC and other regions
2.8 Consolidation of all assignment inputs and deliverables into a draft report (soft copy) to be shared with GGGI for their review and feedback and submission of a final report
Within 10 weeks after contract signing
40%
3
Presentation of key study findings
3.1 Prepare slides and present the study findings to key stakeholders
Within 12 weeks
10%
NOTES
1. Cost for workshops
Costs related to workshops (excluding the time expenses) will be covered by GGGI on an actual basis following GGGIโs cost norms for the relevant year. Workshops need to be pre-approved by GGGI based on a concept note, suggested participant list and accompanying budget. The consultant will need to fully support the workshopsโ preparation and documentation.
2. Cost of travel
Costs related to travel with the exception of costs for commuting within Kampala will be borne by GGGI. The consultant may be accompanied to workshops in different countries by GGGI staff. If the consultant engages other third-party colleagues, on this assignment, he/she shall be liable for their travel and accommodation arrangements.
3. Reporting arrangements
The consultant shall be supervised by the Project Manager who they shall work with on a day-to-day basis. The consultantโs work progress will be monitored primarily through periodic review meetings, as jointly agreed, and specified in the inception phase. The consultant is also expected to regularly update on progress on deliverables to date; and actual achievements made against the timeline set. The Consultant shall submit the Final Report which should reflect the outcome of all activities prepared by the consultant. The report should also give recommendations for further activities to be carried out in order to ensure long-term sustainable development of the measure. All relevant technical papers, reports, and other documents prepared from the start to the end of the assignment shall be attached to the Final Report. The Consultant shall submit the report in both hard copies and electronic versions readable by a Microsoft Office application. All outputs must be in English. In addition, the Consultant may be required to submit the outputs in other languages. The Consultant shall consider the comments and necessary revisions proposed. Within 14 days from the receipt of the comments or modification proposal from the GGGI, the Consultant shall prepare and submit the final versions of the report.
EXPERTISE REQUIRED
1) Education:
Advanced university degree (Masters) in natural resources management, environmental economics, climate change, climate finance, international development, or environmental engineering or other disciplines related to sustainability, development, environmental management, or green growth.
2) Experience:
At least 5 yearsโ preferred experience in international carbon markets (the Clean Development Mechanism, Article 6 and the Voluntary Carbon Markets, etc.) At least 2 years of experience in designing or coordinating region-wide capacity building activities and initiatives focused on carbon markets and climate finance, particularly in Eastern Africa. Good understanding of EAC Countriesโ Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), institutional and regulatory frameworks in relation to carbon market development and climate finance mobilization. Experience in interaction and management of various stakeholders in climate change policy making, including governments, international organizations, research institutions and private sector. Prior experience and knowledge of working with Networks, Alliances, Partnerships and or Coalitions an added advantage An excellent command of spoken and written English required. High level of self-motivation as well as diplomatic tact and political awareness. Demonstrable use of PowerPoint or similar tools to engage and educate others in complex topics will be needed