VANUATU: NDC INVESTMENT PLANNING FOR THE FOREST SECTOR - LEAD CONSULTANT

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

As an implementing partner to the Regional Pacific NDC Hub, which was established in response to calls from Pacific leaders to support the region in meeting the Paris Agreement goals, GGGI has been supporting NDC enhancement and implementation in this part of the world. The Hub launched Phase IV in September 2024 with financial backing from Germany, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the EU. Working alongside other implementing partners such as GIZ, SPC, and SPREP, GGGI has provided technical support to Pacific nations since the Hub's inception. For Phase 4, GGGI is requested to deliver four country initiatives—two in Vanuatu and two in Fiji.

For one of the Vanuatu initiatives, GGGI seeks a highly qualified consultant based in Vanuatu to develop bankable forest sector project proposals based on the existing Forest NDC Investment Strategy.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The Vanuatu Government, through the Department of Forests and Department of Climate Change, has identified the need to develop full project proposals from the concept notes outlined in the Forest NDC Investment Strategy as one of its high priorities. The main objective is to transform the projects listed in the Forest NDC Investment Strategy into bankable projects, ready for funding applications. Specifically, this includes developing detailed proposals for the four priority areas: Afforestation/Reforestation, Restoration, Agroforestry, and Forest Information and Monitoring System.

1. Afforestation/Reforestation (ARR) – Expanding Forest coverage to enhance carbon sequestration.
2. Restoration – Rehabilitation of degraded forest landscapes to strengthen resilience and biodiversity.
3. Agroforestry – Integrating trees and crops for sustainable land management and economic benefits.
4. Forest Information and Monitoring System (NFIS) – Establishing a national system to track forest-related data for informed decision-making.

   The assignment includes conducting stakeholder consultations, validating project proposals, and assessing financial feasibility while ensuring the deliverables are well aligned with Vanuatu's NDCs and National policies (such as the Vanuatu Forest Policy 2013-2023), regional development frameworks (Blue Pacific 2050 Strategy, Regional NDC Hub 2030 Strategy, and Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific (FRDP)), and Vanuatu Forest Sector NDC Investment Strategy. The Consultant will work in close collaboration with GGGI while having the Department of Forests and the Department of Climate Change of Vanuatu as direct counterparts throughout the consultancy.

   DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULES

   The key deliverables to be undertaken during the assignment are:

   Deliverable 1: Preparation of a workplan and project inception

   • Conduct a kick-off meeting with the Department of Forests, Department of Climate Change, and GGGI to develop a detailed workplan and methodology aligned with project objectives and deliverables with confirmation from key stakeholders.
   • Once the workplan is finalized, conduct an inception workshop to ensure all relevant national stakeholders are engaged and briefed on the project, workplan, timeline, roles, responsibilities, expectations and opportunities for input.
   • Submit a report summarizing the meeting, approach, stakeholder engagement plan, and expected outcomes.

     Deliverable 2: Preliminary Consultations and Desk Reviews

     • Conduct desktop review of existing policies, governance structures, and financial frameworks, including description of bankable projects for Afforestation/Reforestation, Restoration, NFIS, Agroforestry (linked to the Vanuatu Forest NDC Finance Strategy).
     • Conduct stakeholder consultations where necessary.
     • Develop an interim report summarizing stakeholder insights, policy implications and findings from the desktop review.

       Deliverable 3: Draft Proposal and Further Consultations

       • Prepare draft bankable investment project proposal for ARR, Restoration, Agroforestry, and NFIS, analyzing financial feasibility, required investments, and potential sources of funding. The proposal must follow the templates and formats agreed with GGGI. The report should include:
         • Detailed implementation plan with timeframes
         • Budget breakdowns and financial models
         • Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
         • Stakeholder engagement frameworks
         • Detailed analysis of costs associated with achieving the NDC enhancement goals
         • Assessment of potential to leverage finance from the private sector and international community
         • Analysis of existing national capacity to implement enhanced NDC targets
         • Conduct validation workshop with key stakeholders to refine project proposals (share draft 2 weeks in advance of the workshop). Carry out bilateral consultations with key stakeholders if necessary
         • Incorporate feedback and submit an advanced draft to GGGI and the two key ministries

           Deliverable 4: Final Proposal and Awareness and Learnings

           • Finalize the report incorporating final feedback from stakeholders and GGGI
           • Submit to GGGI and the two key ministries for final approval
           • Conduct one capacity-building session for national stakeholders on investment planning and submit report

             Deliverable 5: Final Proposal Confirmed and Approved by the Government Counterpart

             • Ensure final approval on the submitted report from GGGI and two key ministries
             • Support Department of Forests and Department of Climate Change through relevant government endorsement processes by preparing presentations, speaking points, and inputs to cabinet papers for National Advisory Board on Climate Change (NAB) and Council of Ministers (COM) approval.

               The payment schedule is as follows:

               Deliverables

               For Submission

               Indicative date

               Payments for fees subject to acceptance of deliverable by GGGI

               Deliverable 1: Prepare a workplan and project inception

               - Detailed workplan and methodology

               - Inception report summarizing the agreed project approach, stakeholder engagement plan, and expected outcomes

               1 month from commencement date

               20%

               📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐

               ⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

               Deliverable 2: Preliminary Consultations and Desk Reviews

               - Interim report summarizing stakeholder insights, policy implications and findings from the desktop review

               2 months after commencement

               15%

               Deliverable 3: Draft Proposal and Validation workshop report

               - Draft bankable investment project proposal in 4 named areas

               - Validation workshop report

               4 months after commencement

               30%

               Deliverable 4: Final Proposal and Awareness and Learnings

               - Final proposals

               - Capacity building workshop report

               5 months after commencement

               25%

               Deliverable 5: Final Proposal confirmed and approved by the government counterpart

               - Approved/cleared proposals

               - Any materials prepared to support key ministries for NAB and COM approval

               6 months after commencement

               10%

               • All outputs must be in English. All deliverables, reports,data and information, and other documents prepared or received from the stakeholders from the start to the end of the assignment shall be saved in MS Teams Platform created by GGGI.
               • The Lead Consultant shall submit each deliverable report in electronic versions readable by a Microsoft Office application.
               • All outputs must be in English.

                 EXPERTISE REQUIRED

                 The consultant must meet the following competency requirements:

                 1. A minimum of a master’s degree or equivalent in forestry management, environment, energy, economics, finance or equivalent
                 2. A minimum of 6 years of combined experience with UNFCCC processes and engagement with Pacific Islands governments
                 3. Knowledge of Vanuatu’s national circumstances, climate change, forests and sustainable development policies will be an asset
                 4. Strong problem-solving, communication, research, and outstanding analytical writing skills with a proven ability to write analytical reports
                 5. Strong verbal and written English skills are required
                 6. Preferably located in the Pacific region, Vanuatu in particular

                    ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

                    The Lead Consultant will ensure:

                    • Availability during the project period.
                    • No conflict of interest arises during taking this assignment. 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.