FIJI: CLIMATE CHANGE & NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS 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
Fiji, as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), faces extreme climate vulnerability. The country is already experiencing the negative impacts of CLIMATE CHANGE, through changing weather patterns, including droughts and flooding events, and increasingly damaging natural disasters. The current average asset losses due to tropical cyclones and floods are estimated at more than FJD 500 million per year, representing more than 5% of Fiji’s GDP. Climate change will affect all areas of life for the people of Fiji, and the expected impacts include reduced agricultural and fisheries productivity, declining health outcomes, eroding shorelines and riverbanks, shortage of water and higher infrastructure costs.
In tackling these challenges, which is a common concern in many developing economies, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) partners with countries, multilateral institutions, government bodies, and private sector to help grow robust economies that are more efficient and sustainable in the use of its natural resources, are less carbon intensive, and more resilient to CLIMATE CHANGE.
Based in Seoul, 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 that can impact the lives of millions.
Fiji became a member of GGGI in 2014, and the GGGI office in Fiji was established in 2015 in Suva and is based within the Ministry of Economy. GGGI is currently supporting the Climate Change and International Cooperation Division (CCICD) of the Ministry of Economy, which is Fiji’s secretariat for the Nationally Designated Authority (NDA) to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), in the delivery of a GCF Readiness grant: “Mainstreaming Adaptation Planning at the Local Level in Fiji”. This grant aims to improve the country’s climate resiliency and facilitate implementation of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) by mainstreaming adaptation at the local level focusing on four sectors: coastal resilience, resilient infrastructure including for water, coastal fisheries, and climate smart agriculture.
This will be achieved through (1) strengthened inclusive adaptation planning governance and institutional coordination through development of guidance and indicators, capacity building and dissemination of information; (2) evidence-based design of local adaptation solutions for maximum impact through sector specific case studies and technical assessments; (3) private sector engagement in adaptation to increase capacity for project conceptualization and investment, (4) conceptualization, preparation of feasibility studies and proposal preparation to secure investment.
OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is seeking an experienced and qualified consultant with expertise in CLIMATE CHANGE and nature-based solutions to take a key role in conducting research and desktop studies. The primary objective is to assist in the development of two local development plans with seamlessly integrated coastal action plans. Specifically, the consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:
- Conducting research to compile a briefing paper that consolidates the adaptation co-benefits of Low Emission Development Strategies (LEDS) and adaptation strategy.
- Providing support to the Local Development Expert in researching elements related to adaptation planning for the twelve identified sites.
- Collaborating with the project team to facilitate the development of two local development plans, ensuring the effective integration of coastal action plans.
SCOPE OF WORK
Reporting to the Project Manager, the Climate Change & Nature-based Solutions Expert will be tasked with leading and supporting the implementation of the following key deliverables and activities:
- Lead in the identification of adaptations co-benefits and linkages between all sectors in the Fiji LEDS. This effort aims to contribute insights to the formulation of the new National Adaptation Plan and guide local adaptation planning initiatives, including the prioritization of actions.
- Support the project team in developing relevant training materials and technical elements on CLIMATE CHANGE change and nature-based solutions. These resources will be utilized for training sessions targeting 12 subnational local authorities.
- Lead in developing technical content related to adaptation elements for incorporation into two local development plans.
DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Deliverable | Output | Percentage of Max Amount | Duration/Due Date |
| Assessment report, including a shorter briefing paper, on adaptation co-benefits and linkages for all Fiji LEDS sectors prepared with a section on relevant NAP and LEDS indicators) that can be tracked at a local level. | 20% | 30 Days (Mid-April 2024 ) |
| Training reports prepared containing the following: capacity development framework in terms of stru cture and skills required, training materials, list of participants disaggregated by gender and pre- and post-training survey to assess the learning.
| 40% | 40 days (End-August 2024) |
| Two local Development Plans with integrated adaptation and nature-based solutions elements | 40% | 25days (End-March 2025) |
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, unless otherwise specified by the project manager to be translated into another language.
Final report must be approved by the GGGI with the agreement of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. 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.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
The individual consultant is expected to posses the following qualifications and experience:
- Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Environmental Science, Climate Science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
- Minimum of 7-10 years of relevant experience in CLIMATE CHANGE adaptation, with a focus on coastal resilience and nature-based solutions.
- Demonstrated experience in managing and implementing CLIMATE CHANGE projects, particularly those related to coastal areas.
- In-depth understanding of CLIMATE CHANGE science, impacts, and mitigation/adaptation strategies.
- Experience in assessing vulnerability and conducting risk assessments related to CLIMATE CHANGE.
- Proven track record in developing and implementing CLIMATE CHANGE adaptation strategies, with a focus on coastal ecosystems and communities.
- Expertise in coastal resilience planning and implementation, including knowledge of coastal risk reduction measures and ecosystem-based adaptation.
- Strong knowledge and experience in designing and implementing nature-based solutions for CLIMATE CHANGE adaptation, including green infrastructure and ecosystem restoration.
- Experience in managing and leading CLIMATE CHANGE and adaptation projects, including coordination with diverse stakeholders, project planning, and budget management.
- Familiarity with national and international CLIMATE CHANGE policies, frameworks, and strategies.
- Ability to contribute to the development and enhancement of CLIMATE CHANGE policies at various levels.
- Demonstrated ability to engage and work collaboratively with local communities, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders.
- Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to conduct assessments, gather data, and analyze complex information related to CLIMATE CHANGE impacts and adaptation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information to diverse audiences, including policymakers and community members.
- Proven ability to build and maintain effective networks and partnerships with relevant organizations, researchers, and practitioners in the field of CLIMATE CHANGE and adaptation.
- Experience working on CLIMATE CHANGE and adaptation projects in diverse geographical and cultural settings.
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Should you wish to apply for this position, kindly submit a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role, along with your CV, no later than 15th March 2024, Korean Standard Time (KST). Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Please ensure that your application, cover letter, and CV are provided in English.
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.