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.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Officer will be responsible for implementing activities focused on developing capacity building, business development, and ecosystem enhancement. The Senior Program Associate will design and deliver training programs, provide mentorship and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs, establish partnerships with relevant stakeholders, and foster collaboration to create a conducive environment for green entrepreneurship.

PURPOSE

• Contribute to the promotion and development of green entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to project beneficiaries and stakeholders on implementing sustainable and environmentally friendly business models.
• Facilitate access to finance and investment opportunities for green businesses, including identifying funding sources, facilitating investment matchmaking, and supporting entrepreneurs in securing financial resources.
• Design and deliver capacity-building programs and training initiatives to enhance the skills and capabilities of individuals in the green sector.
• Establish partnerships and collaborations with government officials, local communities, financial institutions, incubators, and other relevant organizations to foster a supportive ecosystem for green entrepreneurship.
• Organize networking events, workshops, and seminars to facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and learning among green entrepreneurs and stakeholders.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of green entrepreneurship activities, and provide recommendations for program improvement, innovation, and expansion based on market trends and emerging opportunities.
• Provide guidance and mentoring support to green entrepreneurs, assisting them in developing viable and sustainable business models, accessing networks, and navigating the green business landscape.

ENGAGEMENT

• Engage with project team members including Project Manager, M&E Officer, Digital Senior Program Associate, Investment Program Officer, Social Inclusion and Gender Associate, and other team members to deliver day-to-day activities related to green entrepreneurship, including providing technical advice, conducting capacity building sessions, and offering mentorship to beneficiaries.
• Collaborate with government officials, local communities, and relevant stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and implementation of the project, including sharing best practices, exchanging knowledge, and aligning strategies.
• Liaise with financial institutions, incubators, and other relevant organizations to foster partnerships, access funding opportunities, and provide support for green entrepreneurs, such as facilitating investment matchmaking and linking them to business development services.
• Collaborate with industry experts and academia to stay informed about green entrepreneurship trends, best practices, and market opportunities, ensuring program alignment with cutting-edge technology, industry needs and market demands.
• Engage directly with beneficiaries, such as youth, aspiring entrepreneurs, and green startups, to understand their needs, provide guidance, and gather feedback.
• Maintain communication with relevant organizations and entities involved in green entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices to foster collaboration, seek partnerships, and promote project objectives.
• Actively organize or participate in meetings, workshops, and events related to green entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices, engaging in discussions, sharing insights, and seeking opportunities for collaboration and partnership.

DELIVERY

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the digital green market and industry in Cote d’Ivoire.
• Contribute to the development of training materials, guidelines, and knowledge products to enhance the capacity of project beneficiaries and stakeholders.
• Foster collaboration with government agencies, industry associations, and research institutions to create an enabling environment for green entrepreneurship.
• Provide business development support to aspiring and existing green entrepreneurs, including mentoring, coaching, and training on various business aspects.
• Establish partnerships with incubators, accelerators, and other support organizations to offer tailored services to green entrepreneurs.
• Facilitate access to finance and investment opportunities for green businesses, including grants, loans, and impact investment.
• Build a network of stakeholders involved in green entrepreneurship, including investors, experts, academia, and government entities.
• Organize networking events, workshops, and seminars to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and learning opportunities.

REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in a relevant field such as Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, Sustainability, or a related discipline.
• Preferred at least 5 years of experience in promoting green entrepreneurship, sustainable business development, or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of green business models, sustainable practices, and the green economy.
• Familiarity with the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Abidjan and Côte d’Ivoire will be an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in providing business development support, mentoring, and coaching to entrepreneurs.
• Excellent communication and networking skills, with the ability to engage and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proactive, innovative, and entrepreneurial mindset, with a passion for sustainable development and green entrepreneurship.
• Fluency in English and French (both written and spoken) are required.

FUNCTIONAL

• Designing and coordinating green entrepreneurship initiatives to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly business practices and models.
• Providing technical expertise and guidance on implementing green business strategies, sustainable supply chains, and eco-friendly production processes.
• Facilitating access to finance and investment opportunities for green businesses, including identifying funding sources, preparing funding proposals, and supporting entrepreneurs in securing financial resources.
• Organizing networking events, workshops, and seminars to foster knowledge sharing, collaboration, and peer learning among green entrepreneurs, industry experts, and stakeholders.
• Establishing and nurturing stakeholder engagement and collaboration with key players in the green entrepreneurship ecosystem, such as government agencies, investors, academia, and industry associations.
• Building a network of stakeholders involved in green entrepreneurship, including investors, mentors, business advisors, and sustainability experts, to provide support, guidance, and mentorship to aspiring and existing green entrepreneurs.
• Monitoring and evaluating the impact of green entrepreneurship activities on sustainable growth, job creation, and the overall digital green entrepreneurship ecosystem.
• Providing recommendations for program improvement, innovation, and expansion based on market trends, emerging opportunities, and the evolving needs of the digital green entrepreneurship landscape.

CORPORATE

• Understand and actively supports GGGI’s mission, vision and values.
• Promote an organizational culture of trust, transparency, respect and partnership.
• Excels at problem solving, ask 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

• The Green Entrepreneurship Senior Program Associate is an X8 grade level in GGGI’s National salary scale. For the X8 National salary scale, the annual base salary starts from USD 34,137. 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.
• This is a national position and does not include relocation benefits.
• The chosen candidate is expected to be based in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire and will report directly to the Project Manager (also based in Abidjan).