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.

The Project Officer will work closely with and under the supervision of the Climate Finance Officer to support the implementation of climate finance activities, also supported and guided by GGGI’s internal structures, in particular the Green Investment Services (GIS) Unit in Abidan and GGGI’s HQ-based Carbon Pricing Unit (CPU), as relevant. Based in Cotonou, the Project Officer’s key contribution to the team will be the knowledge of Benin, it’s institutional and climate finance landscape and relevant networks. (S)He will be responsible for supporting the operational and technical aspects of the project to ensure smooth and timely execution of activities. The Project Officer will assist in monitoring project progress, stakeholder engagement, and preparation of reports and deliverables.

The Officer will provide day-to-day support in terms of technical advice internally as well as externally to help ensure an impactful delivery of the project and its outputs.

The Officer will have a good understanding of climate finance. While direct experience in international carbon markets, or other types of sustainable financing beyond project investments is not necessarily required, s/he will be required to quickly absorb and apply sufficient technical knowledge on concepts, requirements, frameworks, and approaches to the local context of Benin.

PURPOSE

• Support the the implementation of the program in Benin under the Climate Finance Officer , in close coordination with GGGI’s internal structures as described above
• Contribute to the development of reports, assessments and analysis.
• Provide operational and administrative assistance to ensure the project meets its milestones and deliverables.
• Provide technical inputs to deliver the required outputs
• Support the effective and efficient delivery of program objectives and outputs.
• Engage closely with local stakeholders in collaboration with the GGGI Africa Regional Office GIS Unit
• Support capacity building initiatives for local stakeholders, ensuring knowledge transfer and practical implementation.
• Support the documentation of experiences and best practices and for sharing across the program and GGGI more widely.

ENGAGEMENT

• Contribute to the understanding of the local context, including priority sectors and options for pipeline development, in collaboration with the CFU lead and the ARO GIS team.
• Contribute to developing and fostering strong relationships with key government stakeholders.
• Support the design of the policy approach and enabling framework, recognizing the importance of government buy-in and ownership.

DELIVERY

• In coordination with and under the supervision of the Climate Finance Officer, support the operationalization of the Carbon Project Registration Authority (AEPC) as per its mandate and the defined framework.
• Help deliver timely and high-quality project outputs (in both English and French) that meet program objectives, as well as donor and government requirements.
• Quickly absorb and apply sufficient technical knowledge to be conversant with different aspects of climate finance, including carbon markets and green/climate bonds.
• Help plan and organize climate finance capacity building events to target beneficiaries including the public and private sector, including on carbon and bond issuance.
• Ensure that project activities align with international best practices for green growth and climate finance.
• Other relevant tasks as may be agreed on separately.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for the position of Project Officer should possess the following qualifications:

• Advanced degree in environmental sciences, business administration, climate change, economics, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience related to green growth, climate change, and/or mobilizing green investment in Benin or in the Africa region.
• Demonstrated understanding of the challenges and opportunities towards the mobilization of green and climate finance, as well as the implementation of green policies, preferably in Benin.
• Demonstrated experience in programs that support green growth, climate change and innovation in Benin
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder relationships in Benin, including investors, donors, private sectors, government agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations.
• A strong network with the government, NGOs, and private sector will be an advantage.
• Proven experience in green investment mobilization, carbon markets and/or thematic bonds will be an asset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders in Benin.
• Proficient written and oral skills in French and English.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point).

FUNCTIONAL

• Able to think strategically and in close collaboration with others.
• Ability to absorb and understand technical information and relay it to others.
• Detail-oriented striving for quality and consistency in all outputs and communications.
• Output-oriented, demonstrating creativity, innovation, and an entrepreneurial drive.
• Problem solver, able to find and implement solutions.
• Highly organized and able to effectively and efficiently multi-task and prioritize.
• Excellent communication (both written and oral) and facilitation skills.
• Comfortable working both in a team and independently.

CORPORATE

• Understand and actively support GGGI’s mission, vision, and values.
• Promote an organizational culture of trust, transparency, respect, and partnership.
• Excel at problem solving, ask questions and seek support when needed, easily shares 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.
• Be able to lead and manage project management tasks independently, while knowing when to seek advice and liaise closely with the GGGI structures, as described above.

This position is contingent upon the availability of funding.

Background

Benin has demonstrated a strong commitment to combating climate change, but one of its major challenges is limited access to climate and green financing. To address this, Benin has entered into a strategic partnership with the Government of Luxembourg and the Global Green Growth Institute. This collaboration aims to establish a Climate Finance Unit (CFU) within the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), with the objective of improving the country’s access to financing for national climate priorities through a coordinated, coherent, and programmatic country-led approach, supported by climate donors and relevant stakeholders.

The CFU will support access to climate financing by providing strategic advice and informed leadership based on global best practices. The CFU would also help shape innovative approaches to accessing climate financing and drive necessary reforms in the global climate finance system. The CFU will work with the MEF and other relevant ministries to identify and introduce opportunities to accelerate access to climate financing through delivery modalities, coordination processes, financial instruments, and defined areas of intervention.

The program, envisaged to take place over three years, aims to establish a Climate Finance Unit within the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) to enhance existing climate finance initiatives and attract investments for a greener economy. It will also strengthen local institutions’ capacity to access and manage climate-related funds while developing a pipeline of bankable, sustainable projects aligned with Benin’s government priorities and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). These efforts aim to promote environmental sustainability, combat climate change, and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

GGGI is seeking a Project Officer to support the delivery of the Climate Finance Unit and GGGI’s project mandate.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The vacancy is X8 grade level in GGGI’s National salary scale. GGGI offers competitive salary offer. Determination of base salary is subject to 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.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements