JOB DESCRIPTION

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.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Project: CO038 Just Rural Transition in Colombia – Bio Rural
• Output: CO038-E1-3
• Duty Station: Remote/Bogotá
• Contract Duration: (24) February 2025 – (20) June 2025
• Number of Workdays Estimated (internal purpose only): 40 days– deliverable based
• Consultant: Level 1
• Total Fees: Up to USD 2,000

Headquartered in Seoul, the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting a sustainable economic growth model known as “green growth.” This approach integrates poverty reduction, job creation, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability to enhance financial performance. GGGI collaborates with countries worldwide, providing technical assistance and building capacity to develop and implement green growth policies that positively impact millions of lives. The organization works closely with governments, multilateral institutions, and the private sector to build economies that are resource-efficient, low-carbon, and resilient to climate change.

GGGI’s Work in Colombia

GGGI has been a key partner of the Government of Colombia in advancing green growth policies and sustainable investments. Through strategic collaborations with institutions such as the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit, and the National Planning Department (DNP), GGGI has supported the country’s transition toward a greener economy.

Since 2014, GGGI has played a pivotal role in helping the DNP establish a green growth vision and transition plan to achieve Colombia’s climate and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Notably, between 2016 and 2018, GGGI supported the development of the Green Growth Taskforce, which generated critical insights for designing and formalizing the Green Growth Policy (GGP), adopted through CONPES 3934 of 2018.

One of the strategic pillars of the GGP is the sustainable use of natural capital, which highlights bioeconomy as a key driver for fostering a low-carbon economy. By adding value to biodiversity and biomass, bioeconomy contributes to the creation of innovative products, processes, and services based on sustainable resource management.

Supporting Colombia’s Bioeconomy through MAPBIO

GGGI has been instrumental in advancing Colombia’s bioeconomy agenda. The organization has supported the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MinCiencias) and the National Planning Department in developing the National Bioeconomy Mission:
“Para una Colombia Potencia Viva y Diversa: Hacia una Sociedad Impulsada por el Conocimiento.”

Additionally, in 2021, GGGI was awarded funding through the UKPACT program to implement the project:
“Accelerating the Development of New Bioeconomy Businesses and Enhancing Capacities for Green Jobs Promotion and Increased Climate Action Ambition from Policy Implementation and Integration.”

In this framework, and under the technical contributions form MinCiencias, GGGI designed and launched the Bioeconomy Projects Acceleration Mechanism – MAPBIO, providing technical assistance to accelerate bioproducts through their final stages of development. This initiative aims to strengthen bioeconomy businesses and enhance MinCiencias’ capacity to meet its targets of endorsing 126 bioproducts by 2022 and 500 by 2030. Additionally, MAPBIO includes a knowledge-sharing component to disseminate best practices, case studies, and policy recommendations.

Since 2021, through three MAPBIO calls for proposals, GGGI has successfully supported the development of 26 bioproducts, making a significant contribution to Colombia’s goal of registering 500 bioproducts by 2030.

Through these initiatives, GGGI continues to drive Colombia’s transition toward a greener, more resilient, and innovation-driven economy. Recently, as part of the UK PACT Bio Rural project, GGGI has selected the company INBACTER SAS and its initiative, “Commercial viability of 2 biocides of phytosanitary importance useful in the construction of clean agricultural practices”, as a beneficiary of the MAPBIO+ 2024 Call. This selection secures support for INBACTER SAS bioproduct acceleration processes during the 2025–2026.

INBACTER SAS has identified a significant opportunity to reduce reliance on synthetic agrochemicals through the development of biocides, promoting cleaner and more sustainable agricultural practices. Their approach represents a disruptive innovation by combining proven effectiveness with environmental and social benefits, aligning with national sustainability and bioeconomy priorities.

With a strong territorial and community-driven focus, the project is being developed in collaboration with local agricultural associations. It aims to enhance crop productivity while minimizing the use of synthetic agrochemicals through the development of IB065, a biofungicide based on Bacillus tequilensis, and MXX, a bactericide formulated with bacteriophages.

These innovative bioproducts have demonstrated promising results in laboratory and greenhouse trials for controlling diseases such as Moko in bananas and plantains, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, a major threat to the economic sustainability of local farmers.

The primary objective of this consultancy is to support the formulation optimization process for the bioproducts biofungicide IB065 and the MXX bactericide. These efforts complement INBACTER SAS broader goal of technological advance and designing a future production line for the IB065 and MXX bioproducts.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The primary objective of this consultancy is to support INBACTER SAS in accelerating the development of the IB065 biofungicide and MXX bactericide as part of the MAPBIO+ 2024 Call for Proposals. The consultant will provide technical expertise and recommendations to enhance the formulation optimization process for both bioproducts, ensuring their effectiveness and scalability.

Specific Objectives

1. Assess the current formulations and conduct a technical diagnosis to identify areas for improvement in physicochemical stability, biological compatibility, and commercial feasibility.
2. Develop and propose technical adjustments to enhance formulation stability during storage and transport, considering diverse agroclimatic conditions.
3. Conduct pilot tests on the optimized formulations under laboratory and semi-commercial conditions, evaluating their efficacy, stability, and performance.
4. Document all processes and results to ensure compliance with ICA regulatory standards for optimized formulations.

The expected outputs are the following:

1. Work Plan

The consultant will develop a comprehensive work plan outlining objectives, key metrics, timelines, and stakeholders. This document will clearly define goals, measurable outcomes, schedules, and roles, ensuring alignment with INBACTER SAS’s objectives and overall business strategy.

2. Technical Diagnosis Report

• Evaluation of current formulations through physicochemical, microbiological, and biological analyses.
• Identification of critical factors affecting bioproduct stability and efficacy.

3. Optimization Proposal

• Technical design of improved formulations, including adjustments in excipients, stabilizers, protective agents, and storage conditions.
• Recommendations for preparation and storage methods under commercial conditions.

4. Pilot Test Results

• Physicochemical and microbiological stability data under standard and accelerated conditions.
• Efficacy evaluation of optimized formulations in pilot trials.

5. Final Report

The consultant will deliver a comprehensive final report summarizing the consultancy’s outcomes, including:

• Progress toward achieving key objectives.
• Experimental protocols for conducted tests.
• Recommendations for commercial-scale production.
• A final report formatted for submission as part of the ICA registration process.

This final deliverable will serve as a strategic roadmap for effectively positioning IB065 biofungicide and MXX bactericide in domestic markets.

Deliverables, timeline, and payments

REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS

The Consultancy reports to the Bioeconomy Associate under the technical guidance provided by the INBACTER SAS Company. The consultant’s work progress will be monitored primarily through periodic review meetings for planning and weekly short face-to-face (or virtual) meetings for prioritizing activities, all of that previous consensus with the Contract Supervisor. In this review, meetings will tackle subjects such as the overview of the contractual objectives, the development of activities, detailed information milestones, actual achievements made against the timeline initially set, and any other relevant progress details.

Deliverable 1 will be produced in Spanish or English, by GGGI’s formatting requirements, and submitted with proof of editable file back-up (e.g., .docx, .pptx) in the GGGI SharePoint system. Additionally, the consultant will deliver one monthly brief in English explaining the activities developed the month before and for any other deliverable, if so requested by the Project Manager. Where relevant, the consultant shall also provide raw data sets, research materials, and meeting notes related to the contractual objective.

The Global Green Growth Institute (“GGGI”) is committed to transparency, accountability, and openness in the organization. In case of any doubt, please refer to our Whistle Blower policy in the link:

http://gggi.org/site/assets/uploads/2017/11/Whistleblower-Policy_02072015.pdf

SUGGESTED METHODOLOGY AND COMPETENCE REQUIREMENTS

• The consultant should follow the specific methods provided by the Contract Supervisor.
• The consultant will best use both primary and secondary sources of information to develop activities defined under the contract objective.
• The consultant will be responsible for providing transparent financial information regarding expenses incurred for conducting field visits, orientation meetings, webinars, or workshops.

• (MANDATORY) Degree in biologist, microbiologist, chemistry, or chemistry engineering.
• (MANDATORY) A least two (2) years of experience in formulation and optimization of agricultural bioproducts, including biofungicides and bactericides.
• Knowledge of techniques for stabilising microorganisms (bacteria and bacteriophages) and using excipients compatible with bioproducts.
• Advanced knowledge in physical-chemical analysis (pH, viscosity, density) and microbiological analysis (cell viability, biological activity).
• Familiarity with regulations and regulatory requirements applicable to agricultural bioinputs in Colombia is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Exceptional analytical and quantitative skills; capacity for synthesis, presentation, and communication; and strategic thinking skills, and use of Big Data Tools for Business Analytics and Reporting.
• Experience working with international institutions, the private sector, and government institutions is an asset.
• Organized with excellent time management.
• Proven ability to work with teams and collaborate.
• Ability to work well under pressure and have a flexible approach to tasks.

• Selection method / process: Open Competition.
• Timeline of the selection: CV reception February , Review CV February, consulting start February 24.

Date to close is Korean Standard Time (KST). Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered Application. CV must be sent in English. A consortium, or a firm may not be engaged for the individual consultant assignment.

GGGI as an institution abides by its project-level Sustainability and Safeguards Rules (SSR) for all projects aligned with international standards for Environmental and Social Safeguards. The SSR is aligned with commonly recognized international standards for Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS), i.e. the WB Performance Standard, that ensure project level safeguarding of communities and people impacted by GGGI activities. GGGI has integrated project level Environmental and Social Safeguards into its Project Cycle Management (PCM) with mandatory Preliminary Gender and Social Assessments and ESS Screening of all projects to identify and manage risks.

In addition, GGGI’s Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Strategy 2021-2025 provides a framework toward achieving the principle of “Leaving No One Behind” in the transformation towards green growth, guiding GGGI’s approaches to the mainstreaming of gender equality and poverty reduction in GGGI Colombia’s Program. This also includes the implementation of the GGGI Gender Equality and Poverty Reduction Policy Markers on all projects. GGGI’s Corporate Results Framework requires gender disaggregated indicators for participation in GGGI Capacity Building events.

GGGI’s Child Protection Rules and GGGI Rules on Sexual Exploitation ensure safeguarding of children impacted by GGGI activities or in contact with GGGI contracted personnel, with GGGI taking a zero-tolerance approach to child exploitation. 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. All procedures mentioned above are accompanied by guidelines and capacity building efforts. GGGI also provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, embracing diversity in all its forms, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply. GGGI promotes equal opportunities for all including persons with disabilities.

All GGGI’s policies are available for open consultation under the following link: https://gggi.org/policy-documents/

GGGI is committed to apply transparency and accountability in its decisions and actions, and to practice integrity in all aspects of its operations. GGGI’s anti-corruption policy establishes zero tolerance for corruption and fraudulent, coercive, and collusive practices in GGGI’s operations. The whistleblowing policy is available at the following link https://gggi.org/site/assets/uploads/2017/11/Whistleblower-Policy_02072015.pdf

In addition, all GGGI’s policies are available for open consultation under the following link: https://gggi.org/policy-documents/

Lastly, within the framework of UK PACT Colombia’s projects with GGGI and their respective activities, the following reporting channels from FCDO (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) are available to GGGI suppliers and consultants:

• [email protected]: to report any case of fraud or theft (whether proven or suspected).
• [email protected]: to report any credible suspicions of or actual incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment related.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements