Climate Finance Officer

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. 

Based at designated MEF premises, within the AEPC or designated authority, the Climate Finance Officer will lead the implementation of the program activities in Benin with support and guidance from GGGI's internal structures, in particular the  Africa Green Investment Services (GIS) Unit and GGGI's global Carbon Pricing Unit (CPU), as relevant. (S)he will report to the GGGI Regional Representative for Green Investments in Africa, based in Abidjan.

The Officer will be the recognized focal point for the project in Benin and will have overall responsibility of implementation of the project on the ground. They will provide day-to-day technical/strategic advice internally as well as externally to ensure an impactful delivery of the project and its outputs and will have a good understanding of green/climate investments and sustainable finance (including green/climate bonds and carbon markets) within a landscape relevant to Benin.

PURPOSE

• Lead the the implementation of the Climate Finance Unit and the program in Benin, in close coordination with the relevant GGGI’s internal structures
• Ensure effective and efficient delivery of results.
• Provide technical input to deliver the required outputs in collaboration with the relevant GGGI internal structures.
• Ensure quality monitoring and evaluation, timely submission of donor reports and deliverables, regularly evaluate project results, and guide project implementation to achieve maximum impact.
• Assess effectiveness of program activities and recommmend improvements to meet key milestones for the program.
• Ensure that experiences and best practices are documented and shared across the program and GGGI more widely.

ENGAGEMENT

• Oversee, support and guide the work of the national counterpart Climate Finance Unit (CFU) team members
• Coordinate with other GGGI departments (HR, legal, procurement, Africa Regional Office, Carbon Pricing Unit etc) to ensure high-quality delivery within the rules and regulations of GGGI.
• Develop and foster strong relationships with key government stakeholders, leading the day-to-day communication (supported by the GGGI Africa Regional Office(ARO) GIS Unit whenever it is necessary).
• Work closely with government partners in designing of the policy approach and enabling framework, recognizing the importance of government buy-in and ownership.
• Maintain active flexibility through professional relations with key stakeholders to capture and integrate their changing needs and manage expectations.

DELIVERY

• In collaboration with the relevant GGGI units, lead the timely and quality program implementation across outcome areas to establish the Climate Finance Unit, carry out capacity building activities as well as prepare a pipeline for climate and sustainable financing in Benin.
• Support the operationalization of the Carbon Project Registration Authority (AEPC) as per its mandate and the defined framework and under close coordination with the AEPC management.
• Deliver high quality project outputs (in both English and French) on time and within budget that meet program objectives, donor requirements and government requirements.
• Plan and co-deliver in close collaboration with the relevant GGGI internal structures climate finance capacity building events (in both French and English) to target beneficiaries including the public and private sector, including on key Article 6 concepts and options to key government and other stakeholders.
• Support regulatory impact assessments by collecting relevant data and information and engaging with local stakeholders.
• Support the process of negotiation and signing of key agreements with government.
• Lead the planning and facilitation of key project workshops and meetings with key stakeholders in Benin.
• Assess effectiveness of program activities and recommend improvements to meet key milestones for the program.
• Ensure quality monitoring and evaluation, timely submission of donor reports and deliverables, regularly evaluate project results, and guide project implementation to achieve maximum impact.
• Clear and timely reporting on project delivery as required by the Funding Agreement and Operational Guidelines.
• Other relevant tasks may be agreed on separately.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree (master's) relevant to climate action and/or policy implementation, background in climate/green finance, climate smart agriculture and renewable energy is an advantage.
• Preferred at least six to eight years of experience in climate finance in projects, policy implementation, program management or other fields relevant to this assignment.
• Demonstrated understanding of the international climate finance landscape, the Paris Agreement, green/thematic bond issuance and/or the Article 6 carbon markets
• Experience in day-to-day engagement with Government ministries and agencies. Specific experience with Government of Benin a distinct advantage.
• Experience in requirements and procedures of bilateral donors/organizations or multilateral organizations.
• Experience in organizing consultations, validation meetings, workshops, and capacity building events.
• Experience in delivering technical training on climate finance.
• Experience working in developing countries, with experience in Benin an advantage.
• Skills in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point).

 FUNCTIONAL

• Strategic thinker and solutions-oriented, with good ability to multitask and work in a matrix environment.
• Ability to review, synthesize information and produce high quality reports.
• 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.
• Ability to establish priorities in a time-sensitive environment and meet deadlines with strong attention to detail.
• Highly organized and able to effectively and efficiently multi-task and prioritize.
• An excellent command of spoken and written English and French.
• Excellent communication (both written and oral) and facilitation skills.
• Comfortable working both in a team as well as independently.

CORPORATE 

• Understand and actively support GGGI's mission, vision, and values.
• Promote an organizational culture of trust, transparency, respect, and partnership.
• Excels problem solving, asking questions and seeks support when needed, easily shares information and knowledge with others both internally and externally.
• Manage emotions and stress positively, build rapport and resolve conflict easily.
• Strong ability to work independently and/or remotely, while maintaining productivity.
• Be able to lead and manage a project independently, while knowing when to seek advice and liaise closely with the relevant GGGI structures.

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. The program aims to establish a CFU within Benin's Carbon Project Registration Authority (AEPC), which operates under the dual supervision of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Environment and Transport responsible for Sustainable Development. The CFU will 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 Climate Finance Officer to lead the work of the Unit, and to support the overall implementation of the Climate Finance Unit program.

Working Condition

• This is an X8 grade level in GGGI’s International salary scale. The annual base salary of X8 International Scale  begins at USD 64,920. 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.